Germany Footsteps

Germany Footsteps

Things To Do In Hameln [Full Guide]

Travelling around Germany and want to know all the best things to do in Hameln? We have you covered! Below you will find our guide to all the best attractions in Hameln to plan your ultimate trip.

More popularly known as Hamelin in english-speaking countries, Hameln is more famous than most German towns thanks to the very famous tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. This tale, which has been a legend for hundreds of years, is rooted in mystery and the fact that records make it seem like 130 children did once go missing from Hameln back in 1284.

The reason why most people visit Hameln is because of this famous tale, told in many places in the world thanks to the Brothers Grimm. Even growing up in Tasmania on the opposite side of the world, I was intrigued by this story when I was a kid so I couldn’t miss the chance to visit.

Hameln

While much of Hameln’s tourist industry is based on this tale, there is more to Hameln than this.

It’s Old Town is lovely and does look straight out of a fairy tale with half-timbered houses, cobblestoned roads and a colourful Markt Platz (Market Square).

It’s a fun place to visit and well worth a stop when exploring Germany or taking the Fairy Tale Road. We stopped here on our way to Bremen and it’s well worth the effort.

It is a more low key destination and there aren’t tons of places to visit in Hameln. To me, this is part of the charm as it’s more about chilling and enjoying the destination (while looking out for rats!) than racing around to Hameln attractions.

There are some things to do Hameln offers that are worth visiting though. Below, you will find my full guide to Hameln including the best things to see, where to stay, a handy map and more.

Let’s start!

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Table of Contents

An Introduction To Hameln

Hameln is a city of over 50,000 people in Lower Saxony in the north central part of Germany. It’s on the Weser River southwest of Hannover.

Hameln was a market centre that started around the Abbey of St. Boniface which was founded at the end of the 8th century. It later became a member of the  Hanseatic League .

Hameln is a commercial centre still today and has a river port and a railway junction. Many things are manufactured here including chemicals, machinery, electrical products and textiles. Tourism also plays a role in the local economy.

Hochzeithaus Hameln

It’s well known for the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin although no one knows exactly what happened to the children, but there are many theories and you can see some of the evidence around it in Hameln.

Top 6 Things To Do In Hameln Germany

Here are the Hameln tourist attractions…

Pied Piper Play

Pied Piper Play in Hameln

If you are in town on a Sunday during the warmer months, you are in for a treat! For more than 60 years, it’s been possible to watch a live show of the Pied Piper of Hamelin for free.

Taking place outside the Hochzeithaus (Wedding House), amateur actors portray all the drama of this classic tale.

The show starts at 12pm and runs for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, the Piper leads the group through the city on a paid tour. Join them if you dare!

While it’s in German, it’s still lots of fun and we enjoyed it. Definitely try to make it if you can for the ultimate Hameln experience!

You can find more information (including dates) here .

Hameln Glockenspiel

If you aren’t lucky enough to visit Hameln on a day when you can watch the Pied Piper of Hamelin show, you can watch it on the Glockenspiel on the gables of the Hochzeithaus (Wedding House).

These bells ring while characters come out of the doors. First, the Piper leads away a pack of rats. Next, a scarier looking Piper appears leading all the children out apart from two. You can watch the story and hear the bells in the video above.

This happens day at 1:05pm, 3:35pm and 5:35pm. The bells also ring at other times but these are the times you want if you want to see the Pied Piper story.

Hameln Museum

Hameln Museum

This is the place to head to learn more about the history of Hameln as well as everything you could want to know about the legend of the Pied Piper.

Housed in two of Hameln’s best buildings, this museum has more than it looks like from the outside with excellent exhibits and artifacts on regional history including literature, statues and paintings.

There’s also an automated mechanical puppet show which gets top marks along with historical documents and theories surrounding the missing children.

The downside is that the exhibits are only in German although there is an English pamphlet with information.

There is a nominal entry fee.

Pied Piper’s House (Rattenfängerhaus)

Pied Piper's House Hameln

The Pied Piper’s House is so called because of an inscription on the side of the building which mentions the loss of the Hameln children in 1284 making it the oldest version of this tale.

It talks about how 130 children were kidnapped on 26 June 1284 by a rat-catcher with a pipe.

