In 1284, 130 children from Hameln (Hamelin) are said to have mysteriously vanished. This gave rise to the curious tale of the Pied Piper who, according to the legend, led the children from the town as revenge for an unpaid debt. Visitors to Hameln (Hamelin) will encounter this strange journeyman not just in the excellent museum, but all around the town, because the legend of the Pied Piper continues to be ubiquitous.
Every summer, a group of volunteers try their hand at acting in the Pied Piper Open-Air Play, while the RATS musical brings the legend to life from May to September every year and is free of charge.
The Pied Piper of Hameln is famous around the world, with the story having been translated into over 30 languages. “Dealing with the Pied Piper of Hameln” was recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2014.
