Highlights of Hamelin's Christmas market are the Nativity scene, which has real animals to stroke, and a Christmas pyramid at only a mere 11 metres tall.

In German the town of Hamelin is known as Hameln. The town is located only 45 minutes from Hannover city centre and is well served by regular S-Bahn services. 

The river Weser is where most of the fairy tales we know today where inspired by the Brothers Grimm, including in Hamelin, which is primarily famous for the legend of the Pied Piper.

Due to the importance of the Weser river, Hamelin's fortunes were made in medieval times and as a result many successful businessmen showed off their wealth by building some incredible buildings with beautiful and complex decorations.

Today the crown of the Weser Renaissance can still be admired, especially in the town centre which has a great concentration of colourful historical buildings, all bustling with vibrant activities and life. In Hamelin - which could very much resemble an open air museum - the magically fancy gables and artistic construction draw groups of tourists as magnetically as the Piper's flute, as is the Glockenspiel and Clockwork Figures which may be seen three times a day (1:05pm, 3:35pm, and 5:35pm).

More mysteries can be discovered at the Pied Piper and Hamelin town museum. Other attractions worth visiting in the area are the Haemelschenburg Castle, the Hamelin Glassworks or a relaxing riverboat excursion along the Weser valley, one of the loveliest and best ways to see its fairy tale landscape.