Oberhergheim: River, Monuments and Trails

Oberhergheim is located on the River Ill. Historic buildings and trails offer different starting points for planning your trip: Saint-Léger Church, the geodetic stele, and routes that take in nature and cultural heritage. This lets you choose between historical themes, a route along the levee, and walks around the ponds of the Thurwald.

History and Architecture

Saint-Léger Church was first mentioned in 1262. An earlier church was destroyed in 1843; the new Saint-Léger Church was completed in 1844 to plans by the architect Laubser. The dates mark different milestones: the first mention, the destruction of the predecessor building, and the completion of the new church. This distinguishes the church’s long history from the specific building history of the 19th century.

Another point of reference in time is the geodetic stele of Oberhergheim. It was erected in 1804 and protected as an immovable monument on December 5, 1979. Its pyramidal shape consists of a base and six stone blocks stacked on top of one another. An irregular circle of twelve marker stones with rounded tops surrounds the stele. Its erection and protected status are two separate historical dates; its structure adds specific architectural details to this historical context.

Water Engineering and Local History

The Ill is a geographical landmark for Oberhergheim; the Canal Vauban offers a different perspective on water. It was built between Ensisheim and Oberhergheim at the end of the 17th century to supply water to the canal between Rouffach and Neuf-Brisach, construction of which began in 1697. The Canal Vauban and the canal between Rouffach and Neuf-Brisach are two structures with different roles: one supplied water, while the other was the construction project whose start is dated to 1697. This history expands the local themes to include the connection between water engineering and supply.

Trails and Nature

For time outdoors, two trails can be distinguished by their routes and formats. On the Sentier de l’Ill, the trail runs from Oberhergheim along the levee to Biltzheim. The signposted Hergheim Trail begins, among other places, in Oberhergheim and is intended for exploring the local natural and cultural heritage, the Sentier de l’Ill, and the Canal Vauban. It is described as a 12.5-kilometre circular route taking three hours and accessible to everyone without any major difficulties. A trail with a named destination and a circular route with details about distance and duration offer different kinds of guidance when choosing a route. Check current trail conditions and details before setting out.

The ponds of the Thurwald provide a suitable setting for walks and observing the preserved wildlife and plant life; ecological conditions may change. Alongside historic buildings and water engineering, walks and nature observation are therefore also distinct areas of focus for planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pfaffenheim, Hochstatt, Mulhouse, Merxheim, Wintzenheim, Pfastatt, Wildenstein, Ostheim

For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.