Oderen – Cultural History and Nature in the Mountains

Oderen in the Mid-Mountains

Oderen is a mid-mountain municipality covering just under 2,000 hectares; half of its area is forested. The high proportion of woodland shapes the character of the municipality’s landscape.

Saint-Nicolas Church and Notre Dame du Bon Secours Chapel

Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, Saint-Nicolas Church overlooks the village of Oderen from a rocky outcrop. The present-day church was consecrated on 27 April 1786 by the Prince of Roggenbach, Bishop of Basel. It is the fourth church to have been built on the same hill. The consecration and the sequence of buildings provide two distinct historical points of reference: the date marks the consecration of the present-day church, while the number of churches places the succession of buildings on the hill in context. This makes it possible to distinguish a specific event from the site’s longer architectural history.

Notre Dame du Bon Secours Chapel, also known as Our Lady of Help, dates back to the 17th century and is carved into the rock of the Maerelberg. It is well known for its pilgrimages. Compared with Saint-Nicolas Church, the chapel is notable for its location in the rock and its pilgrimage tradition, while the church is distinguished by its position on the rocky outcrop and the succession of church buildings. The two structures thus offer different points of interest for exploring sacred culture.

Panoramic Trail, Hiking and Skiing

A panoramic trail created by the municipality of Oderen and village volunteers offers views of the valley and the landscapes of the upper Thur. At the Markstein resort, there are opportunities for hiking as well as Nordic and alpine skiing. Skiing conditions may vary by season; check conditions for your planned travel dates if winter sports are important to your trip.

The family circular trail at the Markstein resort and along the Route des Crêtes passes through mountain heathland and pastureland; you may encounter mountain animals along the way. The panoramic trail focuses on views of the valley and upper Thur, while the family circular trail is characterized by the landscapes along the route and the chance to encounter mountain animals. The two trails therefore differ in their described character. Check the current route information before setting out.

Seasonal Festival and Unspoilt Surroundings

The Bredalamark is one of Oderen’s most important seasonal festivals and a recurring event in village life. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the dates for your chosen period. At the Étang du Maerel, anglers and tourists can relax in unspoilt surroundings. These offer different kinds of experiences: a seasonal village festival and relaxation in a natural setting.

Discover more destinations: Grentzingen, Merxheim, Lièpvre, Saint-Amarin, Heidwiller, Illhaeusern, Lutter, Gunsbach

Return to the regional travel guide: Haut-Rhin.