Haimerich

Haimerich is a town and municipality in the fictional region of Northmark, Valoria. It lies along the Lorn River in a valley between the Haide and Suth hills. The municipality covers 65 square kilometers and had an estimated population of 8,300 in 2023. It serves as the administrative seat of the Haimerich District and is a local service center for surrounding communities.

The name Haimerich derives from Old High German elements haim meaning home or village and ric meaning ruler or power. The suffix -rich is common in place-names and may reflect a historical lord. Earliest written forms date from the 12th century, but the precise origin remains uncertain.

The area shows medieval settlement patterns. A fortification and later a small castle were established in the 13th century, and the town received market rights in the 14th century. It developed crafts and milling, and industrial growth occurred in the 19th century with postwar expansion in services.

The surrounding countryside is cultivated with cereals, fruit, and vineyards in some areas. The local economy combines agriculture, light manufacturing, and tourism centered on the historic core and the Abbey.

The historic center preserves timber-framed houses around a Market Square. Haimerich Abbey, founded in the 12th century, is a major landmark hosting concerts and exhibitions. An annual Harvest Festival and summer events supplement civic life.

The town is linked by regional roads; the nearest railway station is in Edelbach, about 6 kilometers away. Educational facilities include two primary schools and a secondary school.

Notable people include Johannes Haimerich, a 16th-century theologian, and Marta Haimerich, a contemporary botanist.