Built in 1602-1603, it’s also a great example of Weser Renaissance architecture. Today, it’s home to an Indian restaurant.

Rat Spotting

Rat floor tiles in Hameln

It seems the Pied Piper didn’t rid Hameln of all its rats – there are many you can spot as you explore this town! Especially in the Old Town.

All through this area, you can find bronze rat stones on the ground. They can lead you to some of the Hameln attractions. Originally, these were painted on, but since 2011-2013, they are three-dimensional bronze artworks.

There’s also rat paintings and other signs of rats – including many rat souvenirs! It’s definitely a different take on this animal that we’d usually rather avoid.

Pied Piper Statues (Rattenfängerstatue)

Pied Piper Statue

While in town, you’ll want to find the Pied Piper Statue. This bronze statue in on a fountain was given to the city of Hameln in 1998.

You can find it on Osterstraße 15.

There is also a fountain with statues of the Pied Piper and children which you can find at Rathausplatz.

This was designed as part of a competition and was presented by Karl Ulrich Nuss in 1975.

Things To Do In Hameln In December

Unfortunately, there is no Pied Piper play in winter, but you can visit the other attractions above.

Thankfully, there is another great Hameln attraction to take its place…

Hameln Christmas Market

Hameln holds a Christmas Market with about 70 stalls with plenty of food, drinks, crafts and products usually from the end of November until the end of December. It’s known for being beautiful and you can find it around the Hochzeithaus.

While I unfortunately have not been to this Christmas Market myself, you can check it out in the video above.

What To Do In Hameln In One Day 

There are not a ton of attractions in Hameln and you can easily check out everything above in the one day.

Hameln Tourist Attractions Map

You can find all the attractions above and places to stay below in Hameln on this map.

things to do in hameln map

Best Place To Stay In Hameln

Have more than one day? Lucky you! There’s a reasonable range of accommodation in Hameln and I’m sure you can find something to suit you.

Accommodation is particularly busy here on weekends in summer and when the Christmas Market is on so book ahead.

Below, I’ve listed a couple of different places to consider that are both in great locations in the Old Town for a good price.

Hotel Altstadtwiege Review

hameln tourist information

If you are looking for a good value accommodation option in a central location in the Old Town, consider Hotel Altstadtwiege . Despite being centrally located, it’s nice and quiet.

Rooms here start at single size and go up to four person quad rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms and TV with all but single rooms having decent seating areas. The rooms could do with an update but are clean and comfortable.

There is a Pied Piper theme at the hotel. A good breakfast is included in room rates and there’s a nice outdoor terrace. Parking is possible for an extra charge and wifi is included.

Click here for the latest prices.

Hotel La Principessa Review

hameln tourist information

Located in a historic, half-timbered house, Hotel La Principessa adds some extra atmosphere to its Old Town location not far from the Weser River.

Rooms range from single rooms to four-person suites with TVs, wifi and small fridge. Bigger rooms have seating areas and the suites have spa baths. Rooms are simple but tastefully decorated in an Italian style.

Breakfast is included. Parking can be requested.

How To Get To Hameln

Hameln is not hard to get to. There are great roads, trains and buses.

If you are flying in, your best option is to fly to Hannover Airport. From here, you can take a direct train to Hameln which takes about an hour.

We drove to Hameln as part of exploring the Fairy Tale Road – a popular route in Germany through many sites in the Brothers Grimm tales.

You can hire a car to get you there by clicking here.

There are regular trains and buses here. You can find timetables and all your options here. Most trains are to and from Hannover and there are regular departures.

Or you can find all the train timetables here and discount train passes here.

All of the Hameln attractions are easy to see on foot.

Hameln

Hameln With Kids

Hameln is a great destination with kids. If they don’t know the Pied Piper story yet, make sure you tell them (there’s many versions to watch on YouTube) before you go.

The attractions are low key and very family friendly so Hameln makes a great outing.

Our kids loved looking for the rat tiles on the ground so we made that a competition which made their legs last longer.

While two of my kids are bilingual German/English, my 6 year old does not know any German and he still enjoyed the play. It’s all fun 🙂

Final Words

I hope you find this full Hameln travel guide useful. Hameln is a fun stop and we enjoyed soaking up the city while learning more about the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

We visited Hameln on our way to Bremen. Read more about Bremen here or nearby Celle here . You can also read about Lübeck here and find all our guides to Northern Germany here.

