Hochstatt – Organ History, Sundgau and Circular Route R 594

If you are looking for hotels for a stay in Hochstatt, you can base your travel plans on several specific features of the town: its religious heritage, events, a circular route and its location in the Sundgau. The topics vary considerably—from historical details and a playfully designed treasure hunt to information for a walking route.

Religious heritage: organ, keystone and bells

A closer look at the Callinet organ reveals two notable dates: Claude Ignace Callinet built the instrument, which was installed in Hochstatt in 1836. In 1874, Antoine Berger added a second manual. The two years mark different stages: the installation was followed by the addition. If you are interested in church and music history, the organ offers a clearly defined historical focus.

Another detail can be found in the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul: a keystone, probably from the former church, is set above the entrance to the choir. Its location is clearly identified, but its origin is uncertain. Alongside the dated history of the organ, this is a single architectural feature with a possible connection to the former building. It offers a different architectural perspective from the changes made to the instrument.

The “Messagères du Ciel” bells serve several purposes in Hochstatt: they call people to prayer, bring the community together and announce celebrations. Their connection to community life distinguishes them from the organ, with its construction history, and the keystone as a single architectural feature. Together, these represent three different aspects of religious heritage: an instrument, a building element and the role of the bells.

Location in the Sundgau and Circular Route R 594

Hochstatt lies at an altitude of 285 metres on one of the Sundgau’s first hills. The municipality is also described as one of the gateways to the Sundgau. The elevation and hillside location place the town in its landscape; the gateway description adds a regional connection. Thus, alongside the church’s architectural and musical details, the landscape setting offers another distinct aspect of a trip.

Circular Route R 594 starts in Hochstatt, is 7.44 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 135 metres. A route description published in April 2023 gives an approximate duration of two hours, rates the route as easy and states that it is suitable for mountain bikes. You can take the distance, elevation gain and estimated time into account together when planning your trip. The duration is approximate, and route conditions may change. Check them before setting out.

Events and local produce

The Comité des Fêtes de Hochstatt organizes events throughout the year, including the Fêtes de l’été, the Mystères du Patrimoine, a Christmas market and open-air cinema. This means your plans can take into account not only the type of outing but also a possible event date. Dates may vary; if a particular event is to be a highlight of your stay, check the relevant dates.

The “Mystères du Patrimoine” features a special format: a treasure hunt through Hochstatt’s heritage, accompanied by theatrical performances. If you enjoy exploring history in a playful way, this offers a different approach from viewing an instrument or a building element. Theatrical segments accompany the treasure hunt through Hochstatt’s heritage; individual editions may vary.

The local offering also includes direct sales from the farm: the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Haenlin in Hochstatt sells veal, eggs, potatoes and milk. This adds a tangible connection to agricultural produce to the cultural and landscape themes. Product availability may change; ask about the current selection before making a special trip to shop.

Discover more destinations: Luttenbach-près-Munster, Oberlarg, Hohrod, Stosswihr, Colmar, Heidwiller, Uffholtz, Murbach

View the wider travel guide: Haut-Rhin.