Hachenburg, Germany: A Little-Known German City with Class

Although most would-be travelers only place popular destinations on their itineraries, anyone planning to travel to Germany should also take the time to find the out-of-the-way places. These towns and cities, villages and metropolises both large and small are well worth the visit. Hachenburg, Germany is one such place to consider for a day-trip. First, the basics and a little history: Hachenburg is located in the Rhineland-Palatinate, one of the most beautiful regions of the country. Being of Pennsylvania German stock with ancestors from the Rhineland and having ancestry in Hachenburg, I find a particular interest in this town.

Hachenburg Castle, which still guards the town, was constructed originally in the 1200s by Heinrich von Sayn (the Sayn family with its related "tendrils" is firmly entrenched in Hachenburg history). A destructive fire in the 17th century unfortunately destroyed the original castle and much of the town but some industrious noblemen decided to restore the town to its former glory in a new architectural form. This "updated" Hachenburg to its current look. There are quaint homes dating from the colonial era, and the castle as it looks now was finished in the mid-1700s. It is easy to be impressed by this structure as it broods from its lofty vantage point and towers over the town.

What to Look For

One of Hachenburg's most interesting offerings is the architecture of the town. It is in many ways quintessential German, full of high, narrow, colorful townhouses in a row. You'll notice the striking tan and red house with spotless trim; it sticks out on photographs of Hachenburg. This is the "Zur Krone" which is actually an inn that has quite a venerable history. Those who love old homes may want to research before the trip to see exactly what purposes the structures in Hachenburg have served throughout history. This is particularly true for the old churches and the castle.