Related Articles:

Sharon Gourlay in the Rhina Valley

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon first fell in love with Germany back in 2000 on her first visit. She loves the long history, the picturesque Old Towns, the castles, the food, everything really! Since then, she has visited many times and loves writing about Germany here so you can enjoy it too. In fact, Sharon loves German culture so much that she sent her kids to a German primary school in Australia. She especially loves Berlin and towns with charming Old Towns like Celle and Quedlinburg. Sharon also has a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and understands the nitty gritty of travel planning. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to Germany whether it's your first or tenth time!

Greetings Sharon! Almost a year now since your page came online. Thank you for the kind review. Hoping to see your readers soon. 🙂 Come, visit us in Hameln. We can’t wait to enchant you!

LOVE YOUR POST, THANKS A LOT, VERY HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY! THANKS!

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hameln tourist information

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Tourist-Information Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbH

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Natürlich kann man einen Bogen um die Rattenfängerstadt machen und auf dem Weserbergland-Weg bleiben; zu empfehlen ist das allerdings nicht! Die Hamelner Altstadt ist vorbildlich saniert und so zu einem großartigen Baudenkmal von internationalem Rang geworden. Prachtvoll verzierte Sandstein- und Fachwerkhäuser aus dem 16. bis 18. Jahrhundert zeugen vom Reichtum ihrer Erbauer. Besonders lohnt sich ein Besuch Hamelns im Sommerhalbjahr,  wenn von Mitte Mai bis Mitte September jeden Sonntag um 12.00 Uhr das Rattenfänger-Freilichtspiel aufgeführt wird. Oder Sie kommen mittwochs. Um 16.30 Uhr beginnt dann das moderne und humorvolle Rattenfänger-Musical „RATS“. Beide Aufführungen werden open-air inmitten der Altstadt aufgeführt, dauern ca. 30 bzw. 45 Minuten und sind für die Besucher völlig kostenfrei.

Auch an anderen Tagen begegnet man dem Mann mit Federhut in der Hamelner Altstadt. Die Tourist-Information bietet ihn für Gruppen-Begrüßungen und Erlebnisführungen an. Nicht verpassen: das Museum Hameln mit dem einzigartigen, mechanischen Rattenfänger-Theater und eine Schifffahrt auf der Weser.

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An Sonn- und Feiertagen ist die Tourist-Information geschlossen.

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Suche fahrplan zum zielort, koordinaten, empfehlungen in der nähe.

Die heimelige Kulturlandschaft südlich von Hameln lädt zu einer Radtour durch das vom Weserstrom geprägte Land ein. Rund um Landwirtschaft und ...

Rundgang geeignet für: Blinde Menschen mit Sehbehinderung Gehörlose Menschen mit Hörbehinderung Rollstuhlfahrer Menschen mit ...

Der historische Stadtrundgang verläuft entlang der schönsten Gassen und prächtigsten Einkaufsmeilen, vorbei an den imposantesten Fachwerk- und ...

Auf dieser 33 km langen Route entdecken Radfahrer abseits des Weser-Radweges das Weserbergland. Neben den Highlights dieser Region sind ...

Von Hameln über Hessisch Oldendorf und Bad Oeynhausen führt die Deutsche Märchenstrasse nach Wiedensahl, dem Geburtsort von Wilhelm Busch.

Der Süntel und das fruchtbare Bergland zwischen Wald und Weser sind ein altes Siedlungsgebiet mit malerisch gelegenen Dörfern, romantischen Bächen ...

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Hamelin: a place with a love-hate relationship with rats

Hamelin is set amid the Weser Upland hills and is an ideal base for scenic walks, hiking tours, bike rides, boat trips and tours on the water. Needless to say, the town also presents an excellent opportunity to make friends with a small animal that you'd normally go out of your way to avoid.

Hamelin is a beautifully restored historical town with magnificent timber-framed and sandstone buildings, many of which date back to the Renaissance period. Osterstrasse and the Pferdemarkt square form the tokenistic centre. Between these two points, tiny, winding alleyways are dotted with cafés and inns, cosy beer gardens and pretty little shops. Follow the rat trail: The cobbles in Hamelin are painted with these little animals, who point the way to the main attractions in the town. This is, of course, associated with the legend of the Pied Piper. As the story goes, a rat catcher was called to the town in 1294 but was subsequently cheated of his fee. In revenge, he lured the children from the town by playing beguiling melodies on his flute – and they were never seen again.

