Hameln, also Hamelin, city, northwestern Germany, in Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen), on the Weser River, near Hannover. Located in a farming and cattle-raising area, it is a river port and an industrial center. The chief manufactures are blankets, furniture, and rugs. According to legend, the city was the scene of the appearance of the Pied Piper, asked to rid Hameln of rats during a plague in 1284. Historic buildings include the Ratcatcher's House (1602-3), on which are frescoes depicting the legend. Originally an outpost of the Saxons, Hameln was made a city around 1200. In 1426 it became a member of the Hanseatic League and in 1866 passed to Prussia. Population (1997) 58,923.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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