# Haguenau

> commune in Bas-Rhin, France

**Wikidata**: [Q22730](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22730)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haguenau)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hagenau

## Summary

Haguenau is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department of northeastern France, situated in the Alsace region within the Grand Est administrative region. As a historic town that was a member of the Décapole—a medieval alliance of ten Alsatian free imperial cities from 1354 to 1679—Haguenau serves as a subprefecture and the seat of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg. The town is notable for its rich medieval heritage, including the Forest of Hagenau (one of the largest remaining medieval forests in Europe) and several historic churches and monuments dating back to the 12th century.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Bas-Rhin department, Alsace region, Grand Est, France
- **Coordinates**: 48.816666666667°N latitude, 7.7877777777778°E longitude
- **Administrative status**: Subprefecture, seat of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg
- **Historical affiliation**: Member of the Décapole (1354-1679), a union of ten free imperial cities in Alsace
- **Population**: Approximately 36,391 residents (based on recent census data)
- **Official website**: https://www.haguenau.fr/
- **Alternate name**: Hagenau
- **Historical establishments**: St. George's Church (founded 1143), Basilique Notre-Dame de Marienthal (founded 1866)
- **Military history**: Headquarters of the 2nd Dragoon Regiment (established 1556)
- **Sports**: Home to FCSR Haguenau football club (founded June 1987)
- **Intercommunal structure**: Part of the Communauté d'agglomération de Haguenau (established January 1, 2017)
- **Transportation**: Contains Gare de Haguenau railway station
- **Notable natural feature**: Forest of Hagenau (Forêt de Hagenau), a historic medieval forest

## FAQs

**What region and department is Haguenau located in?**

Haguenau is located in the Bas-Rhin department of the Alsace region in northeastern France, which is now part of the Grand Est administrative region. Bas-Rhin is a French administrative district that serves as the northern part of the European Collectivity of Alsace, established on March 4, 1790.

**What is the historical significance of Haguenau?**

Haguenau was one of the ten members of the Décapole, a defensive and economic union of free imperial cities in Alsace that existed from August 28, 1354, until 1679. This alliance provided its member cities with significant autonomy and collective bargaining power during the medieval period. The town's strategic location along trade routes contributed to its prosperity during this era.

**What administrative changes has Haguenau undergone?**

Haguenau serves as a subprefecture and is the seat of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg, which was established on January 1, 2015, as part of administrative reorganization in France. Previously, Haguenau was the seat of the former arrondissement of Haguenau, which was consolidated into the new administrative structure. The town is also part of the Communauté d'agglomération de Haguenau, an intercommunal structure established on January 1, 2017.

**What notable buildings and landmarks exist in Haguenau?**

Haguenau contains several significant historical and religious structures. St. George's Church (Église Saint-Georges), founded in 1143, is one of the oldest churches in the area. The Basilique Notre-Dame de Marienthal, established in 1866, serves as a major pilgrimage site. The town also features the Forest of Hagenau, one of the largest and most significant medieval forests remaining in Europe.

**What military presence exists in Haguenau?**

Haguenau has a long military tradition and serves as the headquarters of the 2nd Dragoon Regiment (2e Régiment de Dragons), a cavalry unit of the French Army that was originally established in 1556. The regiment has been stationed in various locations throughout its history, with Haguenau serving as one of its principal headquarters.

**What transportation infrastructure serves Haguenau?**

Haguenau is served by the Gare de Haguenau, a railway station that provides rail connections to various destinations in the region. The town is situated along important transportation routes that connect it to Strasbourg and other cities in northeastern France.

**What sports and cultural organizations are based in Haguenau?**

FCSR Haguenau is the local association football club, founded in June 1987. The club represents the town in regional football competitions and contributes to local sports culture. The town also hosts various cultural events and maintains several associations through the Communauté d'agglomération de Haguenau.

## Why It Matters

Haguenau matters as a living testament to Alsatian history and medieval urban development. As one of the ten cities of the Décapole, it played a crucial role in the political, economic, and cultural life of Alsace during the late medieval period. The town's membership in this historic alliance provided it with privileges and protections that shaped its development for centuries.

The Forest of Hagenau represents an exceptional environmental and historical asset. As one of the largest remaining medieval forests in Europe, it serves as a living laboratory for understanding medieval forest management practices and continues to provide ecological benefits to the region. Its preservation demonstrates the town's commitment to maintaining its natural heritage alongside urban development.

From an administrative perspective, Haguenau's role as a subprefecture and seat of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg makes it a crucial center for government services and administrative functions in northern Alsace. The establishment of the communauté d'agommation in 2017 further reinforces its position as a hub for intercommunal cooperation and regional development.

The town's military significance, evidenced by the long-standing presence of the 2nd Dragoon Regiment, has contributed to its historical development and continues to play a role in the local economy and community identity. This military tradition dates back to the 16th century and reflects Haguenau's strategic importance along France's eastern border.