City Tour with the Pied Piper

The Pied Piper's House, one of Hamelin's largest and prettiest Renaissance buildings, stands right in the centre of town in memory of these events. The Hochzeitshaus building also pays tribute to the fable with its carillon. Guaranteed to be rodent-free are the town's beautiful churches, including St. Boniface Minster, which dates back to the 9th century and is the oldest church in Hamelin. Or there's the Garrison Church, a beautiful Baroque building. Right next to the historical Pfortmühle building in the Old Town, a bridge takes visitors across to the little island in the Weser River, which boasts beautiful views of the river and town and is the perfect place to be if you want to relax.

Discover more

Top spots for astronomy fans: starry skies, this is the taste of germany, in the footsteps of german poets, opera in germany: great art on more than 80 stages, cycle paths for adventure seekers, 13 hiking trails worth a visit, explore the surroundings.

Download GPX file for this article

  • 1.1 By airplane
  • 1.2 By train
  • 1.3 On foot
  • 2 Get around
  • 3.1 Churches
  • 3.2 Museums
  • 6.1.1 City centre
  • 6.1.2 Around the train station
  • 6.2 Mid-range
  • 6.3 Splurge

hameln tourist information

Hamelin (German: Hameln) is a town in Lower Saxony , 50 km southwest of Hanover . It is the scene of the Pied Piper story (German: Rattenfänger von Hameln ), about the man who expelled rats from the town by playing the pipe, and then abducted the town's children when the citizenry refused to pay him what they had agreed. The town is visited by some three million visitors each year and is easy to reach from Hannover by train (S-Bahn).

By airplane

The nearest airport and high-speed train station are in Hanover . From there you may transfer to Hamelin thrice an hour using suburban line S5 or S51 in 40–45 minutes.

Since the year 2000, the S-Train Lines S 5 and S 51 have offered connections every half hour from Hannover's train station. Likewise, since 2002 hourly connections to Paderborn have been available. Every hour connections to the Bünde-Löhne-Rinteln-Hameln-Elze-Hildesheim route are available via the "Weser train" (line RB 77).

The European far-distance hiking trail E11 passes through Hamelin on its way from the Netherlands, Osnabrück and the Porta Westfalica, continuing to the Harz mountains and Berlin.

Map

  • Several romantic 16th-century half-timbered houses with lavish ornaments, e.g. Stiftsherrenhaus (canons' house) and Bürgerhaus (house of the citizenry)
  • 52.1042 9.3607 1 Pied Piper's House ( Rattenfängerhaus ), Osterstraße/Bungelosenstraße . Renaissance building from 1602/03, with an elaborately decorated main façade and an inscription reminding of the Pied Piper legend. ( updated Oct 2016 )
  • 52.10464 9.35703 2 Hochzeitshaus . Renaissance-style sandstone building dating from 1610–17. Pied Piper-themed carillon. ( updated Oct 2016 )
  • Garrison Church . ( updated Nov 2016 )
  • St. Boniface Minster Church . ( updated Nov 2016 )
  • Market Church of St. Nicholas . ( updated Nov 2016 )
  • 52.10481 9.35841 5 Hamelin Museum , Osterstraße 8-9 , ☏ +49 5151 202 1215 . Tu-Su 11:00-18:00 . Museum of local history in two neighbouring historic buildings (Renaissance-style sandstone Leisthaus and half-timbered Stiftsherrenhaus) Adult €5, child (6-17) €3 . ( updated Nov 2016 )
  • [dead link] Weser Cycle Route . A bike path named one of the most beautiful and scenic rides in all of Germany. ( updated Nov 2016 )

City centre

  • 52.10675 9.354045 1 Thiewallklause , Thiewall 6 . Smoky pub serving dishes. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.104189 9.354596 2 Zur Badewanne , Fischpfortenstraße 6 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.104207 9.355574 3 Imbiss Bodrum , Fischpfortenstraße 20 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.10611 9.358858 4 China-Imbiß Shanghai , Baustraße 17 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.101165 9.364996 5 Angela Jahn Bistro & Kiosk , Zentralstraße 6 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Around the train station

