Hameln

Hameln is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is the seat of the district Hamelin-Pyrmont and lies on the left bank of the Weser River, about 60 kilometers southwest of Hanover. The historic town center features numerous timber-framed houses and a compact layout that reflects its medieval origins. Notable landmarks include the town hall and the Rattenfängerhaus on Marktstraße, which houses the Pied Piper Museum.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin is the town’s most famous cultural reference. The legend tells of a flute-playing stranger who rid the town of rats and, after being unpaid, lured the children away. The tale has many variants and dates from the Middle Ages; it has been popularized in later centuries and forms a central part of Hameln’s identity. The town hosts the Rattenfänger-Fest, a summer festival, and visitors can explore the tale at the Rattenfängerhaus.

Economy and tourism are important to contemporary Hameln. The town functions as a regional service center and a base for exploring the Weser Uplands and the Weser river. It is connected by rail to Hanover and other cities and lies near major road corridors, facilitating access for visitors and residents alike.