Hassenhausen Museum

Hassenhausen Museum in Germany chronicles the battles of Jena and Auerstadt (often jointly known as the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt). These battles of the Napoleonic Wars saw the Prussian Army defeated by the army of Napoleon I of France in two locations on 14 October 1806, confirming Napoleon’s military might and severely damaging that of Frederick William III of Prussia.

Hassenhausen Museum history

On 14 October 1806, the Prussian main army was defeated by the French in Hassenhausen. At this time, Napoleon was at the height of his power. He invaded Berlin shortly afterwards. The Prussian king fled to East Prussia. Napoleon could no longer be prevented from reshaping Europe to suit his purposes.

The museum in the vicarage commemorates the events of 1806. About 15,000 people were mortally wounded on 14 October 1806. Among those who fell victim to this battle at the time was the commander-in-chief of the Prussian army: Duke Carl Wilhelm Ferdinand von Braunschweig.

Hassenhausen Museum looks at the background and context of the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt as well as its aftermath. At the site, visitors can see the church, the main monument from 1906, the monument to the Duke of Braunschweig and 14 other memorial stones, which are important marking points of the battlefield from that time.

Hassenhausen Museum today

Visitors can view an intricate diorama of the battle, pieces found on the battlefield and also visit nearby monuments and memorials as well as touring the battlefield itself.

In the museum, visitors can see the monuments and memorial stones and remember the people who perished here over 200 years ago. Its exhibits are small, though well-curated.

Getting to Hassenhausen Museum

The Hassenhausen Museum is located near the Auerstedt Battlefield. The site is a 20 minute drive away from Naumburg centre and 1.5 hour drive away from Leipzig Altenburg airport.