Inside the tiny European town described as a ‘living fairytale’ that inspired Pinocchio and other Disney classics

IN THE heart of Germany lies a picturesque town that has inspired a number of Disney classics.

Bavarian town Rothenburg is said to have been the inspiration for the Disney classic Pinocchio, as well as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The town is often referred to as "the living fairytale" due to its stunning architecture.

Half-timbered houses have colourful flower boxes on the windows, and the pretty St. Jacob's Church and medieval walls make it seem like something from a kids book.

Disney’s background artist Art Riley was tasked with bringing Pinocchio to life on the big screen when he discovered the town for himself.

While Rothenburg's visual influence is evident in Disney's animated adaptation, it's the spirit of the town and its blend of history, fantasy and nostalgia that struck a chord with Riley.

And a house in Rothenburg was even used as a model for Geppetto’s home in Pinocchio.

And the town even has its own Puppet and Doll Museum, which houses an impressive collection of puppets and marionettes, including those reminiscent of Pinocchio. 

Those visiting Rothenburg during the festive season can enjoy the town’s charming medieval Christmas market, known as the "Reiterlesmarkt," which bears striking similarities to the fairytale-like scenes in the classic Pinocchio film.

With its twinkling lights, wooden stalls selling toys and trinkets and its festive spirit, you'll feel like you've stepped into the heart of the film.

It's not just famous for Pinnochio either - the town was used as a backdrop for the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang too.

But even non-Disney finds will be impressed by the stunning historical town.

Its Old Town is circled by its centuries-old walls and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here you can climb the Town Hall Tower for panoramic views, explore the medieval crime and punishment museum, or just wander the charming streets sampling local cuisine.

The town's famous pastry, the Schneeballen (snowball), is a must-try which is a ball of deep-fried pastry, and their mulled white is made with white wine instead.

Staying in the heart of Rothenburg's old town (Altstadt) is a good option for those looking to take a trip.

There are many small, family-run hotels and guesthouses in this area that offer a cosy and authentic experience.

One is the , a top-rated 4* hotel that currently has rooms available starting at £74 per night. This is great compared to other hotels of a similar calibre in the fairy-tale town. 

To get to Rothenburg from the UK, you’ll have to fly to Nuremberg, Stuttgart or Memmingen airports, which are just over an hour's drive from the town. 

You could also fly into Munich, which is a bit further away but likely to offer cheaper flights since the airport is a bigger international hub.

From Munich, you can take trains/public transport to get to your hotel if you don't want to grab a taxi or hire a car.

Rothenburg isn't the only place to have inspired a Disney film.

A number of towns in Italy were said to have inspired Luca.

A small alpine town in Austria has seen Frozen fans flocking - despite it not being an inspiration for the film.

And in the UK, there is a village which is home to the Disney coat of arms - which features in every single film.