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 townspeople refuse to pay him for ridding them of rats.

Hamelin is a charming town with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and picturesque cobblestone streets. Its historic center features many half-timbered buildings, including the famous Hochzeitshaus (Wedding House) where wedding ceremonies have been held for over 400 years.

In addition to the Pied Piper legend, Hamelin is known for its Christmas market, which draws visitors from all over Germany and beyond. The town is also home to several museums, including the Hamelin Museum, which showcases the town’s history and culture, and the Museum Hameln, which focuses on the life and work of Heinrich von Kleist, a renowned German writer.

History of Hamelin

Hamelin: Early Beginnings

Hamelin, located on the Weser River, dates back to the 9th century when it was established as a Benedictine monastery. Over time, it grew into a thriving medieval town.

Hamelin: The Pied Piper Legend

Hamelin is best known for the legend of the Pied Piper, a story that dates back to the Middle Ages. The tale, immortalized by the Brothers Grimm, tells of a mysterious piper who lured the town’s children away.

Hamelin: Modern Development

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Hamelin developed into a vibrant town with a mix of historical charm and modern amenities. It preserved its medieval architecture while embracing industrial growth.

Visiting Hamelin for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Hamelin on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Hamelin not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Hamelin and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Hamelin Tourist Office

As you explore Hamelin, you’ll encounter rats scattered throughout its streets. Whether in the form of bronze sculptures (which point toward local heritage sites) or painted murals on walls, rats populate the village, beckoning you to befriend them. So, don’t be surprised when you encounter these friendly rat companions along your path in Hamelin. Embrace […]

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Location: Hameln Marketing und Tourismus GmbH Deisterallee 1 31785 Hameln Germany | Hours: Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat. 9.30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sundays and public holidays closed | Website | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Hamelin Tourist Office

Explore Hamelin yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Rattenfängerstatue (Pied Piper Statue)

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Pied Piper Statue during your time in Hameln. This captivating bronze statue, situated on a fountain, was generously gifted to the city in 1998. You can locate the statue at Osterstraße 15, where it stands as a remarkable artistic representation of the Pied Piper legend. The craftsmanship and […]

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Location: Osterstraße 15, Hamelin, Germany | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Rattenfängerstatue (Pied Piper Statue)

Rattenfängerhaus (Pied Piper's House)

The building known as the Pied Piper’s House or Rattenfängerhaus (“Rat Catcher’s House”) is a half-timbered building in Hamelin. The house derives its name from an inscription on its side, which references the tragic event of the Hameln children’s disappearance in 1284, making it the earliest known version of this tale. According to the inscription, […]

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Location: Rattenfängerhaus, Osterstraße, Hamelin, Germany | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Rattenfängerhaus (Pied Piper's House)

Rattenfängerstatue (Pied Piper Statue with children)

Located in the Rathausplatz, you’ll discover a captivating fountain adorned with statues of children (pictured). This fountain was presented to the town in 1975 by Karl Ulrich Nuss, whose design emerged as the winning entry from a competition that received 132 submissions. Originally intended to be placed in the Pferdemarkt area, the fountain’s size was […]

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Location: Rathauspl. 5, 31785 Hameln, Germany | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Rattenfängerstatue (Pied Piper Statue with children)

Museum of Hamelin

When you’re in Hameln, a visit to the Museum Hameln (Museum of Hamelin) is highly recommended. The museum is housed in a captivating building located in the pedestrian zone. It provides a fascinating journey into the town’s history, offering a vibrant portrayal of various aspects of life throughout different eras. As a visitor, you have […]

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Location: Museum Hameln, Osterstraße 8-9, 31785 Hamelin, Hameln-Pyrmont, Germany | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays | Price: Adults €6 | Website | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Museum of Hamelin

Hameln Glockenspeil

The Hameln Glockenspiel, also known as the Rattenfänger Glockenspiel, is a famous tourist attraction located in the town of Hameln (or Hamelin) in Germany. The town of Hameln is renowned for the folktale of the Pied Piper, who led away the rats from the town with his magical pipe and later took away the children […]

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Location: Hochzeitshaus, Osterstraße 2, 31785 Hameln, Germany | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Hameln Glockenspeil