Hameln facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hameln
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Panorama of Hamelin
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| Country | Germany | |
| State | Lower Saxony | |
| District | Hameln-Pyrmont | |
| Elevation | 68 m (223 ft) | |
| Population
(2006-12-30)
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| • Total | 58,696 | |
| Time zone | CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2) | |
| Postal codes |
31785 – 89, 3250
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| Dialling codes | 05151 | |
| Vehicle registration | HM | |
| Website | www.hameln.de | |
Hameln (sometimes called Hamelin in English) is a city in Germany. It is famous for a very old and well-known story. This story is called The Pied Piper of Hamelin. About 58,000 people lived in Hameln in 2005. The city is located in the state of Lower Saxony.
Contents
The Famous Pied Piper Story
The story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin is a legend from the Middle Ages. It is one of the most famous folk tales from Germany. The story tells of a mysterious piper who came to Hameln.
Rats in the Town
Long ago, the town of Hameln had a big problem. There were too many rats everywhere! The rats were causing a lot of trouble. They ate food and spread diseases. The people of Hameln were very worried. They did not know what to do.
The Piper Arrives
One day, a strange man arrived in town. He wore colorful clothes and carried a pipe. He told the town leaders he could get rid of all the rats. The leaders were very happy. They promised to pay him a lot of money if he succeeded.
A Magical Tune
The piper began to play a special tune on his pipe. As he played, all the rats came out of their hiding places. They followed him as he walked through the streets. The piper led the rats out of the town and into the Weser River. All the rats drowned in the river.
A Broken Promise
The people of Hameln were very relieved. But then, the town leaders refused to pay the piper. They said they did not need him anymore. The piper became very angry. He decided to get his revenge.
The Children Disappear
Later, the piper returned to Hameln. He played a different tune on his pipe. This time, all the children of the town followed him. They walked out of Hameln and disappeared into a mountain. No one ever saw them again. This sad part of the story is why the legend is so well-known.
Hameln Today
Today, Hameln is a charming city. It has many old buildings that look like they are from a fairy tale. The city celebrates the Pied Piper story every year.
Pied Piper Attractions
Visitors to Hameln can see many things related to the Pied Piper. There is a special building called the Hochzeitshaus. It has a Glockenspiel (a musical clock) that plays the Pied Piper story. You can also see statues and fountains about the piper and the rats. There is even a "Rat Catcher's House" (Rattenfängerhaus). It is a beautiful old building with a restaurant.
Location and River Weser
Hameln is located on the Weser River. This river is important for the city. You can take boat trips on the Weser. The surrounding area is very green and peaceful. It is part of the Weserbergland (Weser Uplands) region.
City Government
The city of Hameln is governed by a mayor. The mayor is called the Oberbürgermeister. The current mayor is Susanne Lippmann. She works to make the city a good place to live.
Images for kids
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Watershed of the river Weser.
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1592 painting of Pied Piper copied from the glass window of Marktkirche in Hamelin
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The Pied Piper leads the children out of Hamelin. Illustration by Kate Greenaway.
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Christmas market in Hamelin.
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Hameln Rattenfängerhaus
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The Leisthaus, Hamelin
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Jewish cemetery of Hamelin
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The Golden Rat, on a footbridge over the River Weser in Hamelin
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The Hochzeitshaus, the church's Glockenspiel plays the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin
See also
In Spanish: Hamelín para niños
