Hirtzbach: Park, Hiking Trails and History

Hirtzbach offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a stay: the Parc Charles de Reinach, hiking trails with their own points of interest, and historical landmarks. The stream Le Hirtzbach runs through the village from south to north. The avenue of hundred-year-old lime trees lines the stream and the main street. The watercourse and tree-lined avenue are two specific landscape features you can discover alongside the individual sites and buildings.

Parkland and stream

The Parc Charles de Reinach was laid out as an English garden in the early 19th century. Its design includes a stream and three ponds. Since 1982, the park has been open to the public for walks and recreation; the municipality opened it to the public at that time. Check local access conditions before your visit, as they may change.

The stream Le Hirtzbach also has its own ecological dimension: it was restored to a very free-flowing, natural state. The aim was to restore biodiversity and improve water quality through better self-purification. The avenue of lime trees and the stream restoration emphasize different aspects: one lines the stream and main street, while the other describes an approach to shaping the watercourse.

Hiking trails with different points of interest

The marked Sentier Saint-Léger is 10 kilometres long. Information panels cover wildlife, forests, ponds, biodiversity and traces of the First World War front line. Nature topics are thus presented alongside historical traces. The length and themes provide two specific points of reference for planning; check trail conditions locally.

A walking trail around Hirtzbach leads to the site of the vanished village of Sankt-Glückern and to the Landfürstenweyer, also called Étang des Princes. The pond has calm waters. Unlike the Sentier Saint-Léger, which is defined by its length and the topics covered by its panels, this walk has two named destinations worth highlighting: the vanished village and the pond. When choosing a route, you can take different interests into account without treating the two trail descriptions as equivalent.

History, buildings and regional cuisine

The historical landmarks also differ in period and type. Sainte-Afre is first mentioned in 1303 and again in 1441; it remained a parish church until the French Revolution. The Château des Reinach in Hirtzbach was built in two main phases: in the first and fourth quarters of the 18th century. This places medieval references and a church that served as a parish until the Revolution alongside the later construction phases of the Château.

On the ceiling of the nave of Saint-Maurice Church is a fresco by Carlos Limido (1902–1957). It depicts Christ in glory with angels and the Instruments of the Passion, as well as a Trinity. Another testament to the town's history is a restored waterwheel, considered the last surviving remnant of a former mill.

The Parc de Reinach is listed as a historic monument in its entirety, including the boundary wall and architectural features. It was listed by decree dated 5 September 1996; the associated entry was amended in November 2025. This listing and the historical landmarks at the church, Château and waterwheel offer different ways to connect with Hirtzbach's history.

Regional cuisine includes “carpe frite,” a Sundgau specialty that you can enjoy in Hirtzbach's restaurants. As the offerings at individual restaurants may change, contact them directly before your visit if you would like to check whether the dish is available.

Discover more destinations: Wickerschwihr, Husseren-Les-Châteaux, Winkel, Gunsbach, Jungholtz, Sewen, Zellenberg, Kruth.

For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.