Best Things to Do in Hameln Germany with Kids
Are you thinking of visiting Hameln, Germany and wondering what there is to do there? Or maybe you are wondering if such a small town is worth a stop to begin with?
Also known as Hamelin, we paid this scenic little town a visit while touring Germany with the kids, and immediately fell in love with its charm… and its rats!
Don’t worry! The town is not overrun by rodents! But it is the birthplace of the story of the Pied Piper.
So along with beautiful architecture and charming cobblestone roads, you will find many family-friendly rat-themed attractions that you won’t see anywhere else.
So YES, the short answer is there are plenty of fun things to do in Hameln, Germany, and it is definitely worth visiting with kids!
Want to learn more? Let’s jump right in!
The Story of the Pied Piper
Many people are drawn to Hameln simply because of the popularity of the story of the Pied Piper.
Told by the Brothers Grimm, this German fairy tale is known the world over.
If you are not familiar with the story, The Pied Piper is about a rat infestation which occurred in the town of Hameln in 1284.
The rats had destroyed the townspeople’s homes, bitten their babies, were eating all their food, and tearing all their clothes.
It was then that a piper, dressed in a colourful cloak, appeared in town and agreed to get rid of all the rats, in exchange for payment.
The townsfolk readily agreed, and so the piper, using his music, led all the rats out of town.
When he returned to collect his payment, the town’s people backed down on their promise and refused to pay the piper.
Angry, he returned a few nights later. Once again, the Pied Piper played his music.
Only this time, he led all the children out of the town, never to be seen again… just like the rats.
Although some historical documentation shows this to be a real event, no one really knows what actually happened to the children of Hameln Germany.
Top Ten Things to Do in Hameln Germany
We found Hameln to be such a cute town with plenty to keep us busy for the day.
1. Explore the Visitor’s Center
Your first stop in Hameln should be the Visitor’s Center.
Here, you will not only be able to get a map of the town but maybe even get a chance to meet the Pied Piper himself!
The Visitor’s Center also houses a small gift shop where you can purchase rat-themed merchandise and even Rattenkiller. More on that later!
2. Find the Pied Piper Fountain
Many Pied Piper landmarks can be found throughout the town.
These include the classical fountain located on Osterstrasse, the fountain at City Hall Court and the glass window in the Market Church.
You can also find the Piper on the façade of random homes throughout the city.
We also came across a couple of ratcatcher inscriptions on the buildings themselves – one on the Rattenfängerhaus (Ratcatcher’s House) and the other on the Hochzeithaus (Wedding House).
3. Hunt for the Rats
Along with searching for the Pied Piper, rats can also be found everywhere in the village.
From the bronze rats embedded in the cobblestone roads to paintings on the wall, most rats can be found in the old part of town.
Because the kids were on the hunt for the bronze rats in the cobblestone, they were more than happy to explore the town!
The rats, we later found out, all pointed toward the popular attractions!
4. Take in the Live Performance
Every Sunday at noon, from May to September, the townspeople of Hameln re-enact the story of the Pied Piper.
If you happen to be visiting on this day, it’s definitely something you don’t want to miss!
For over 60 years, the Hochzeitshaus-Terrasse has hosted live the telling of the Pied Piper tale.
Here, historically clothed amateur actors present the legend of the towns’ people, the rats, the Pied Piper and the evil Mayor.
The show, which is free of charge to watch, runs approximately 30 minutes. Afterwards, the Pied Piper parades the group through the old town.
5. Take a Guided Walking Tour
If you are short on time, we would definitely recommend taking a guided walking tour of the town.
The town is pretty compact, so you don’t have to worry about walking too far if you have younger kids in tow.
The tour, which is given by a local, is only about an hour and a half long but will take you to all the important sites.
You will also learn the history of the town, the story behind the Pied Piper, and some other really interesting facts and trivia.
6. Admire the Architecture
Hameln is a beautifully restored historical town with many buildings dating back to the Renaissance period.
With its cobble-stoned pedestrian walkways and beautiful half-timbered sandstone buildings, the town was very picturesque.
There are many cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, as well as interesting fountains, sculptures, and various shops to peruse.
7. Visit the Museum
Because we had time constraints, we were unable to visit the local museum.
Home to some of the town’s most important historical pieces, you can actually find literature, artifacts, paintings and statues that date back as far as the Middle Ages!
Even though the displays are mostly in German, the museum provides excellent English-language leaflets to help you understand the exhibits.
The museum is also one of the most affordable things to do in Hameln.
Admission is 6 euros per adult and 3 euros per child. Families can take advantage of the family-friendly fee of just 12 euros.
8. Watch as the Glockenspiel Tells the Story of the Pied Piper
The glockenspiel can be found on the gable of the Hochzeithaus, on the west side of the building.
If you are lucky enough to be there at certain times of the day, you can see the Glockenspiel tell the story of the Pied Piper.
When the bells begin to ring, the Piper appears leading a pack of rats.
Once the next set of bells rings, a “darker” looking piper appears leading all of the children out of the town (except for two, a blind and a “lame” child).
You can catch the Glockenspiel every day at 1:05 pm, 3:35 pm and 5:35 pm. The bells also ring at 9:35 am (Pied Piper song) and at 11:35 am (West River Song).
9. Enjoy Some Rat-Themed Cuisine
You will notice that Hameln’s bakeries are still infested with rats – but nowadays they are only made of bread and cake!
You will also find restaurant menus that carry such delicacies as rat’s tails (thinly sliced pork) or rat’s blood (champagne and blackcurrant juice).
