This is Hamelin
Old town, nature and legend
Historical architecture meets natural beauty
Hamelin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany. Connoisseurs of historical architecture for instance will be thrilled when visiting the Pied Piper town: The unique architecture of the historic old town entices thousands of visitors each year to explore its winding alleyways. Meanwhile nature lovers can explore extensive hiking and biking trails. Tourists from near and far enjoy the maritime atmosphere at the Weser promenade. While they choose from a wide range of gastronomic offerings, they will get up close and personal with an enchanting tale of intrigue and tragedy which is told all over the world.
Facts and figures
Hamelin is the county seat of the Hamelin-Pyrmont district located in the western parts of Lower Saxony between Herford and Hildesheim. Covering an area of over 100,000 square meters and with a population of around 60,000, it is considered a medium-sized center in the region. The city of Hannover in the north-east can be reached by car in about 45 minutes.
The centrally located train station of Hamelin is well connected to public transport and can also be reached on foot or by bike. Trains run regularly from here to nearby cities such as Hannover, Bremen and Hamburg.
Tourism and culutre
Hamelin has an excellent reputation among travelers. To keep it that way, the city offers its visitors a wide range of tourism services. These include the rental of e-bikes, the organization of guided tours through the city, and the provision of general information about events.
In the old town and the surrounding areas, a lively cultural scene awaits Hamelin’s visitors. For example, the Hamelin Museum highlights the city’s rich historical heritage, cozy pubs host concerts and poetry slams, and talented actors perform modern and classic plays at the Hamelin Theater.
Hamelin and Sourroundings
The deep forests and picturesque towns and villages of the Weserbergland region are perfect for day trips and vacations – and Hamelin is located right in the middle of it. Thousands of hikers, cyclists, nature, history and architecture enthusiasts are guests in the Pied Piper town and the neighboring communities every year.
Travelers from all over the world are thrilled by the numerous castles, palaces and landmarks in the Weserbergland. The magnificent buildings of the Weser Renaissance era – present especially in the old town of Hamelin – are considered to be the icing on the cake by connoisseurs. Surrounded by unspoiled nature, well-developed cycling and hiking trails throughout the region complement this unique setting.
The Pied Piper of Hamelin
In no other city can the legend of the Pied Piper be relived as closely as in Hamelin – since the tragic story is said to have happened right here almost 800 years ago. Original murals, frescoes, and written panels in the city center still bear witness to the tragic exodus of Hamelin’s children.
According to the most popular version of this fairy tale, in the 13th century the town of Hamelin suffered from a terrible plague of rats that the townspeople were unable to control. One day, however, a stranger appeared out of nowhere, promising to make the vermin disappear in exchange for a reasonable fee – and the people of Hamelin enthusiastically accepted the offer.
Sadly, they had an ulterior motive: When the colorfully dressed gentleman, who would later become world famous as the Pied Piper of Hamelin, lured the vermin into the Weser with magical flute melodies, the townspeople refused to pay him. A decision they were to regret bitterly.