## Notable For

- **Medieval heritage**: One of ten members of the Décapole (1354-1679), the historic union of free imperial cities in Alsace
- **Forest of Hagenau**: One of the largest and best-preserved medieval forests in Europe
- **Historic churches**: Home to St. George's Church (founded 1143), one of the oldest churches in Alsace
- **Military tradition**: Headquarters of the 2nd Dragoon Regiment since 1556
- **Administrative center**: Subprefecture and seat of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg
- **Pilgrimage site**: Location of Basilique Notre-Dame de Marienthal (founded 1866)
- **Sports heritage**: Home to FCSR Haguenau football club since 1987
- **Intercommunal leadership**: Headquarters of the Communauté d'agglomération de Haguenau since 2017

## Body

### Geography and Location

Haguenau is situated in the northeastern French department of Bas-Rhin, within the Alsace region that now forms part of the Grand Est administrative region. The town lies at coordinates 48.816666666667°N latitude and 7.7877777777778°E longitude, positioning it in the heart of the Alsatian plain. The territory of Haguenau encompasses the notable Forest of Hagenau (Forêt de Hagenau), one of the most significant medieval forests in Europe and one of the largest remaining such forests on the continent. This ancient woodland has been carefully managed since medieval times and represents an exceptional ecological and historical resource.

### Historical Background

The history of Haguenau is deeply intertwined with the Décapole, a defensive and economic alliance of ten free imperial cities in Alsace that existed from August 28, 1354, until 1679. This union provided member cities, including Haguenau, with collective bargaining power, mutual defense agreements, and significant autonomy from external authorities. The alliance was particularly important during periods of conflict and helped shape the unique cultural and political identity of Alsace.

The founding of St. George's Church in 1143 establishes Haguenau as a site of religious significance dating back to the High Middle Ages. This early establishment of a major ecclesiastical structure indicates the town's importance as a religious and administrative center during the medieval period. The church has undergone various modifications and restorations over the centuries but remains a testament to the town's deep-rooted Christian heritage.

### Administrative Structure

Haguenau serves as a subprefecture, making it an important administrative center for the French government in the region. The town is the seat of the arrondissement of Haguenau-Wissembourg, an administrative division established on January 1, 2015, as part of France's departmental reorganization. Prior to this change, Haguenau served as the seat of the former arrondissement of Haguenau, which was consolidated into the new administrative structure.

The town is also the headquarters of the Communauté d'agglomération de Haguenau, an intercommunal structure established on January 1, 2017. This communauté d'agglomération brings together municipalities in the area to coordinate regional development, public services, and infrastructure projects. The headquarters is located in Haguenau, reflecting the town's leadership role in the surrounding region.

### Military Significance

The 2nd Dragoon Regiment (2e Régiment de Dragons) has its headquarters in Haguenau, establishing the town as a significant military center. This cavalry regiment was originally established in 1556, making it one of the oldest military units in continuous existence in France. Throughout its history, the regiment has participated in numerous campaigns and conflicts, and its presence in Haguenau has contributed significantly to the town's development and identity. The regiment's long-standing association with Haguenau demonstrates the town's strategic importance along France's eastern border.

### Religious Heritage

Beyond St. George's Church, Haguenau is home to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Marienthal, a basilica founded in 1866. This religious structure serves as an important pilgrimage site and represents the continued religious significance of Haguenau in the Catholic tradition of Alsace. The basilica's construction in the 19th century reflects the town's ongoing importance as a center of faith and spirituality.

### Sports and Culture

FCSR Haguenau represents the town in association football competitions. Founded in June 1987, the club has become an important part of the local sporting community, providing opportunities for youth development and competitive football in the region. The club's activities contribute to social cohesion and athletic development in Haguenau and the surrounding area.

### Transportation

The Gare de Haguenau serves as the town's railway station, providing rail connections to Strasbourg and other destinations in the region. This transportation infrastructure is essential for commuting, commerce, and tourism, connecting Haguenau to the broader transportation network of northeastern France. The railway station's presence reflects the town's importance as a regional hub.

### Regional Context

Haguenau is part of the Bas-Rhin department, one of two departments that comprise the European Collectivity of Alsace. Bas-Rhin was established on March 4, 1790, during the French Revolution, as part of the initial division of France into departments. The department's headquarters is located in Strasbourg, while Haguenau serves as a subprefecture, handling administrative functions for the northern portion of the department.

The town's position within the Alsace region places it at the crossroads of French and German cultural influences, reflecting the complex history of this border region. This strategic location has shaped Haguenau's development, architecture, and cultural identity throughout the centuries.

### Demographics and Modern Life

With a population of approximately 36,391 residents, Haguenau serves as a significant urban center in northern Alsace. The town's economy benefits from its administrative functions, military presence, historical tourism, and role as a service center for the surrounding rural areas. The official website (https://www.haguenau.fr/) provides information about municipal services, cultural events, and local government to residents and visitors alike.

The communauté d'agglomération de Haguenau, established in 2017, coordinates services including public transportation, economic development, and environmental planning across multiple municipalities. This intercommunal structure reflects contemporary approaches to regional governance and resource sharing in France.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. dataset of postal codes in France. 2018
4. INSEE code
5. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki/Q781078)
6. répertoire géographique des communes
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
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13. Populations légales 2016
14. Populations légales 2017
15. Populations légales 2018
16. Populations légales 2019
17. Populations légales 2020
18. Populations légales 2021
19. Populations de référence 2022
20. Populations de référence 2023
21. [Code officiel géographique. 2017](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/2560698)
22. [Code officiel géographique](https://www.insee.fr/fr/information/3363419)
23. GeoNames
24. [2016](https://data.geopf.fr/telechargement/download/GEOFLA/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28/GEOFLA_2-2_COMMUNE_SHP_LAMB93_FXX_2016-06-28.7z)
25. [répertoire géographique des communes. 2015](https://wxs-telechargement.ign.fr/83edtfdyqte031y0ra49d2e3/telechargement/inspire/RGC-2015-01$RGC2015/file/RGC2015.7z)
26. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
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