Markirch: Mining History and Textile Tradition

Markirch (Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines) combines mining history and textile tradition with ecclesiastical heritage and marked hiking and mountain biking trails.

Mining History Underground

Between 938 and 1940, more than 1,100 mines were established in Markirch and its surrounding area; together, they comprised almost 300 km of underground galleries. These overall figures refer to the town and its surrounding area. They represent two different measures: the number of mines and the combined length of the underground galleries.

The underground tour at Tellure follows an 850 m route through galleries dug by people in the 16th century. Tellure is a tourist complex built on the Saint-Jean Engelsbourg mine, described as the largest man-made underground cavity in the Vosges Massif and also known as “La Colonne Saint-Jean.” During a visit to Tellure, life-size scenes depicting the daily lives of 16th-century miners are presented.

At the Saint-Louis Eisenthür Mine, a half-day underground exploration leads through 16th-century galleries to the Salle de l'Avalanche, where three former silver mines in the Vosges Massif meet. Guided visits are available by appointment or on request. The details relevant to planning your day differ: the route length is specified for Tellure, while a time frame is given for Saint-Louis.

Church, Architecture and Textile Tradition

The Église St-Pierre-sur-l'Hâte has been mentioned since the 12th century and was remodelled in the 16th century. In 1685, it was shared between the Catholic and Protestant communities. Its history therefore includes references to it, a later remodelling and its division between the communities. The key can be collected from the Val d'Argent Tourist Office; check the visiting arrangements before you arrive.

The turreted houses are also part of the townscape: they mark places of power and are visible only on Markirch’s Alsatian side. As an architectural contrast to the underground mines, they draw attention to another facet of the town.

The Tissage des Chaumes is still in operation and produces high-quality fancy yarn for European haute couture houses. The Carrefour Européen du Patchwork adds an annual event to the textile tradition. It takes place in September in Markirch, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, Lièpvre and Rombach-le-Franc, and features more than 30 exhibitions by international artists. The number of exhibitions may vary from one edition to another. Before travelling in September, check the current dates and the distribution of venues with the organiser.

Forest and Marked Trails

Markirch has almost 3,000 hectares of forest, all of it within the municipal boundaries. There are also marked hiking and mountain biking trails maintained by the Club Vosgien and the cycling club. If you would like to make time for outdoor activities as well as mining and culture, you can make hiking or mountain biking a focus of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Fellering, Ranspach-Le-Bas, Thannenkirch, Freland, Herrlisheim-près-Colmar, Goldbach-Altenbach, Wolschwiller, Urbès.

Return to the main travel overview: Haut-Rhin.