Magic lights in Hann. Münden

I'm not often speechless... but when I stood in the ramparts on the opening evening of our "Lichterzauber" project, my mouth dropped open in amazement. I have never seen anything so beautiful. In the evening twilight, a beautifully illuminated tree suddenly lights up the park. The twinkling lights in the treetop reach far into the sky. An incredibly beautiful sight, the magic of lights in Hann Münden. I am completely touched and a pleasant lightness spreads through my stomach.

Goosebumps atmosphere

And I feel that the people around me feel the same way. Pure goosebumps! A mystical and enchanted glowing forest full of beautiful animals and all this in the middle of the parks of my hometown. This morning, my colleagues and I watched live as some of the larger-than-life figures were set up and the selected trees were wrapped around them, and now, just in time for nightfall, the animals and the trees are shining and glowing. My dear new-found friend and a secret favourite of the "Lichterzaubers" is a sugar-sweet squirrel, who can be found among his buddies in the park near the Welfenschloss in Hann. Münden.

All lights on...

The opening ceremony of the "Lichterzauber" in Hann Münden cannot take place due to corona. What a pity! We had such a nice accompanying programme in mind. So only the people who have accompanied or sponsored the project arrange to meet and the head of the multi-day set-up officially switches on the power for the "Lichterzauber in Hann. Münden" in the presence of the local press. In the darkness, he flits from figure to figure, always leaving a little pause to keep the tension high. A few onlookers from Münden are drawn to the park after all. Light simply inspires people and you don't see a project like this every day!

One by one, the beautiful forest animals in the nocturnal park at the castle, the trees along the path, the rearing horse in front of the Guelph castle, the enchantingly illuminated swans on the water carpet between the town hall and the church, the graceful deer at the rotunda, the famous Doctor Ironbeard who is treating a patient and the colourful Father Christmas who is waiting for visitors sitting on a park bench at the Dielengraben. Here you can find a map.

Who would have thought it?!

No less than 3,500 m of fairy lights were used to wrap the trees. Then there are the lights on the façade of the town hall and the blue lights on the water carpet where the swans are installed. In total, that makes more than 5000 metres!

By the way, the fairy lights in the trees grow over the years due to their predetermined breaking points and, of course, do not damage the tree in the process. Our horse on the Schlossplatz is the tallest object at 3.50 metres and the swan is the largest light installation this winter at 5 metres long and 2.30 metres high. Who knows what will be added in the next few years.

A late walk to the "Lichterzauber" in Hann Münden

In the evenings, I often take my dog for a walk in the park and am always amazed by the people and the many happy faces. It looks as if half of Hann Münden has moved its evening dog walk to the town centre for the Lichterzauber in Hann Münden.

My highlight this year is and remains the enchanted forest. And so I visit my squirrel again, look up at the stately eagle, marvel once more at the many acorns the squirrel has collected and which dangle in the trees, pat the imposing moose on the head and watch the clever owl, who reminds me of Hedwig from Harry Potter, with rapt attention.

A ray of hope in the dark times

Time and again we read and hear from the people of Hann. Münden how happy they are about this ray of hope, and for that alone the project has been worthwhile. To put a smile on the faces of residents and visitors so that they can get through these crazy times with confidence. And we can all use a ray of hope right now!

Until the end of February, the magic of lights in Hann Münden and the figures in the town centre of Hann Münden will remain with us. Of course, I immediately offered to host the forest animals in my garden during the summer. The children and our neighbours would certainly be very pleased! But then we'll probably suddenly have a lot more visitors and onlookers on the fence every evening... er... so I'd rather not.

Hopefully, many more objects will be added in the coming winter and we will certainly be able to hold events again by then. Let us be surprised!

    "All will be well in the end - and if it is not well, it is not yet the end!"

Oscar Wilde