  • 52.101698 9.374174 6 Hakkis Imbiss , Bahnhofspl. 11 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.10203 9.37181 7 GEZ Food , Bahnhofstraße 29 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.10095 9.370106 8 Goldhähnchen Grill , Kaiserstraße 47 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.104341 9.367437 9 Amadeus , Deisterstraße 29 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.103954 9.368939 10 Balutsch-Restaurant , Deisterstraße 42 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.10423 9.36074 11 IndiaHaus im Rattenfängerhaus ( Pied Piper's House ), Osterstr. 28 , ☏ +49 5151-3888 . One of the more famous buildings in Hameln's old-town area. A beautiful example of the architectural style of the Weser Renaissance. ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.083525 9.369112 12 Tündernsche Warte , Tündernsche Warte 1 , ☏ +49 5151 92 47 04 . Lovely little restaurant and beer garden a short bit away from the bustle of the main town and city centre. ( updated Jan 2023 )
  • 52.102682 9.356112 13 Grimsehls Handwerk , Bäckerstraße 46 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.102225 9.357537 14 Pfannekuchen Hameln , Hummenstraße 12 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.104541 9.363956 15 Café am Ring , 164er Ring 1 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
  • 52.10968 9.3504 1 Jugendherberge Hameln , Fischbecker Str. 33 , ☏ +49 51 51 34 25 , [email protected] .  
  • 52.102004 9.357631 2 Hotel Christinenhof , Alte Marktstr. 18 .  
  • 52.081056 9.33577 3 [formerly dead link] Rattenfängerhotel Berkeler Warte , Berkeler Warte 2 , ☏ +49 5151 82289-0 .  
  • 52.108209 9.358557 4 Hotel Jugendstil , Wettorstr. 15 .  

hameln tourist information

  • 52.0283 9.3444 6 Hämelschenburg ( 12 km south of Hamelin; Bus 40 from Hamelin central bus station to "Hämelschenburg Schloss" (30 minutes) ). Renaissance-style sandstone chateau in the Weser Uplands, one of the best examples of Weser Renaissance architecture, housing an art collection, surrounded by an ensemble of gardens, church, outbuildings and a watermill. ( updated Oct 2016 )
  • Hanover , state capital, 50 km northeast (40–45 minutes by train)
  • Hildesheim , historical city with several medieval cultural monuments, 50 km east (50 minutes by train)
  • Lemgo , extraordinarily well-preserved old town with many medieval and Renaissance merchant's houses, 40 km west
  • Detmold , with the iconic Hermann's monument, 45 km west
  • Bodenwerder , origin city of the Baron von Münchausen legends, namesake of Munchausen syndrome, with entertaining statues throughout the town commemorating the myths

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The Pied Piper of Hamelin

In 1284, 130 children from Hameln (Hamelin) are said to have mysteriously vanished. This gave rise to the curious tale of the Pied Piper who, according to the legend, led the children from the town as revenge for an unpaid debt. Visitors to Hameln (Hamelin) will encounter this strange journeyman not just in the excellent museum, but all around the town, because the legend of the Pied Piper continues to be ubiquitous. Every summer, a group of volunteers try their hand at acting in the Pied Piper Open-Air Play , while the RATS musical brings the legend to life from May to September every year and is free of charge. The Pied Piper of Hameln is famous around the world, with the story having been translated into over 30 languages. “Dealing with the Pied Piper of Hameln” was recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2014.

Self-guided Walking Tour of Hamelin (with Maps!)

Hameln Markt

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Hameln, known as Hamelin in English-speaking countries, holds greater fame compared to many other German towns due to the renowned tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. This centuries-old legend, shrouded in mystery, revolves around the disappearance of 130 children from Hameln in 1284, as documented in historical records.

The popularity of the Pied Piper tale, thanks to the Brothers Grimm, draws countless visitors to Hameln. Even growing up in Tasmania on the opposite side of the world, I was captivated by this story as a child, making it a must-visit destination for me.

While the tale forms a significant part of Hameln’s tourism, there is more to explore in this charming town. Its Old Town exudes a fairy tale ambiance with its picturesque half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and vibrant Market Square (Markt Platz).

