Pied Piper Statue, Hamelin

Statue in Hamelin

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Illustratedjc

The Pied Piper Statue is one of the things to do in Hameln for anyone exploring the town's deep connection to its world-famous legend. Standing proudly at Osterstraße 15, this bronze statue was gifted to the city in 1998 and has since become a popular photo stop. Its detailed craftsmanship captures the mysterious allure of the Piper, making it one of the best places to see in Hameln for folklore lovers.

Just a short walk away at Rathausplatz, another fountain features the Pied Piper surrounded by children, created in 1975 by Karl Ulrich Nuss. This artistic tribute is often visited on walking tours of Hameln, adding another layer of charm to the story-filled streets of the old town.

History and Significance of Pied Piper Statue
Things to See and Do in Pied Piper Statue
How to Get to Pied Piper Statue
Practical Tips on Visiting Pied Piper Statue
Where to Stay close to Pied Piper Statue
Is Pied Piper Statue Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Pied Piper Statue
Nearby Attractions to Pied Piper Statue

History and Significance of Pied Piper Statue

The Pied Piper Statue at Osterstraße 15 was donated to the city in 1998, created to honour one of the most enduring legends in European folklore. The bronze depiction emphasises the Piper's movement and charisma, evoking the mysterious energy that has fascinated generations. Positioned on a fountain, it adds both sound and movement to the experience, allowing visitors to linger and appreciate the artistry.

The second fountain at Rathausplatz predates it by over two decades. Designed by sculptor Karl Ulrich Nuss in 1975, it shows the Piper alongside children, symbolising the central theme of the legend: the tragic disappearance recorded in Hameln’s historical memory. Together, the two installations offer a visual narrative that invites reflection and sparks curiosity.

These statues have become significant cultural markers in Hameln, not only as artistic works but also as reminders of how the town continues to embrace and reinterpret its famous story through public art.

Things to See and Do in Pied Piper Statue

At the Osterstraße statue, take time to admire the fine details of the bronze work, from the Piper’s flowing garments to the expressive face and lively stance. The fountain base enhances the scene, making it especially photogenic in the soft morning light.

A few minutes away, the Rathausplatz fountain offers a different artistic interpretation, with the Piper surrounded by bronze children. Each figure has its own personality and expression, making it fun to walk around the fountain and observe it from multiple angles.

Both sites are located in Hameln's old town, so they can be easily combined with nearby cafés, shops, and other Pied Piper-themed locations. They are particularly enjoyable stops for travellers who appreciate public art and storytelling through sculpture.

How to Get to Pied Piper Statue

Hannover Airport is the nearest major airport and provides straightforward access to Hameln. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hamelin on Booking.com. Trains from Hannover to Hameln run frequently, and once you arrive, both statue locations are a short walk from Hameln Station into the pedestrianised old town. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. If you’re travelling by car, parking areas around the edge of the centre make it easy to reach the statues on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Pied Piper Statue

Suggested tips: Visit both statue locations to appreciate the different artistic interpretations.
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for the best natural light on the bronze surfaces.
Entrance fee:
Opening hours:
Official website:
How long to spend: Around 10-20 minutes at each statue.
Accessibility: Both sites are in flat, pedestrian-friendly areas; some cobblestones may be uneven.
Facilities: Nearby cafés, benches, and shops around Osterstraße and Rathausplatz.
Photography tip: Try capturing the Piper from a low angle to emphasise the dynamic pose.
Guided tours: Most Hameln walking tours include the statues as storytelling stops.
Nearby food options: Plenty of restaurants and bakeries close by in the old town.

Where to Stay close to Pied Piper Statue

Staying in Hameln's historic centre puts you within minutes of both Pied Piper statues. Hotel zur Krone offers a convenient base right in the pedestrian zone. For riverside charm, Hotel Stadt Hameln provides comfortable rooms near the Weser. If you prefer boutique accommodation, Hotel La Principessa combines character and comfort in a lovely setting.

Is Pied Piper Statue Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Pied Piper Statue is definitely worth visiting, especially for travellers interested in Hameln's legendary past. Both the Osterstraße statue and the Rathausplatz fountain offer beautiful artistic interpretations of the tale, making them memorable stops during any walk through the old town. They capture the spirit of the legend and provide an accessible way to connect with the town's identity.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (746)

Pied Piper Statue at Osterstraße 15 in Hameln is a small but popular town attraction set in a quiet, picturesque centre decorated with a mouse theme; visitors recommend pairing the statue with the nearby museum and wandering the streets to enjoy the charming, historic houses, though some note the statue itself is modest in size and dining options nearby are limited.

Rucha Dalsania

7 years ago

"Nice small statue, small quiet beautiful town with small mouse all over roads :) very less option to eat around. We took a big detour just to seethis amazing attraction but unfortunately this is really small and not much of worth. Initially we couldn’t even find it lol..."

See More See Less

Naveed Ehsan

5 years ago

"Great place to visit with historical stories about the pied piper and even the city center is decorated with mouse theme overall"

Tommy Murphy

3 weeks ago

"Lovely city. Well worth a visit."

FAQs for Visiting Pied Piper Statue

Yes, both statues are in public spaces and open to all.

Absolutely; they are just a few minutes apart in the old town.

Some plaques and nearby displays provide context, though additional details are found in local museums.

Nearby Attractions to Pied Piper Statue

Pied Piper's House: The historic building with the earliest written inscription of the legend.
Hameln Museum: An interactive introduction to the town's history and folklore.
Hameln Glockenspiel: A charming mechanical retelling of the Pied Piper tale.
St. Boniface Minster: One of the oldest landmarks in the region.
Weser River Promenade: A relaxing riverside walk with lovely views.

The Pied Piper Statue appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hamelin!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!