Before you leave, don’t forget to give the local signature drink a try… Rattenkiller – or Rat Poison!
This herbal liquor is definitely potent enough to take care of any rats, should you not be able to locate the Pied Piper!! Prost!
10. Wander Around the Christmas Market
If you happen to be visiting Hameln during the winter, then be sure to explore their quaint Christmas Market.
Located near the Hochzeithaus, the Christmas Market takes place from the end of November until the end of December.
With about 60 stalls, you are sure to find plenty of food, drinks, crafts and locally-made products.
You may just find that perfect rat-themed souvenir as well!
Not only does the Christmas Market feature the typical market stalls, but you will also find carousel rides for the kids and Glühwein (mulled wine) stalls for that extra bit of Christmas cheer.
Hameln also offers guided tours of the Christmas Market and Advent boat trips along the Weser River.
Where to Stay in Hameln Germany
There are quite a few hotels that are located right in the main part of town and just a short walk from the pedestrian area.
We made sure to include options for different budgets, as well as including some hotels that are perfect for families (can accommodate 4+ people per room).
Luxury
Hotel La Principessa: Experience elegant rooms and a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Hameln, just a short walk from the historic old town.
Historik Hotel Garni Christinenhof: Stay in a charming historic building offering modern comforts and a central location, perfect for exploring Hameln’s attractions.
Moderate
Hotel Stadt Hameln: Located on the banks of the Weser River, this hotel combines modern amenities with a historic setting, offering stunning river views and easy access to the town center.
Hotel Altstadtwiege: Enjoy comfortable accommodations in this boutique hotel, ideally situated in Hameln’s picturesque old town with easy access to local sites.
Budget
Hotel An der Altstadt: This budget-friendly hotel provides simple yet comfortable accommodations, perfect for travellers looking to explore Hameln on a budget.
Hotel zur Börse: Located in the heart of Hameln, this hotel offers modern rooms, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to the town’s attractions and shopping areas.
Where is Hameln Germany Located?
Hameln is located in north-central Germany, in Lower Saxony.
It lies along the Weser River, southwest of Hanover. Hameln is the capital of the district of Hameln-Pyrmont and has a population of roughly 56,000.
How to Get to Hameln Germany
Depending on where you are travelling from and your budget, there are several ways to get to Hameln Germany that are simple enough.
By Airplane
If you are planning to fly into Hameln, the closest international airport is Hanover, which is 45.7 km away.
Bremen, Hamburg and Paderborn are also good options.
By Train
Many major cities in Germany, including those with airports, have train service into Hameln.
Bremen, Hannover, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart all offer direct service to Hameln.
There are also international rail connections available via Cologne from Brussels or Amsterdam, which connects with the Eurostar from London.
By Car
Driving is definitely a good option for getting to Hameln from anywhere in Germany.
Although the downtown area is a dedicated pedestrian-only section, there is parking available just outside of this part of town.
By Bus
There is a bus terminal located right next to the train station in Hameln. A Variety of bus routes from surrounding cities and towns have direct routes to Hameln.
How to Get Around Hameln
Hameln is a pretty small town, making the downtown area quite walkable.
Although many buses arrive in town, most will only circle around the downtown area on the main streets.
If you arrive by bus, it is only about a 15-minute walk from the main bus terminal to the downtown pedestrian area.
Best Time to Visit Hameln Germany
The best time to visit Hameln is from late spring to early fall, especially between May and September. This is when we visited.
The weather is pleasant, and many outdoor events such as the famous Pied Piper Festival take place, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and enjoying the town’s wonderful charm.
Of course, if you want to stroll through the Christmas Market and see the town all nicely decorated, then you will need to visit in early winter!
Is Hameln Germany Worth Visiting – FAQs
Hamelin is famous for the legend of the Pied Piper, a medieval tale about a mysterious piper who rid the town of rats and later led away its children. This story is commemorated in various attractions and events in the town, including the Pied Piper House and regular reenactments of the legend. Hamelin is also known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, particularly its beautiful half-timbered houses.
The town of Hameln is located in Lower Saxony, north-central Germany. It lies along the Weser River, southwest of Hannover.
Hameln is a small enough town that you could see all the popular sights in just one day. However, if you do have a little bit more time to spare in your itinerary, 2 days would probably be the perfect amount of time to really enjoy this amazing place.
Yes, Hamelin is worth visiting. Known for the famous Pied Piper legend, it offers a charming old town, beautiful half-timbered houses, and engaging historical attractions.
The moral of the Pied Piper story is “Always pay what you owe“. This is in fact, where the phrase “Pay the Piper” comes from.
The nearest major airport to Hameln, Germany, is Hannover Airport (HAJ), which is approximately 65 kilometres (40 miles) away. It offers both domestic and international flights and is well-connected to Hameln by train and road.
Hameln, also known as Hamelin in English, derives its name from the Hamel River that flows through the town.
Final Thoughts
Yes! Hameln Germany is worth visiting with kids. All in all, we definitely enjoyed our time in this quaint little town.
From the incredible architecture to learning all about history, this small town has plenty to offer visitors.
Our only hope is that next time we are in the area, we will have a bit more time to explore!
Pin This Post for Later!
Related Posts:
- Is There Uber in Germany? How to Get Around
- Best Things to Do in Hameln Germany with Kids
- 21 Things Not to Do in Germany – Expert Advice
- Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Ritter Sport Museum Waldenbuch
- Best German Foods: 40 Dishes You Need to Try
- What is the Legal Drinking Age in Germany?
- Best German Phrases for Travel (With FREE Printable)
