If this German town’s name sounds familiar, here’s a hint – think wind instruments. Hamelin is the town the Pied Piper cleared first of mice and rats and then of children, and you can’t get much more fairy tale than actually being in a fairy tale. The Brother’s Grimm set a lot of their tales in this picturesque corner of the world, so a Christmas market here lends from those child friendly traditions and looks like it could be attended by Hansel and Gretel. Of course there’s a nativity scene – it is one of the world’s favourite stories – and in this case the four legged and feathered characters are played by their descendants and you can pet them afterwards in a mini petting zoo.

The other main attraction, apart from the usual warming selection of festive treats, stalls set up in the square and everything decked out in lights, is Hamelin’s architecture – some of it in traditional timber style and much of it graceful and historic – Hamelin was pretty wealthy round the time of the Grimms and there was a lot of investment in the appearance of the town – which from photos definitely doesn’t seem wasted.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

Hamlin Christmas Market

While being one of the smaller Christmas markets in Germany, the Hamelin Christmas Market is steeped in lore and tradition. Located in Old Town, the market is in the home town of the Pied Piper. Over 70 decorated stalls sell goods such as mulled wine and handcrafted gifts. The town has an historic stage-set feel to it as most of the houses have been restored to look like they did when they were built during the Renaissance period. The cobbled stone streets and the Pied Piper story help to make the atmosphere at the Hamelin Christmas Market unmatched in Europe. 28 Novemeber – 23 December

 

Review posted 26th October 2007 by Tony Owusu.

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address