Lohr: Forest Landscapes, Cycling Routes and History

Landscapes, a family-friendly mountain biking loop, and architectural and local history give Lohr several distinct themes for a stay. If you’re looking for hotels in Lohr, first consider whether nature, cycling or the history of the town will shape your trip most.

The Isch Valley and Forest Landscapes

Lohr lies in the Isch Valley, between the sandstone massif of the Vosges and the limestone-rich Lorraine Plateau. More than 580 hectares of the municipal area are covered by state forest; Lohr also lies in the core zone of the Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve. The geology, state forest and biosphere reserve offer distinct ways to connect with the natural surroundings.

From Graufthal, a forest road open to traffic winds downhill through a beech high forest into the picturesque Rehbach Valley, where there are fishponds. The Rehbach forest road connects Petersbach and Graufthal. Along with its setting in the Isch Valley, Lohr is therefore associated with forests, valleys and fishponds.

Cycling Routes and Getting Around

The “Sur le plateau” mountain biking loop passes through Lohr and is suitable for families. The “La Petite-Pierre à Dossenheim” route also passes through Lohr. In the town center, departmental roads 122 and 107 intersect, providing a useful point of reference. If you’re planning a trip, check the current traffic conditions and road status.

Door Frames and Architectural History

Lohr’s door frames mark two distinct historical reference points. The oldest reused sandstone door frame in Lohr dates from 1619. Neoclassical door frames first appeared in Lohr in 1824. The dates refer to different things: 1619 dates a specific reused architectural element, while 1824 marks the first appearance of neoclassical door frames. This distinguishes an individual older door frame from a later development in style.

Examples of neoclassical door frames can be found at 3, 14 and 34 Rue Principale, 13 Rue d'Ottwiller, and 9 Rue de Petersbach. The condition of individual buildings may change. If you’d like to see a particular example, check its current condition before your visit.

Church History and Archaeological Finds

The former church in Lohr had a round bell tower with very thick walls and a narrow Gothic nave. When the former church was demolished, a fragment of a stele, believed to date from the 3rd century AD, was discovered in 1876. The date is uncertain and should be treated as an estimate. Neolithic and Roman finds, as well as Merovingian graves, add further historical periods to the evidence from the church and stele.

Local Food Traditions

In the past, the women of Lohr made the traditional Schleckel by simmering pear or plum juice in copper cauldrons. On Maundy Thursday (Griendonnersdaj), mothers in Lohr prepare a vegetable purée made from seven different green plants. The two traditions differ both in how they are prepared and when they take place: Schleckel centers on the former practice of reducing fruit juice, while the purée is associated with Maundy Thursday.

Discover more destinations: Witternheim, Huttenheim, La Vancelle, Obernai, Fouchy, Eichhoffen, Hœrdt, Schiltigheim.

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.