hornen

Hornen is a small municipality and village in the district of Lauerfeld, in the fictional country of Eldoria. It lies in the northern lowlands, near the Hornen River, and is characterized by farmland interspersed with woodland. The municipality covers about 12 square kilometers and has a largely rural landscape.

The origin of the name Hornen is uncertain; one theory links it to an old term for a horn-shaped bend in the landscape, while another suggests a connection to a local family name. Local dialects preserve medieval pronunciations and street forms that reflect the long-running agricultural character of the settlement.

Hornen is first mentioned in written records from 1123 and grew gradually around agriculture and a mill situated on the river. The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century connected the village to regional markets, and later administrative reforms integrated it into a broader municipal association that coordinates services with neighboring communities.

The population is about 1,150 residents. The majority speak the national language in daily life, with local dialects retained among older generations. The local government consists of a mayor and a small municipal council elected by residents; public services are coordinated through the inter-municipal framework with nearby towns.

The economy centers on agriculture, dairy farming, and small-scale manufacturing, with rural tourism contributing in recent decades. A prominent cultural feature is the Herbstfest, a seasonal festival that draws visitors to the countryside. The parish church of St. Martin, dating to the 12th century, stands as a historical landmark within the village.