Discover Hamm: Parks, Culture and Experiences
Accommodation in Hamm
Hamm combines distinctive industrial heritage with green open spaces, remarkable buildings and active experiences on the water. Maximilianpark was created in 1984 on the site of the former Maximilian coal mine for North Rhine-Westphalia’s first State Garden Show. Those choosing Hamm for a holiday with a variety of interests will find opportunities here to visit parks, enjoy culture and go cycling—without having to follow a single set itinerary.
From coal mine to park
One of Maximilianpark’s landmarks is the Glass Elephant. It is the world’s largest building shaped like an animal and stands on the former coal mine site. From its observation platform, you can look out over Maximilianpark, the city of Hamm and the surrounding area from a height of 35 metres. The park can therefore be explored not only as a green space, but also through its distinctive industrial history and its views from above.
Another large open space is Lippepark: its 42-hectare site at the former Franz mine shaft was developed into an accessible urban park with distinctive attractions. The different sections of Lippepark are connected by bridges over the River Lippe and the Datteln-Hamm Canal. By contrast, the natural landscape takes centre stage in the Lippeaue. The Lippeaue nature experience area covers around 195 hectares and includes an approximately five-kilometre-long stretch of river that has been restored to a natural state, with wet meadows, floodplain forests and small ponds. These landscapes offer contrasting experiences: a landscaped urban park on the one hand, and a river landscape with wetland habitats on the other.
Culture and distinctive buildings
The Sri Kamadchi Ampal Temple has been in Hamm since 1989 and has been located in Hamm-Uentrop since 1997. It is considered Europe’s largest purpose-built Tamil temple. Its history and significance make it a distinctive cultural destination in Hamm. Schloss Oberwerries also offers a glimpse into the past: this place to visit lies by the River Lippe, amid a protected landscape. The manor house was built between 1685 and 1692.
At the Gustav Lübcke Museum, you can see objects collected since 1886 across more than 4,000 square metres. The museum also hosts changing exhibitions with appeal beyond the region. Those wishing to make culture the focus of their stay can explore the museum, temple and castle as distinct experiences: collections and exhibitions, a Tamil place of worship, and a historic manor house. Every year on the first weekend in September, the h4 cultural festival transforms Hamm city centre into a large creative stage.
Explore Hamm by bike and on the water
For cyclists, the 32-kilometre PANORAMA ROUTE starts at the cycle station at Hamm railway station. Look for its white binoculars logo on a blue background; the route leads to Maximilianpark and the Glass Elephant. The main route of the Roman-Lippe Route also passes through Hamm and the renaturalised Lippeaue. If you are looking for accommodation for a cycling trip, these routes can serve as practical guides when planning your excursions. The stated length of 32 kilometres refers to the PANORAMA ROUTE.
At Haarener See, the water sports facility brings together a range of amenities, including a sandy beach, a spacious shallow-water zone and two beach volleyball courts. The water-ski cableway officially began operating there on 18 July 2008. Beginners at water skiing and wakeboarders can be pulled across the water at just under 30 km/h. This makes it easy to include an active outing at the lake in your Hamm itinerary, while parks and cultural attractions offer different kinds of experiences.
Things to do with children and trip ideas
At Hamm Zoo, the Fairytale Creature Adventure World features play activities and lovingly designed areas where children can enjoy imaginative role-play suited to their age. It is one way to combine a visit with child-friendly play and imagination. At Haarener See, meanwhile, the shallow-water zone and beach volleyball courts appeal to different interests. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider which of these activities matter for your trip and which excursions you would like to plan; this does not indicate specific distances between accommodation and destinations.
The pages for Hamm and Rhynern offer further ideas to help you find suitable destinations.
For the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.
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