Visiting Hameln is a delightful experience and definitely worth including in your Germany itinerary or while traversing the Fairy Tale Road. During our journey to Bremen, we made a stop in Hameln and found it to be a rewarding detour.

Although Hameln offers a more relaxed and low-key atmosphere, with not an abundance of tourist attractions, it is precisely this characteristic that adds to its allure. It’s a place where you can unwind, soak in the surroundings (keeping an eye out for rats!), and savour the essence of the destination, rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

Visiting by car: There are a couple of car parks near the old town, that are not too expensive as long as you don’t stay too long. Parkplatz Wilhelmstraße or Auto-Parkplatz .

Pied Piper’s House (Rattenfängerhaus)

Rattenfänger Hause

The Rattenfängerhaus, also known as the Pied Piper’s House, is a half-timbered building located in Hamelin. Its name derives from an inscription on its side, which claims to be an eyewitness account of the events depicted in the Pied Piper of Hamelin story. The inscription describes the departure of 130 children from Hamelin on June 26, 1284, led by a piper dressed in vibrant clothing. The children vanished forever after passing the Calvary near the Koppenberg.

Rattenfängerbrunnen Osterstraße

Rattenfängerbrunnen Pied Piper Fountain

The Rattenfängerbrunnen Osterstraße, also known as the Ratcatcher’s Fountain on Osterstraße, is a prominent landmark in Hamelin. The fountain is dedicated to the famous Pied Piper legend and serves as a visual representation of the story.

Located on Osterstraße, the Rattenfängerbrunnen Osterstraße features a central statue of the Pied Piper himself. The statue depicts the Pied Piper dressed in colourful attire and playing his enchanting pipe. Surrounding the Pied Piper are several sculpted rats, representing the vermin infestation that plagued the town of Hamelin in the legend.

The fountain is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. It offers a picturesque setting where people can gather, relax, and admire the artistic representation of the Pied Piper tale. The Rattenfängerbrunnen Osterstraße serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Pied Piper legend and its significance to the town of Hamelin.

Hamelin Museum

Museum Of Hamelin

Hamelin museum showcases a collection of significant historical pieces and artefacts that hold great importance for the town. Within its walls, you’ll find a diverse range of exhibits, including literature, artefacts, paintings, and statues, some of which trace their origins back to the Middle Ages. It serves as a treasure trove of Hamelin’s history and cultural heritage.

Visiting the museum is not only enriching but also affordable. The entry fee is five euros per adult and three euros per child, making it an accessible activity for individuals and families alike. Families can take advantage of a special family-friendly fee, which is just 12 euros, providing an opportunity for everyone to delve into the town’s fascinating past.

Hamelin Glockenspiel

Hameln Glockenspeil

The Glockenspiel in Hameln presents the story of the Pied Piper, but beneath its seemingly charming façade lies a replication of the darker aspects of the tale. When the bells chime, the Piper emerges, accompanied by a horde of rats. Then, with the next set of bells, a “darker” depiction of the Piper appears, leading all the children out of the town, except for two— a blind child and a child described as “lame.”

Every day, at specific times, the bells resound to initiate the Glockenspiel’s performance. The scheduled times are 1:05 pm, 3:35 pm, and 5:35 pm. Additionally, the bells also ring at 9:35 am for the Pied Piper song and at 11:35 am for the West River Song. You can find the Glockenspiel positioned on the gable of the Hochzeithaus, located on the west side of the building.

While the Glockenspiel may appear as a charming spectacle, it portrays the darker undertones of the Pied Piper tale, leaving a lasting impression on those who witness its performances.

Rattenfängerstatue (Pied Piper Statue with children)

Rattenfängerstatue Rathausplatz

On the Rathausplatz in Hameln, you will encounter a mesmerizing fountain adorned with statues of children (as depicted in the picture). This enchanting fountain was gifted to the town in 1975 by Karl Ulrich Nuss, whose design emerged victorious from a competition that received an impressive 132 submissions.

Originally intended for placement in the Pferdemarkt area, the fountain’s size was ultimately considered too grand for the old town’s confines. Consequently, it found its home in the Rathausplatz, becoming a captivating centerpiece that enhances the beauty and allure of the town’s central square.

