Old Map of German Fairytales, 1960: Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel & Gretel, Grimm Tales, Deutsche Bundesbahn

Step into the enchanting world of German folklore with this meticulously crafted map, "With the German Federal Railroad through the Land of Fairytales." Created by Leo Faller and issued by the Deutsche Bundesbahn around 1960, this pictorial map offers a delightful journey through the rich tapestry of Germany's fairy tale heritage. The map beautifully illustrates the timeless tales collected by the Grimm brothers, whose works have captivated generations. From the adventures of Little Red Riding Hood to the cunning exploits of Puss in Boots, each story is vividly brought to life, making this map a treasure trove of cultural history.

The map is not just a visual delight but also a detailed geographical representation of Germany. Cities and towns are labeled with precision, while highways and rivers snake their way across the country, providing a comprehensive view of the landscape. The municipalities are marked with block lettering in pink boxes, and the fairy tales are highlighted with yellow banners, making it easy to navigate through this fantastical land. The inclusion of an inset map titled "German frontiers as of 1937" adds a layer of historical context, reflecting the political landscape of the time.

What sets this map apart is its historical significance. The labels "Soviet Zone" and "Democratic Republic" firmly date it to the Cold War era, offering a glimpse into a divided Germany. This juxtaposition of fairy tale whimsy with the stark reality of political division makes the map a fascinating artifact of its time. It serves as a reminder of how cultural heritage can endure and thrive even amidst political upheaval. The map’s detailed illustrations and historical references make it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the cultural and political history of Germany.

The artistic style of the map is another aspect that makes it truly unique. The vibrant colors and intricate illustrations capture the essence of each fairy tale, transporting the viewer into a world of magic and wonder. From the towering castles to the dense forests, every element is meticulously detailed, reflecting the rich imagination of the Grimm brothers and the skill of the mapmaker. The decorative borders and motifs further enhance its visual appeal, making it not just a map but a work of art.

Owning this map is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It offers a unique blend of cultural, geographical, and historical insights, making it a perfect addition to any collection. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of fairy tales, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this map is sure to captivate your imagination. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of stories and the intricate tapestry of history, making it a truly luxurious and meaningful acquisition.

Places on this map

• Berlin
• Hamburg
• Munich
• Frankfurt
• Cologne
• Stuttgart
• Düsseldorf
• Leipzig
• Dresden
• Bremen
• Hanover
• Nuremberg
• Essen
• Dortmund
• Bonn
• Mannheim
• Karlsruhe
• Wiesbaden
• Münster
• Augsburg

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Illustrations of fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Snow White, and the Pied Piper.
• Cities and towns labeled throughout Germany.
• Highways and rivers depicted across the country.
• Yellow banners marking the locations of various fairy tales.
• An inset map showing "German frontiers as of 1937".
• Labels indicating "Soviet Zone" and "Democratic Republic".
• Detailed illustrations of characters and scenes from fairy tales.
• Borders and decorative elements around the map.
• Historical landmarks and significant cities.
• Detailed geographical features such as mountains, forests, and rivers.
• The map's title and legend in the top left corner.
• The Deutsche Bundesbahn (German Federal Railroad) logo.
• Pictorial representations of different regions in Germany.
• Decorative compass rose.
• Illustrations of famous German castles and landmarks.
• The map's decorative border with fairy tale motifs.
• Labels indicating historical regions and cities.
• Illustrations of traditional German costumes and folklore.
• Detailed depiction of the German landscape.
• The map's vibrant and colorful design.
• Historical context provided by the map's labels and illustrations.
• The map's educational and cultural significance.
• Illustrations of famous German literary figures.
• Detailed depiction of fairy tale characters and scenes.
• The map's historical and cultural references.
• The map's artistic and illustrative style.
• The map's detailed and informative design.
• The map's focus on German cultural heritage.

Historical and design context

• Created by Leo Faller and issued by the Deutsche Bundesbahn around 1960.
• Highlights tales from the renowned publishers, Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm, also known as the Grimm brothers.
• The Grimm brothers published several editions of their fairy tale collections, starting in 1812 with 86 stories, and by the seventh edition in 1857, they had compiled 211 different fairy tales.
• The map provides a cultural and historical perspective on Germany's fairy tale heritage.
• Reflects the political context of the Cold War, with labels such as "Soviet Zone" and "Democratic Republic" indicating the division of Germany during that period.
• The map is highly detailed and pictorial, with illustrations depicting various fairy tales.
• Cities and towns are labeled in block lettering within pink boxes.
• Yellow banners mark the locations associated with different fairy tales.
• An inset map titled "German frontiers as of 1937" adds a layer of historical context.
• The map’s detailed illustrations and historical references make it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the cultural and political history of Germany.
• The vibrant colors and intricate illustrations capture the essence of each fairy tale.
• The decorative borders and motifs further enhance its visual appeal, making it not just a map but a work of art.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and customised products take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Please note that very large framed orders usually take longer to make and deliver. 

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world. This means your order will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and ensures that it won't be damaged during delivery. You'll never pay customs or import duty, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps and art prints are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all orders within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks, mugs and tote bags) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

Next Day delivery is also available in some countries (US, UK, Singapore, UAE) but please try to order early in the day so that we can get it sent out on time.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps, art and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte (not shiny) cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced box wood frame, and then 'float' the piece within a wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing to get in the way.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read my size guide first.

Alcune delle mie vecchie mappe sono ora disponibili come tele incorniciate. Per favore contattami se desideri ordinare una dimensione che non è disponibile nel mio negozio.

Le vecchie mappe su tela sono un'alternativa interessante alle mappe incorniciate in modo convenzionale. A seconda del tuo gusto personale e dell'arredamento della stanza, le mappe su tela possono "risaltare" un po' di più rispetto a una mappa incorniciata.

Scopri di più sulle mie mappe su tela incorniciate.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

Se non sei soddisfatto del tuo ordine per qualsiasi motivo, contattami per un rimborso senza problemi. Si prega di consultare la nostra politica di reso e rimborso per ulteriori informazioni.

Sono molto sicuro che ti piacerà la tua mappa restaurata o la stampa d'arte. Lo faccio dal 1984. Sono un venditore Etsy a 5 stelle. Ho venduto decine di migliaia di mappe e stampe d'arte e ho oltre 5.000 recensioni reali a 5 stelle.

Utilizzo un processo unico per restaurare mappe e opere d'arte che richiede molto tempo e lavoro. Trovare le mappe e le illustrazioni originali può richiedere mesi. Utilizzo tecnologia all'avanguardia e incredibilmente costosa per scannerizzare e restaurarle. Di conseguenza, garantisco che le mie mappe e stampe d'arte siano superiori alle altre - ecco perché posso offrire un rimborso senza problemi.

Quasi tutte le mie mappe e stampe d'arte sembrano fantastiche a grandi dimensioni (200 cm, 6,5 piedi+) e posso anche incorniciarle e consegnarle a te, tramite un corriere speciale per oggetti di grandi dimensioni. Contattami per discutere delle tue esigenze specifiche.