Melissa Abroad 2022: Best of Germany in 13 Days
Hamelin & Hannoversch-Münden
One Day on the
"Fairytale Highway"
From Hamburg to Hamelin!
Along the way, we were introduced to the Brothers Grimm by our guide, Matti.
He shared little tidbits of one story in particular...something about a rat catcher and lost children...?
Upon arrival, we met a lovely guide who was very excited to share the story of the
"Pied Piper of Hamelin", and the Brothers Grimm's role in the history of this idyllic, picturesque German town.
I was fascinated by the Brothers Grimm and how they were dedicated to the preservation of German folklore. They understood the importance of maintaining the history and culture and passing that on to future generations.
I knew of Grimms' Fairy Tales, but to hear how this story is at the heart of this town and shapes their identity and livelihood really gave me a deeper appreciation for this town and the people here.
Osterstraße in Hamelin city center.
Rättenfanerhaus (Rat Catcher's House). Now a restaurant.
The Rat Catcher
Our guided walking tour was so fantastic!
We learned so much about the story of the Rat Catcher, the historical buildings on the main street, and the intricate detail of the decorative adornments on the some of the buildings.
A few of us ventured out to the River Weser, where the Rat Catcher led the rats, and where you'll find the Rattenbrücke (Rat Bridge).
If you look closely, you can see a golden rat at the top of the metal arch :)
We were in town at the perfect time to see the Glockenspiel.
A delightful display depicting the
"Pied Piper of Hamelin".
Misadventure #3
Linen.
A great idea in theory, and very comfortable
(not to mention breathable on a hot day),
but maybe not the best for a full day of walking.
While my linen shorts were super cute and comfortable,
I found that after a few hours, my legs needed a break.
I couldn't take it anymore (if you know, you know...)!
I had to change as soon as we got to our next destination.
My infamous, albeit fashionable, shorts!
"The Pied Piper of Hamelin"
Enjoy a 4-part version of the story here!
1. In 1284, he claimed to be a rat catcher, promising to deliver the town from all rats and mice for a fee. The mayor agreed.
2. The Pied Piper arrived with a pipe whistle and played. The rats followed him to the River Weser.
3. River Weser, where the Pied Piper led the rats and they drowned in the river. But the mayor denied the man his money, so he left in a rage.
4. He returned with wild clothes. While everyone was in church, he played his pipe. This time, children came. And he led them out the eastern gate and into a mountain.
Museum Hamelin
Food Recommendation!
(White Asparagus, "White Gold")
White asparagus is considered a delicacy in Germany.
It was almost out of season but one restaurant
in Hamelin still had it on the menu.
Yay!
Matti encouraged us to try it.
And since I actually do like asparagus,
I was all up for it.
Above: Spargel mit Jung Kartoffeln und butter,
und Schweineschnitzel.
(White asparagus with baby potatoes, butter,
and pork schnitzel)
Convergence of the 3 rivers, right outside our hotel.
Hannoversch-Münden:
Powerful Rivers
Our final stop for the day was in Hannoversch-Münden.
It sits at the confluence of 3 Rivers:
Fulda, Werra, and Weser
(where we just were in Hamelin!).
Hannoversch-Münden is most famous for its
half-timbered houses...
some are older than 600 years old!
We enjoyed a short walk-through of the city on the way
to our restaurant for our group dinner.
Evening free time led me down a path along
the river, in which I discovered an
Archimedes Screw in action!
It was electrifying (haha)!
Photo Album!
Hover or click the pictures to view descriptions and see them larger.
Don't forget my favorite links at the bottom!
My Favorite Hamelin & Hannoversch-Münden Things!
Rattenfangerhause - The rat catcher's house. Named after the inscription on the side of the building, which tells the story of the missing children.
Hochzeitshaus - The Wedding House. The last building built in the Weser Renaissance style in Hameln. Home of the Pied Piper Glockenspiel.
The Children of Hamelin - The Brothers Grimm version.
Grand Cafe Taglich - Quaint little café that served Spargel!
Mia Boutique - A fashionable women's clothing store. I was looking for a "summer" sweater and popped in here for a 'looksee'. I was able to speak a little German with the lady working and she helped me choose a vibrant pink sweater to take home!
Gaststätte Die Reblaus - Delicious restaurant of German-Mediterranean cuisine where we had our group dinner, outdoors next to St. Blasius Church.
Dr. Eisenbart - Statue honoring Dr. Johann Andreas Eisenbart, born in 1663. He was a famous surgeon, travelling throughout Germany. He designed his own medical instruments, including a cataract needle and a polypus hook.
Hotel Alter Packhof - Lovely, historic hotel. Originally used as a warehouse to store goods and for long-distance trade. You can still see the timbers on the top floor (where my room was!).