The statues of children adorning the fountain serve as a captivating visual representation of the timeless spirit embodied in the Pied Piper tale. As you wander through the streets of Hameln, be sure not to miss the opportunity to marvel at this remarkable fountain, appreciating the ingenuity and artistry that brought its design to life.

Tourist Office

Hamelin Rats

Pop into the tourist info point for maps, what’s on that day and to orient yourself by watching the “Legendary Hamelin – fairytale Weserbergland”

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  • The Pied Piper

See the Piper live

  • Discover and Experience Hamelin

Live the Legend

Events and Highlights

Pied Piper open-air Play on Sundays

On the Trail of the Piper

Guided Tour with the Pied Piper

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Mysterious and Legendary, The Pied Piper of Hamelin

RATS-Musical on Wednesdays

An EXPO idea that lives on

UNESCO candidacy

On the way to intangible cultural heritage

  • Live the Legend

Guided Tours

  • Town and Countryside

Hamelin Towns in Brunswick - and more

Service and Information

Hamelin Tourist Information Office

  • Guided Tours

with the Pied Piper

The City and the History

Hamelin History

The Weser Mountains

Excursions

Photo and Film

Film: Legendary Hamelin - Fairytale Weser Mountains

  • with the Pied Piper

Guided Tour with the Pied Piper

Underway in the Weser Mountains

Accompaniment for Bus Tours

Meet the Piper in Person

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Book a tour

We have guided tours in various languages. The booking machinery is in German and can be found here  if you wish to try it yourself. Otherwise, give us a call or an E-Mail at the address in the box.

IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Tourist-Info

    Die Tourist-Info Hameln bietet Ihnen Informationen, Vermittlung und Erlebnisse rund um die Rattenfängerstadt und das Weserbergland. Sie finden uns im Infocenter, neben dem Bürgergarten, mit Shop, Filmvorführung und Fahrradboxen.

  2. Hamelin Tourist Information Office

    Find information and souvenirs about Hamelin and the Weser Mountains Region at the Tourist-Information Office. See the Hamelin Film, book guided tours, and reserve rooms at no extra charge.

  3. Startpage

    Hameln wächst und wächst: ob in Wirtschaft oder Natur! Stadtportal der Rattenfängerstadt Hameln.

  4. Things To Do In Hameln [Full Guide]

    Hameln Museum. Pied Piper's House (Rattenfängerhaus) Rat Spotting. Pied Piper Statues (Rattenfängerstatue) Things To Do In Hameln In December. Hameln Christmas Market. What To Do In Hameln In One Day. Hameln Tourist Attractions Map. Best Place To Stay In Hameln.

  5. Tourist-Information Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbH

    Erfahren Sie alles über die Rattenfängerstadt Hameln, ihre Altstadt, das Freilichtspiel, das Museum und die Schifffahrt. Die Tourist-Information bietet Ihnen Öffnungszeiten, Kontakt und weitere Tipps für Ihren Besuch.

  6. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hameln

    Ishtiaq Sagri. Indianapolis, IN4,896 contributions. 2. Perhaps the Biggest Pied Piper Collection in the World! Located in 2 traditional buildings on the main street of Hameln, the museum has many interesting exhibits, even for the little ones, about the history and culture of the city.

  7. Hamelin: Fabled for its beauty and famous for the Pied ...

    www.hameln.de. Inhabitants: 57.510. Federal state: Lower Saxony. Area in square kilometres: 102,30 square kilometres. The Pied Piper's House, one of Hamelin's largest and prettiest Renaissance buildings, stands right in the centre of town in memory of these events. The Hochzeitshaus building also pays tribute to the fable with its carillon.

  8. Hameln

    Hamelin. Hameln (Hamelin), the pearl of the Weserbergland (Weser Uplands) and home to the enigmatic Pied Piper, lies approximately 45 kilometres to the south-west of the state capital. The town wows visitors at first sight with its fascinating architecture, mysterious history and scenic landscapes.

  9. Hamelin

    Website. www.hameln.de. Hamelin ( / ˈhæməlɪn / HAM- (ə-)lin; German: Hameln [ˈhaːml̩n] ⓘ) is a town on the river Weser in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is the capital of the district of Hamelin-Pyrmont and has a population of roughly 57,000. Hamelin is best known for the tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin .

