Hamm Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Hamm

City of Hamm

Flag	Coat of arms

Country

Germany

State

North Rhine-Westphalia

Admin. region

Arnsberg

District

urban district

Subdivisions

Hamm-Mitte, Bockum-Hövel, Heessen, Rhynern, Uentrop, Pelkum, Herringen

Elevation

37.7 - 102 m (−296.9 ft)

Population

(2022-12-31)

• Total

180,849

Time zone

CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)

Postal codes

59000-59077

Dialling codes

02381, 02382, 02383, 02384, 02385, 02388, 02389, 02307

Vehicle registration

HAM

Website

www.hamm.de

Hamm is a city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is located in the western part of Germany. Hamm is part of the Arnsberg Government Region.

The city is home to about 185,000 people, making it a lively place with lots to see and do. Hamm is known for its history and its important role in transportation.

Discovering Hamm's Past
- How Hamm Began
- Hamm and the Hanseatic League
Exploring Hamm's Geography
- Waterways and Canals
Life in Modern Hamm
Images for kids
See also

Discovering Hamm's Past

How Hamm Began

Hamm was officially founded in 1226 by Count Adolf I of the Mark. He chose this spot because it was a good place to build a city. The name "Hamm" comes from the word "Ham," which means "corner" or "angle." This describes the bend in the Lippe River where the city was built.

Hamm and the Hanseatic League

For many centuries, Hamm was an important member of the Hanseatic League. This was a powerful group of trading cities around the Baltic Sea and North Sea. Being part of the Hanseatic League meant Hamm was a busy center for trade and business. Merchants from Hamm traveled far and wide, helping the city grow and become wealthy.

Exploring Hamm's Geography

Hamm is located in the Ruhr area, which is a large urban region in Germany. The city sits on the Lippe River. This river has been important for trade and transport for a long time.

Waterways and Canals

One of Hamm's key features is the Datteln-Hamm Canal. This canal connects Hamm to other important waterways. It helps transport goods and materials across the region. The canal is also a popular spot for boats and barges.

Life in Modern Hamm

City Government

Like other cities, Hamm has its own government. The city is led by an "Oberbürgermeister," which is like a mayor. The Oberbürgermeister works with a city council to make decisions for Hamm. They help manage things like schools, parks, and public services.

Getting Around Hamm

Hamm is an important hub for transportation. The city has a large railway station that connects it to many other German cities. This makes it easy for people to travel to and from Hamm. There is also a small airfield for light aircraft.

Important Buildings and Places

Hamm has several interesting landmarks. The Pauluskirche (St. Paul's Church) is one of the city's main churches. It has a long history and beautiful architecture.

Another unique place is the Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple. This is a large Hindu temple, one of the biggest of its kind in Europe. It shows how diverse and welcoming Hamm is.

You can also find Schloss Heessen, a historic castle that adds to the city's charm.