Herzogenaurach, Administrative municipality in Erlangen-Höchstadt district, Bavaria, Germany
Herzogenaurach is a town in the Erlangen-Höchstadt district of Middle Franconia, located between Nuremberg and Erlangen. The Aurach river flows through the settlement, giving the town its name and running through the old center today.
The settlement was first mentioned in written records during the early Middle Ages and grew over centuries as a center for crafts. After World War II, the establishment of two competing shoe factories transformed the small community into an internationally known industrial site.
The town is known worldwide as home to two major sports brands, whose presence shapes the streetscape and daily rhythm. Visitors walking through the center notice references to this athletic tradition, from company buildings to brand symbols in public spaces.
The town center sits conveniently between larger Franconian cities and is easily reached via regional roads. Visitors find parking options near the old quarter and can explore the historic core on foot.
The two sports corporations emerged from a family dispute between two brothers who originally made shoes together. This rivalry shaped social life for decades, as many residents worked for one of the two manufacturers and divided into different camps.
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