  10. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Hameln

    1. Hameln Old Town. 510. Neighbourhoods. By StevenKolsteren. The trail with golden rats looks pretty but hard to follow if you look around and above to the houses; you don't need... See way to experience (1) 2. Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbH.

  11. Hamelin

    Hamelin. Hamelin (German: Hameln) is a town in Lower Saxony, 50 km southwest of Hanover. It is the scene of the Pied Piper story (German: Rattenfänger von Hameln ), about the man who expelled rats from the town by playing the pipe, and then abducted the town's children when the citizenry refused to pay him what they had agreed. The town is ...

  12. Hamelin: The Complete Guide

    Hamelin: The Complete Guide. Hamelin (also spelled Hameln in German) is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, located on the banks of the River Weser. The town is famous for its association with the medieval folk tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which tells the story of a piper who lures away the town's children with his magical pipe after the ...

  13. Hameln Old Town

    They have a tourist information centre right next to the main path leading from the train station into the old town. Read all replies. Escape23920933621. ... Hameln Tourism Hameln Hotels Hameln Bed and Breakfast Hameln Vacation Rentals Flights to Hameln Hameln Restaurants Things to Do in Hameln Hameln Travel Forum Hameln Photos Hameln Map.

  14. Hameln Marketing and Tourism GmbH

    The tourist information is operated by Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbH (HMT) on behalf of the city. The information center was inaugurated in May 2000, shortly before the start of the EXPO in Hanover. In the winter of 2013/2014, the customer service area was fundamentally modernized and equipped with the latest technology. The new ...

  15. The Pied Piper of Hameln

    The Pied Piper of Hamelin. In 1284, 130 children from Hameln (Hamelin) are said to have mysteriously vanished. This gave rise to the curious tale of the Pied Piper who, according to the legend, led the children from the town as revenge for an unpaid debt. Visitors to Hameln (Hamelin) will encounter this strange journeyman not just in the ...

  16. Hameln, Germany: All You Need to Know Before You Go (2024 ...

    Hameln Tourism: Tripadvisor has 4,927 reviews of Hameln Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Hameln resource.

  17. Self-guided Walking Tour of Hamelin (with Maps ...

    Hameln, known as Hamelin in English-speaking countries, holds greater fame compared to many other German towns due to the renowned tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. This centuries-old legend, shrouded in mystery, revolves around the disappearance of 130 children from Hameln in 1284, as documented in historical records. The popularity of the Pied Piper […]

  18. The 10 Best Things to Do in Hameln

    The best things are the crypt below and the climb to the tower - crossing the vaults from above- with a great view over the river and the old town. 167 steps, easy climbing. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  19. Hamelin

    Hameln lies embedded in the gentle hills of the Weserberg region. Between Cinderella and Baron Münchhausen, this location stands for the darkest figure of the German Fairy Tale Route - the Pied Piper. Many holiday tourists and day visitors are drawn to Hameln. On the one hand due to the unique Pied Piper legend that was supposed to have taken ...

  20. Tourist Information Hameln Map

    Tourist Information Hameln Tourist Information Hameln is a tourism office in Hamelin, Hameln-Pyrmont, Lower Saxony located on Deisterallee. Tourist Information Hameln is situated nearby to the pitch Schach and the theater Konzertmuschel.

  21. Hamelin History

    The Minster is over 1200 years old. Hamelin became famous with the fateful visit of the Pied Piper luring the children away in 1284. The legend lures people to the town today and may be the worlds most famous saga. Those who come to Hamelin have a great selection of architecture to admire. The rich merchants of the 16th Century created ...

  22. PDF Tourist Information Centre

    Hameln's tourist information centre was inaugurated on 26 May 2000. The building became the mutual home of different municipal institutions working in the field of tourism. • Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbH • Stadtmarketing- und Verkehrsverein Hameln e.V. • Weserbergland Tourismus e.V. • Flotte Weser GmbH & Co. KG

  23. Guided Tours

    Hameln App in Year of the Rat; Discover and Experience Hamelin; Live the Legend. Guided Tours; Arrangements; Discover and Experience Hamelin; ... Tourist-Information . Unsere aktuellen Öffnungszeiten. Mo.- Fr. 10.00 - 16.00 Uhr Samstag 09.30 - 13.00 Uhr Sonn- und Feiertage geschlossen. Tel. 05151 957823