Like a fairy tale:
Your dream vacation in the Weserbergland
Discovering Weserbergland
Hamelin is nestled in Germany’s most famous low mountain range landscape: the Weserbergland. Situated in parts of Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, a picturesque scenery with green landscapes, impressive mountains and the unique architectural style of the Weser Renaissance dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries awaits the visitor.
Along the Weser, the Weserbergland presents itself from its most beautiful side, especially for cyclists. Beginning in Hann. Münden, the ADFC quality route Weser-Radweg leads cyclists past imposing buildings and impressive scenery.
Baron Münchhausen is said to have told his tall tales in Bodenwerder, and legend has it that Snow White has bitten into the infamous apple in Alfeld. And of course, the misdeeds of the Pied Piper in the quaint city of Hamelin are known today to children and adults all over the world.
Mysticism and medieval romance are exuded by the numerous castles, palaces, monuments, and landmarks as well, which have withstood the centuries thanks to careful restoration efforts. In addition to Hamelin’s old town, special highlights include Hämelschenburg Castle and the Detmold Open-Air Museum.
Hämelschenburg castle
In Emmerthal, tourists are welcomed by one of the most impressive Renaissance palaces in Germany: Hämelschenburg Castle, including the manor, farm buildings, church, and park, has been completely preserved. The estate, which has been owned by the von Klenecke family since 1437, is still managed sustainably today.
After a romantic walk through the park and the time-honored walls, you can stop off at the castle café in the Knights’ Hall or in the café and beer garden. Meanwhile, inquisitive visitors can follow in the footsteps of the past by joining the approximately 50-minute guided tours of the estate.
Stift Fischbeck church
Just a few kilometers northwest of Hamelin, visitors discover a highlight of medieval architecture that is more than a thousand years old. Founded in 955 as a free secular convent, it is still run by a christian women’s community. Highlights include the 12th century collegiate church and the famous Fischbeck tapestry.
Large parts of the imposing complex are freely accessible, and the residents also welcome visitors during prayer times and church services. Special insights are provided by guided tours of the grounds: places such as the crypt, cloisters, and gardens are accessible only to tour participants.
Märchen- und Wesersagenmuseum
Fairy tale and history enthusiasts will find what they are looking for at the Deutsches Märchen- und Wesersagenmuseum in Bad Oeynhausen. Here, museum visitors browse extensive collections of numerous fairy tales, illustrations, figurines, and rarities. Not just fans of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen praise the museum as a highlight of a visit to the Weserbergland.
The museum, which was awarded the European Fairy Tale Prize in 2019, also provides variety with special exhibitions that regularly complement the permanent exhibition on the first floor. Furthermore, the repertoire includes lectures and fairy-tale storytelling sessions as well as guided tours through the museum.
Open air museum Detmold and surroundings
At the outer reaches of the Teutoburg Forest, the Detmold Open-Air Museum awaits you. Stretching over more than 90 hectares, it’s Germany’s biggest museum of its kind. Visitors experience the changes in rural life from the 16th to the 20th century and marvel at cultivated plants and animal species from that era. Life is breathed into the exhibition by numerous traditional crafts- and coachmen with horse-drawn carriages who go about their day’s work on the grounds.
The Hermannsdenkmal, Germany’s tallest statue, is also located near Detmold. As one of the most visited monuments in the country, this statue, which impressively commemorates the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in the year 9, is an absolute must-see for every visitor to the Weserbergland.
