Located in Germany's Ruhr Valley, this transformed industrial city has turned its former coal mines into cultural spaces, with art galleries, theaters, and parks throughout.
In Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, you'll find a 35-meter Glass Elephant rising from an old mining site, now part of Maximilianpark. The city's landmarks include Europe's second-largest Hindu temple and the medieval Pauluskirche with its 80-meter tower. Walk through the 66-hectare Kurpark, where paths wind past fountains and gardens along the Lippe River.
The Glass Elephant and Maximilianpark
You can climb inside the world's largest animal-shaped building at Maximilianpark. Artist Horst Rellecke built this 35-meter glass elephant in 1984, incorporating hundreds of glass panels made from old mine deposits. The park's butterfly house, the largest in North Rhine-Westphalia, contains over 50 species in a temperature-controlled tropical environment. You can watch theater performances and concerts year-round in the park's outdoor areas and indoor theater.
Sri-Kamadchi-Ampal Temple
At Siegenbeckstraße 4, you'll find the Sri-Kamadchi-Ampal Temple, Europe's second-largest Hindu temple. Built in 2002, the temple grew from Hamm's Tamil Hindu community, which established itself in the 1980s when Sri Lankan families moved to the area. You can join regular ceremonies or take a guided tour to learn about Hindu traditions and customs.
Historical Buildings and Architecture
The Pauluskirche, built in the 13th century, rises 80 meters above the city with its pyramid-shaped tower. In Hamm-Heessen, Schloss Oberwerries sits surrounded by water from the Lippe River. This Baroque castle now serves as an arts venue where you can see exhibitions and attend concerts throughout the year.
Parks and Green Spaces
The 66-hectare Kurpark stretches along the Lippe River, with paths connecting multiple gardens and fountains. The park dates to the late 19th century, when workers discovered therapeutic brine groundwater. This discovery led to the city's temporary name "Bad Hamm" until 1955. Today, you can follow marked walking routes or rest on benches under mature oak and beech trees.
Museums and Cultural Venues
At the Gustav Lübcke Museum, you can examine Egyptian artifacts, medieval art, and paintings from the original 1917 collection. The museum moved to its current building in 1993, where you'll find regional art and archaeological discoveries from the area. Near Schloss Oberwerries, the Waldbühne Heessen outdoor theater has run performances since 1924. The theater relocated to its current spot in 1928 to fit larger audiences, and continues to stage plays during summer months.
