Haguenau is a city that in the Middle Ages was one of the seats of the princes of Swabia. Several interesting Romanesque and Gothic monuments have been preserved here, and in the vicinity of the largest natural forest in Alsace.
Due to its location in Alsace, which has been a rivalry area between France and Germany since the Middle Ages, Haguenau has been destroyed many times in its history. This contributed to the present-day appearance of the city, which lacks a strict historical center. Historic buildings are mixed with newer ones, and the buildings are not of a uniform character. In addition to the wars waged from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, it was also influenced by the Second World War and the fights fought in the area.
From the 11th century, the Holy Forest near Haguenau was a hunting place for the princes of Swabia. At the beginning of the 12th century, Prince Frederick One-Eye built a castle here for his son, Frederick Barbarossa. It was he who in 1164 moved the ducal seat to Haguenau, making it one of the most important cities in the whole of Alsace.
Although Haguenau had a capital character for a little over 100 years, it developed into a significant center during this time. The memory of this period are three preserved city gates, including the Fisherman's Tower and the Gothic church of St. George.
The local museums are very popular among visitors to the city. These include the Historical Museum, the Alsatian Museum and the Luggage Museum.
