Uttenheim: Church, Forest and Local History

Uttenheim combines a rich church and architectural history with a municipal forest whose area and functions are clearly defined. Travel planning can also take into account rail connections to Erstein and Matzenheim, as well as a playground in the village. The church of Saint Pierre et Saint Paul is the main cultural and historical attraction: its pulpit, bell tower and stained-glass windows reveal different aspects of its architecture and history.

Saint Pierre et Saint Paul: Pulpit, Tower and Windows

The church’s Baroque pulpit is almost unique in its position and access. Its surface is curved and undulating, and it is reached by a narrow exterior corridor.

The bell tower is another point of historical reference. It was rebuilt in 1743 under the direction of architect and master mason Joseph Schiller. Its nickname, “Petite Ebersmunster,” derives from the interior furnishings, which recall Ebersmunster Abbey. The tower thus adds a specific phase of construction to the story of the Baroque pulpit, while its nickname points to the design of the interior.

The floor plan and windows are also described in detail: the church nave is rectangular, with three large arched windows on each side. The stained-glass windows frame the first six Stations of the Cross on the left and the ninth through fourteenth Stations on the right. This arrangement makes the windows a subject in their own right alongside the pulpit and bell tower: they link the architecture of the nave with a clearly identified sequence of religious depictions.

Municipal Forest and Character of the Village

Uttenheim’s municipal forest in the Bas-Rhin département covers 23.27 ha. Its functions are not limited to timber production: its primary purposes are timber production and ecological functions, while it also provides social and physical protection. These roles are part of sustainable, multifunctional management.

The management framework is based on the forest management plan approved in 2018 for the period from 2017 to 2036.

Rail Connections and Practical Information

A railway station is located 3.2 km from Uttenheim, in Erstein. It is served by the Strasbourg–Erstein–Sélestat TER line and is easily accessible from Uttenheim by environmentally friendly means of transport. There is also a rail stop in Matzenheim, about 2 km away. If you are planning to use the TER line, check the current timetable before travelling.

Uttenheim’s playground is located on rue de Westhouse. If you plan to visit, check the latest details beforehand. The Grand Ried tourist information office has a reception point in Erstein: 16 rue du Général de Gaulle, 67150. Check the current opening hours before visiting. This gives you practical local information for planning your trip, in addition to the cultural, historical and scenic highlights.

Discover more destinations: Saverne, Wildersbach, Eschbourg, Morsbronn-Les-Bains, Ottrott, Geispolsheim, Obersteinbach, Uhlwiller

For the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.