Haslach im Kinzigtal Travel Guide

 Kathrin_E Says:  Heinrich Hansjakob (1837 - 1916) is a famous personality in Baden: parson, author and politician. He was born in Haslach on August 17, 1837, as the son of a baker and innkeeper. He studied theology in Freiburg. He first worked as a teacher but was dismissed because of his... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  The former Capuchin monastery was founded outside the town in the middle of the 30 Years War and erected in 1630-32. The buildings have survived in their original shape, including cloister, convent buildings and church, which makes this about the only originally preserved... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  Some funny metal animals can be spotted in Haslach...The pig family and their human company are located in the middle of Hauptstraße. Some bronze humans keep permanent watch of them, real people of flesh and blood often join them.The storks' nest (photo 2) is attached to a... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  The baroque fountain in market square was erected in 1731.The column carries a statue of St Sebastian, the patron saint of the town. According to the legend Sebastian was an ancient Roman soldier and secret follower of the Christian faith. The statue depicts his martyrdom:... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  The vaulted hall on the ground floor is a remain of the 1572 town hall building which bwas destroyed in the fire of 1704. The rest was rebuilt in 1733 and renovated in 1953. The murals depict local people in traditional dress and figures from local legends. I am inclined to... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  The so-called "Kasten" is one of the very few buildings in Haslach that survived the fire of 1704, probably thanks to its solid stone walls and its location next to the steeple of the parish church. It was built around 1550 and belonged to the Counts of Fürstenberg who ruled... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  Haslach's history actually begins in the time of the ancient Romans but there is nothing visible left. The oldest piece that you can visit and see in the streets is the Romanesque tympanon of the medieval church, the pre-pre-precedessor of the present one. This piece is... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  Haslach is one of many small towns in the Black Forest that have preserved a small but pretty old town. Recently people who used to despise the "old stuff" have rediscovered its value. Many old houses have been restored. The timberwork of the facades was uncovered from... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  Four large individual figures march at the beginning of the parade. The Gullerreiter (Cock Rider) is a fake rider: a person walking on his own feet, carrying the birg body with fake rider legs. Cocks have the reputation of being s*xually ... active and this connotation is... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  Kleppern means the rhythmic clacking of small wooden boards, a pair per hand. It is popular in the Kinzig valley among kids and teenagers. Performing complicated rhythms as a group requires practice and sleight of hand. The kids are taught this ability and the guild holds... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  The Schellenhansel is a young figure in Haslach's Fasent. The figure was created and first presented in 1994, based on a narration by Heinrich Hansjakob which mentions "Hansele juming along the streets of Haslach" in the late 19th century. In the meantime there are about... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  Haslach was named after the hazel tree ("Hasel"), which shows in the town crest. Unsurprisingly the hazel tree also modeled for the creation of a jester figure, one of the guild's main types.The colours of the hazel tree - green, brown and yellow - show up in the Häs. The... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  No carnival without a parody on authorities. While many guilds have one single jester policeman, Haslach has a whole squad. It is lead by the Büttel (bailiff, beadle), the guy in blue uniform with the big bell. He does not only lead the parade but he has an important role... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  Haslach's most unique jester group... Ranzen translates to satchel in high German but is also a local word for a man's big belly. The Ranzengarde relates to a story (legend?) from some war in the middle ages when the warriors had no armour and used barrels instead. The... 

 Kathrin_E Says:  Like most places all over the catholic Black Forest, Haslach observes alemannic carnival traditions. The local Narrenzunft (jester guild) organizes the activities before and during the High Days. The different jester figures and groups will be presented individually in...