Herzogenaurach – home of the World Cup matchball
Mayors reveal their insider tips in the deutschland.de series “My city”. Part 13: First Mayor Dr. German Hacker from Herzogenaurach.
Mayor Hacker, what is special about your city?
Herzogenaurach is being shaped by committed people from 105 different nations as well as several companies with international reputations. As the home and headquarters of automotive supplier Schaeffler, Herzogenaurach is one of Germany’s most important technology centres. In addition, Herzogenaurach is the birthplace of the global sporting goods industry with the sports equipment firms Adidas and Puma. As a result, the current World Cup matchball comes from Herzogenaurach and the world record in the 100m sprint was run with shoes from Herzogenaurach. The combination of sport and technology makes Herzogenaurach a town with international flair and Franconian tradition.
What do you see when you look out of your office window?
Among other things, I have a beautiful view of the stork nest on our palace building with four (!) young stork chicks.
Where in your city do you most like to spend your time?
At one of the cafés or restaurants in the centre of town when you can sit outside and everyone is enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Which of your city’s personalities do you value most?
If I am only allowed to name one, then naturally it is my wife.
What would you like to show tourists?
In the north of the town, on the edge of an artificial embankment that serves as a noise-barrier, there is an undulating park-like landscape that is being developed for its high recreational value. There you will find a new, especially high vantage point from which you have a wonderful view of the entire town and its surroundings. You can also very clearly make out the headquarters of Schaeffler, Adidas and Puma.
Where can visitors best get to know the people of your city?
Definitely at one of the festivals. I recommend the Altstadtfest, a festival of clubs and associations in the town centre which is always held on the weekend after the Corpus Christi holiday, and naturally also the 10-day Sommerkirchweih festival at the beginning of July, which is held in a very beautifully situated park area.
And where do you most like to spend your vacations?
In Italy, especially South Tyrol, Trentino and the mountains surrounding Lake Garda
