[volkman10]

You would have read or known the famous fable of Pied Piper, but did you know there is actually a place called Hameln where this story is believed to have taken place?



Probably not,but Hameln is the place where the famous legend starts.
Never did I ever dream in years to come I would see this place, forget once, but now this is the place the 6th time. It is always a new thing and most pleasant sight being in a very familiar environment abroad.

Recap of the fable,

In the year 1284 a mysterious man appeared in Hameln. He was wearing a coat of many colored, bright cloth, for which reason he was called the Pied Piper. He claimed to be a rat catcher, and he promised that for a certain sum that he would rid the city of all mice and rats. The citizens struck a deal, promising him a certain price. The rat catcher then took a small fife from his pocket and began to blow on it. Rats and mice immediately came from every house and gathered around him. When he thought that he had them all he led them to the River Weser where he pulled up his clothes and walked into the water. The animals all followed him, fell in, and drowned.
Now that the citizens had been freed of their plague, they regretted having promised so much money, and, using all kinds of excuses, they refused to pay him. Finally he went away, bitter and angry. He returned on June 26, Saint John's and Saint Paul's Day, early in the morning at seven o'clock (others say it was at noon), now dressed in a hunter's costume, with a dreadful look on his face and wearing a strange red hat. He sounded his fife in the streets, but this time it wasn't rats and mice that came to him, but rather children: a great number of boys and girls from their fourth year on. Among them was the mayor's grown daughter. The swarm followed him, and he led them into a mountain, where he disappeared with them.

Well summer is the best time of the year(June - August) to travel to Germany and definitely the late sunset helps a lot in creating this mood.

Arrival at Frankfurt and an hour of transit time to Hannover is normally more than sufficient, but observed with the recent spate of terrorist attacks and extra check at the 'passport security'( immigration) it seemed close for the transit time.

Frankfurt Airport


The Automotive industry considered the driving force of the German economy, is highly visible in display of automobiles in major airports.
This time the stunning Volkswagen's New Tiguan was on display at Hannover airport.

@Hannover Airport


Shows the low emission values




With temperatures @ ~ 20 deg C and the weekly forecast ( rains don't last very long)showed a promising week ahead



Beauty of these travels is you get to have the feel of cars that we don't encounter in India, some of the experiences

In the versatile Touran - awesome interiors, sturdy build and great handling on highway.






The next was Opel - Meriva -A German car only in badge lineage -unimpressive in performance and is noisy and sluggish.





Some scenic view as seen on the autobahn drive during a lazy Tuesday afternoon,

Route 217








The hotel (not the normal one that I stay), a bit away from the city center. This is a typical German village! The 'Piped Piper' visible every way to greet you!
Summer blooms make the environment very green and beautiful.

Hotel Rattenfängerhote , Berkeler Warte 2,





The two of the most familiar words greets guest with again an array of the Piped Piper portraits.

Room @ Euro 70 being a bit off city, within city the rates ate Euro 100



Exploring the countryside,

[volkman10]

A place less than 100,000 people it is commendable to see some familiar cars from Suzuki

Swift - Quite popular




Splash- Now discontinued


Vitara - relatively new and popular


Hameln City View,


Closer look at the city, this is pat 9:00 pm ( daylight saving), on weekdays the city is practically deserted and only restaurants are open. Normally all commercial shops are closed by 6 pm.

hurch of St. Nikolas and Hochzeitshaus (Wedding House)



Famous houses in Hameln built in the Weser-Renaissance-style are the "Hochzeitshaus"


Here on a Sunday afternoon, precisely at 12:00pm the Pied Piper play is enacted. A great tourist attraction.





This in typical European style, a relaxed evening is spent ( week day)



Hameln Museum


Old town Hameln





The Euro 2016 semifinalists - Patriotic Germans supports their team,



Hameln City and residences close by,





Now for some food,

Breakfast mostly a great spread and Germans like to take time for it ~ a hour!



And in German restaurant for dinner - Vegetarians can survive, there are some dishes in most restaurants.

[volkman10]

Moving from Hameln to Hannover- The trade fair city!

A convenient location in the heart of the city and not faraway from the airport too- at Euro 139 it is reasonable.


The room,


Hannover Rail station- well connected to major EU cities,


Water fountain - on week end, kids love it


Friday evening - getting ready for the weekend



Beer for the evening


More of the city,



Shopping centre - close by the railway station



Motorised self balancing scooter!



Hannover Opera House




All within 1 km radius from the railway station - will be very busy on Saturdays with organized special events.



The same street on Saturday morning 6:30 am and a wet day!


Hannover airport @ return trip,


and the take off from Frankfurt,


Well with mixed feelings, and always a hope of returning (for these short trips) in 2017, it is always a pleasure visiting Germany as it is the best Eu country that I can connect with

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Travelogues Section. Thanks for sharing!

[volkman10]

The German Chocolates - Ritter Sport

[dar3dev|l]

Were you here on business or vacation ?

Not sure if you knew I live in Hannover, you should have just given a shout

Hope you liked the city !

[volkman10]

Originally Posted by dar3dev|l

Were you here on business or vacation ?
Not sure if you knew I live in Hannover, you should have just given a shout

Hope you liked the city !

Yup , was on a business trip. Hameln, Munich and Konz are the places that I have usually visit.
Hannover is usually a transit point but for a change decided to stay there for a day since I had some colleagues who wanted to see the city.

Will keep your invite, maybe next time