Rimbach-Près-Guebwiller: Hiking, Heritage and History

Explore Rimbach-Près-Guebwiller through its hiking trails, sacred art and local history. The Rimbach is a tributary of the Lauch. In its upper reaches, it is fed by numerous springs that rise on the slopes of the Sudel, Firstacker and Grand Ballon. This gives you two specific areas to focus on when planning your trip: hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty and views, and the architectural and local history, each with its own points of reference in time.

Hiking between Ebeneck and Judenhut

The short Rimbach–Ebeneck hike leads to the high pastures of Ebeneck and is accessible to most people. The trail is 5.6 km long, takes about two hours and has an elevation gain of 312 m. From the summit, the Rimbach–Ebeneck circular trail offers a beautiful view across the Alsatian plain.

Another option is the Rimbach–Judenhut circular route, a moderate hike or snowshoe trail. It is 6.1 km long; the walking time is about two hours, with 415 m of ascent and descent. Both routes are therefore estimated to take a similar amount of time, but differ in length, elevation figures and stated difficulty. The high pastures and the view across the plain are highlights of the Ebeneck route, while hiking and snowshoeing are both mentioned as options for Judenhut.

From the Judenhut circular trail, the view stretches as far as Guebwiller and its vineyards. The route also passes Munsteraeckerle, where there are tables, benches and a small hut.

Church, art and local history

The Église de l'Epiphanie is open daily; check current opening hours before your visit. Its construction history includes several dated stages: it was rebuilt from 1866 to 1869 to plans by Auguste Hartmann of Colmar. The bell tower was added in 1897 and extensively restored in 1928. The church houses a well-preserved Opus 31 organ by Georges Schwenkedel. Its construction phases are thus linked to a specifically named instrument.

Another detail of cultural history is the sculptural group “Saint Valentin guérissant un épileptique”. It dates from the 16th century and has been classified as an object since 23 July 1976.

The town’s history also extends beyond its religious buildings. Rimbach-Près-Guebwiller is first mentioned in a document from 1291 under the name Rinpach. An exploratory adit entrance and prospecting traces discovered on the slopes of Ebeneck attest to ore mining in the valley as early as the 16th century. In the 18th century, the local economy was based mainly on glassmaking and the use of the forest. These historical reference points are clearly distinct: the first mention of the name, mining, and the economic importance of glass and the forest belong to different periods in the town’s history.

Dining and travel planning

The Ferme-Auberge de la Glashütte is located at the exit of Rimbach-Près-Guebwiller, at the foot of the Grand Ballon, and is an ideal starting point for hiking trails. It serves traditional cuisine and Alsatian specialties, including Marcaire meals, game dishes, Bouchée à la reine and produce from its own farm. If you plan to dine there, check current opening details and the menu in advance.

Discover more destinations: Levoncourt, Illfurth, Wuenheim, Ferrette, Staffelfelden, Oderen, Hunawihr, Ungersheim

For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.