Auhausen: Bavarian municipality and birthplace of the Protestant Union

Quick facts

• Municipality: Auhausen
• District: Donau-Ries
• State: Bavaria
• Country: Germany
• Mayor: Wilhalm Dorner

Historically Auhausen is best known for its role in early 17th-century Protestant politics. In 1608 a meeting held in the locality led to the formation of the Protestant Union—often called the Union of Auhausen—a defensive alliance of Protestant states within the Holy Roman Empire. That event linked the village to wider European religious and political developments that preceded the Thirty Years' War.

Characteristics and community life

The settlement preserves elements of Bavarian rural life: a parish church, village hall, and traditional houses, along with agricultural land surrounding the core. Local life revolves around municipal services, seasonal festivals, and regional ties to nearby towns. Auhausen participates in district-level planning and benefits from the cultural and natural attractions of the wider Donau-Ries area.

Importance and distinctions

Although small, Auhausen's international significance rests on its historical association with the Protestant Union. That legacy attracts interest from historians and visitors curious about the political history of the Holy Roman Empire. Today the municipality balances preservation of its historical identity with the practical needs of a modern rural community.