In Hameln, the Pied Piper story comes to life on an open-air stage in the heart of the old town: the Pied Piper open-air play has been performed every year since 1956 on the terrace of the Hochzeitshaus. The performance schedule depends on the season. The open-air play brings the story to life at its permanent setting in Hameln’s old town; other discoveries range from Renaissance buildings and museums to hiking trails and distinctive landscapes.
History and culture in distinctive settings
History can also be found in a variety of buildings outside Hameln. Schwöbber Castle in Aerzen is a Weser Renaissance landmark, while Hämelschenburg Castle in Emmerthal is considered a masterpiece of the period. In Bad Pyrmont, the fortress and palace feature historic state rooms and an art gallery. Each building offers its own way to explore the architecture and interiors of the past.
The museums focus on other topics. The Hameln Museum takes visitors on a journey through time, from the earliest traces of settlement to the recent past. Its collection on the Pied Piper of Hameln is considered probably the largest in the world. The museum in Bad Pyrmont Palace explores the town’s history and its spa heritage. In Börry, the Museum of Agricultural Technology and Rural Labour features collections of agricultural equipment; Coppenbrügge Water Castle houses a museum. In Aerzen, the Domänenburg Cultural Centre adds another cultural landmark.
Comparing hiking and cycling routes
Those wishing to explore the landscape on foot will find two routes of very different lengths. The 225-kilometre Weserbergland Trail passes castles and palaces, as well as half-timbered towns and varied landscapes. The 80-kilometre Ith-Hils Trail links historic sacred sites, lakes and caves with repeated breathtaking views. Comparing the distances is a useful starting point; the features described also give each route its own character. The Ith in CoppenbrĂĽgge is designated as a hiking area.
Routes through the district are also of interest to cyclists: the four-star Weser Cycle Route runs through Hameln-Pyrmont. The 800-kilometre Culture Route crosses the district. The Weser Cycle Route has been awarded four stars; the Culture Route is 800 kilometres long and crosses the district.
Parks, landscapes and special insights
In Bad Münder, the spa and landscape park features mineral springs and a graduation tower. Bad Pyrmont’s spa park offers a different attraction: it is home to a palm garden, considered by far the largest open-air palm collection in Europe north of the Alps. Another landmark in Bad Pyrmont is the Dunsthöhle, a cave where carbon dioxide escapes. The two spa towns thus each showcase different park and landscape features.
Another trail in Bad Pyrmont is the Ewilpa® in the Bergkurpark. This public themed trail is about three kilometres long and has 13 stations. Station 14 is located in the paid-access spa park. The trail is freely accessible to everyone; gathering items free of charge is expressly encouraged, except at Station 14. Check access and station rules before travelling.
In Hessisch Oldendorf, the Schillat Cave can only be visited as part of a tour with a qualified cave guide. The visit includes a 3D show and a ride about 45 metres underground in a glass-enclosed lift. Check the specific visiting information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Bad Pyrmont, Hessisch Oldendorf, Hameln, Lauenstein, Bad MĂĽnder Am Deister, Aerzen, Emmerthal, Salzhemmendorf, CoppenbrĂĽgge.
Back to the main travel overview: Lower Saxony.
