Book with sparkles and blue background ()

Fairy tales date back to over 6,000 years ago in the Bronze Age. The first known fairy tale is “The Smith and the Devil” about a blacksmith selling his soul to the devil to gain super abilities. More known fairy tales such as “Rumpelstiltskin” and “Beauty and the Beast” also date back 4,000 and 5,000 years according to “The Guardian,” and many of them pre-date the languages that they were written in the during the 16th through 18th centuries. If you want to go on your own fairy tale adventure, there are plenty of places for you to visit the origins of your favorite tales across Europe.

Italy

·      Palermo is home to the funny tale of “Firrazzanu’s Wife and the Queen,” during which the protagonist tricks the queen and his wife into yelling at each other because he told one that the other was deaf. While playing your own pranks in Palermo, you can also visit the grand cathedral and climb to its rooftop, taste some of Palermo’s famous street food at one of its food markets and catch a show (maybe even a fairy tale) at the Massimo Theater.  

·      In Naples, particularly High-Hill, you can walk the same setting as the tale of “Cannatella” the princess. The tragic princess was trapped in a loveless and cruel marriage, but all ends happily ever after when she escapes her evil husband. While in Naples, live out a fairy tale at the Royal Palace, learn more about its rich art and history in the various museums and go for a stroll along the Lugomare for great views of Mount Vesuvius.

·      Along the Amalfi Coast is Salerno, the place of the fairy tale, “The Castle of Life.” The tale tells the story of 12-year-old Graceful and his adventure to the aforementioned castle in an attempt to save the life of the grandmother who raised him. While there, stroll along the various promenades and beaches, pet a water buffalo and taste the cheese made from its milk at Vannulo and visit the ruins of Paestum.

Germany

·      In Schwalm-Eder-Kreis, you can see what big ears Grandma has from “Little Red Riding Hood.”  While on your way to grandmother’s house, you can visit the Schwalm Museum or go hiking or mountain biking. You can also continue your adventure down the German Fairy Tale Road (Deutsche Märchen Straßez).

·      Sandwiched between Hamburg and Bremen, Buxtehude is home to one of the lesser-known Grimm tales, “The Hare and the Hedgehog.” The story tells of multiple races between the two animals. I won’t spoil the ending, but it does not end well for the hare.  While in Buxtehude, you can visit the fountain featuring the famed hare and hedgehog, go to the Buxtehude Museum for Regional History and Art and walk inside the historic old town.

·      Allow your partner to climb your long, lovely braid at Trendelburg Castle. The tower there is known as “Rapunzel’s Tower,” and is where the famed Grimm Brothers’ tale, Rapunzel, comes from. While at the castle you can stay overnight in one of the 22 rooms, get a massage, take a steam in the sauna or grab a bite to eat at the castle restaurant offering lunch, coffee and cake and dinner menus.

England

·      In the Norfolk town of Swaffham, you can follow in the footsteps of “The Peddlar of Swaffham,” which tells the tale of a man whose dreams led him to London and then riches beneath a tree. While searching for your own gold in Swaffham, fuel up with coffee from one of their many independent coffee shops, visit the 12th-century Swaffham Church and grab a bite to eat from one of Swaffham’s markets.

·      The “Princess of Canterbury” is wooed by a prince with a fish in this fairy tale. While looking for a fish of your own to woo a potential partner with, there is plenty to do in Canterbury. You can enjoy the art in The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, marvel at the wonders of the Canterbury Cathedral and grab a drink at the oldest pub in Canterbury, the Parrot, established in 1370.

·      Yorkshire is the haunt of a boggart who terrorized a farmer and his family, especially his children. Avoid the boggart as you bet on your favorite horse at Wetherby Racecourse, experience an outrageous and hilarious (grown-up only) time at Farm Adventure and learn something new at the National Railway Museum.