The Pied Piper Town – Hamelin

Hamelin is a well known town that was made famous by the fairy tale of the Brothers Grimm. It is situated on the River Weser in Lower Saxony and its roots stretch back to 851 AD. The legend of the Pied Piper is said to be based on a real event although it has become a very different folk tale over the years.

Buildings In Historic Hamelin

Beautiful half timbered buildings are found throughout Hamelin and many date from the Renaissance period. The Stiftsherrenhaus is covered with figures on the facade and another wonderful house is the Listhaus which has more beautiful embossed figures. Naturally, one of the great attractions is the Rattenfängerhaus (The Pied Piper House) which was built around 1603 and although the piper did not actually live there it has become synonymous with the fairy tale.

Narrow Streets Filled With Nostalgia

The small narrow streets of Hamelin give it an air of fairy tale wonder. At the Hochzeitshaus (Wedding House) you can here a carillon playing during the day and the remainder of the town fortifications can be viewed.

Hamelin is an ideal place to spend some time if you want to explore the hills of Weserbergland or enjoy a walk or boat tour on the river. The sandstone and restored houses are found in between cosy cafes and inns where you will find tasty local dishes and drinks.

The Rat Trail In Hamelin

All along the streets of Hamelin you will see painting of rats and these point you in the direction of the many attractions. The Pied Piper House is now a restaurant and as well as being an historic building it serves delicious food, wines and beers.

At The Wedding House, the carillon chimes a tribute to the piper every morning at 11.35 and during the day the story is told using clockwork figures on the side of the building. During the summer months, the story of the piper is recreated by actors and on the banks of the river there is a sculpture which sets off a rat dancing when the wind blows.

Whether you want to indulge in the fairy tale of Hamelin or stroll around and take in the churches of St Nicholas or St Boniface, this is a town that has a lot to offer.

Find A Hotel Near To Hamelin

Leonardo Hotel Hannover

If you prefer to stay in a city then the Leonard Hotel Hannover is an excellent choice. It is 43 kilometres from Hamelin but has excellent transport links and all the amenities you would expect from a top hotel.

Modern rooms, a spa area and an International restaurant are all featured at the Leonard Hotel Hannover. In the summer you can sit in the beer garden and the hotel is close to the old historical town and the Hannover Zoo.

Mercure Hotel Hameln

The Mercure Hotel Hameln is a four star establishment with an indoor pool and splendid views. Wi-Fi is free for all guests and the hotel is situated in the old part of the town. Bright and airy rooms feature an en suite bathroom, satellite TV and there is a restaurant with a summer terrace.

The Safran Restaurant serves delicious local and International speciality dishes. In the Alt Hameln Bar you can relax with an exotic cocktail, fine wine or local beer. Private parking is available for all guests and the hotel is only 200 metres from the centre of Hamelin.

Hotel Jugendstil

Located 400 metres or a five minute walk from the centre of Hamelin, the Hotel Jugendstil has both free parking and free Wi-Fi. Rooms are furnished in an individual style and have a flat screen TV, free cosmetics and an en suite bathroom.

The hotel is an excellent place from which to explore all that Hamelin has to offer. A solarium and sauna are available and the restaurant serves delicious food and drinks. The hotel bar (Rattenfalle) is an excellent place to unwind after your trip around the historic city of Hamelin.

How To Get To Hamelin

By Air

Flying into the city of Hannover is the simplest way to reach Hamelin. You can then choose to take public transport using the S-Bahn, the bus or drive onward to Hamelin.

By Train

There is a direct train from the station at Hannover airport to Hamelin. It departs every 30 minutes and you stay on for 14 stops alighting at Hameln. Journey time is 1 hour and 4 minutes.

By Road

Leave Hannover airport on the A352 to the A2 and then continue until exit 36. Change to the L434 and B83 to Kopmanshof in Hameln. It take around 45 minutes to drive to Hamelin from Hannover.

Other Things To Do Near To Hamelin

Hiking Or A River Cruise

If you enjoy hiking then the Weser Hills will be a paradise. As well as the Weser Hills track there are over 300 kilometres of walks including the Ith Hils Weg which is a circular track that runs for 80 kilometres. Try the Fairy Tale route or the Legend and Myths tracks for something a little more interesting than a simple walk.

During the summer season you can take a river trip down the Weser. There is a variety of tours and from this viewpoint you can see the Weser Hills in a different light. Tours are available for just an hour or you can choose a longer one that lasts all day.

Relax At A Lovely Spa

Just 25 kilometres from Hamelin is the Hufeland Therme at Bad Pyrmont. This is the perfect place to while away a few hours and enjoy some relaxation whilst swimming, taking a sauna or trying a steam bath.

There are jacuzzis and at the spa you can try out a new treatment or have a massage that will get rid of your aches and pains. Specialist treatments in the saline grotto or the princess bath are also available.

Although it is a small zoo, Heidelberg has an excellent reputation for its conservation of animals policy. You can see large animals like the elephants being fed or taking a bath and it is fun trying to locate the shy red panda that hides in the trees. The zoo has a comprehensive display of animals, fish, lizards and birds. This is a fun trip for children.

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