Alsfeld

Alsfeld's market square holds a run of timber-framed buildings from several centuries together: the town hall of 1516 with two pointed towers on a stone arcade, the Weinhaus of 1538 in stone, and the Hochzeitshaus of 1571. In 1975, European Architectural Heritage Year, the town was designated a European model town for the preservation of its historic centre, and over four hundred listed buildings survive. The Brothers Grimm collected tales in the region, and the local Schwalm women's costume, with its small red cap, is often cited as a source for the image of Little Red Riding Hood, though the connection is a later association rather than documented.

What you actually see

• The 1516 town hall - twin-towered timber above a stone arcade.
• The model town status - a designation earned in 1975 for preservation.
• The Hochzeitshaus - a 1571 Renaissance building on the square.
• The Schwalm costume - the red-capped regional dress in the museum.

When to go

April to October; museums close Mondays. The town is quiet and rarely crowded. Christmas markets fill the square in December.

Honest expectations

The Red Riding Hood link is an association, not documented fact. The town is small, a couple of hours. Museums keep short hours.

Nearby

Marburg lies west; Fulda is southeast.