July 27, 2025, 10:22 am | Read time: 4 minutes
The Lower Saxony town of Polle is a particularly attractive destination for fans of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales. Here, one of their most famous characters, Cinderella, has her home. And another legendary figure hails from the area–one that few know actually existed. TRAVELBOOK author Robin Hartmann visited the site and reveals the story behind the Cinderella fairy tale and what else there is to see in the area.
Almost every child here knows the story of the fairy tale character Cinderella. Tormented by a wicked stepmother and her daughters, she catches the attention of a prince who falls in love with her. All’s well that ends well. Or as the old tales often say: And they lived happily ever after. Cinderella, as she is known in English, is one of the most famous figures in the Brothers Grimm universe–but did you know she is also “at home” in Germany? TRAVELBOOK takes you on a journey to Lower Saxony, to the small town of Polle.
In Polle, picturesquely located on the Weser River, everything revolves around its most famous “daughter.” This refers to Cinderella, who has been officially “registered” there for 30 years. While some “parents” might suggest their offspring find their own place at this age, Polle is extremely proud of its connection to perhaps the most famous fairy tale character of the Brothers Grimm. But how did the town come to be associated with her since 1995, even officially calling itself the Cinderella Town?
Fairy Tales Over 600 Kilometers
An employee of the Bodenwerder-Polle Tourist Information said in response to a TRAVELBOOK inquiry: “We simply applied to the ‘German Fairy Tale Route’ association for the title of Cinderella Town. The story was not yet assigned to any other place at the time.” The German Fairy Tale Route spans more than 600 kilometers, passing numerous locations associated with the Brothers Grimm stories. It runs from Hanau, the storytellers’ birthplace, to Bremen.
Also interesting: Lohr am Main: Did the “real” Snow White live here?
However, the application for Polle did not come out of the blue. “An amateur theater group has been performing the Cinderella fairy tale here since 1994.” From May to September, the play is staged every fourth Sunday at the Everstein Castle ruins, built in the 13th century and still an impressive landmark towering over the town. Participation is free. “Around the fortress, there is also the Cinderella Trail. A short hiking path where you can read the story yourself and find her lost shoe.”
The Legendary Baron of Lies
In 1994, Polle applied for the designation of Cinderella Town. In 1995, this title was officially confirmed by the “German Fairy Tale Route e.V.” with a certificate. “In the House of the Guest, we also have a Cinderella Room, which can be visited five days a week.” It is open Tuesday and Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On weekends, it can be visited from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. “Interest in the story remains high.” The town also benefits from being directly on the popular Weser Cycle Route. Additionally, there are numerous hiking opportunities around Polle.
What few people know: Another legendary figure actually comes from the area around Polle. In the nearby town of Bodenwerder, the nobleman Hieronymus Carl Friedrich von Münchhausen was born in 1720. Better known as the Baron of Lies. His fantastic stories continue to captivate a wide audience to this day. But he really did exist. “Even during his lifetime, he apparently loved telling his stories to friends and acquaintances.” So there’s plenty of reason to visit the region around Polle and have a fairy-tale time.