Discover Sausheim

Visitors who choose Sausheim as a destination can get to know the town via the “À la découverte de Sausheim” route and explore various themes from its local history. The route passes through the town centre and along the banks of the Quatelbach and the Ill, through a rural landscape. Historical points of interest include a medieval mill, a former factory and a stele with a cartographic purpose.

Circular route, waterways and heritage

The circular route is 6.5 kilometres long and is suitable for exploring with the family. It passes several local heritage sites, marked by explanatory panels from the “Amis du Vieux Sausheim”. The route is therefore about more than distance: the panels also draw attention to the history of the places along the way. If you enjoy spending time outdoors while learning about local cultural history, the route brings these interests together in a circular walk.

The starting point is in front of the Church of Saint-Laurent de Sausheim. It was built in 1865 and rebuilt in 1951 after the destruction caused by the battles of liberation in 1944/45. The two dates mark different periods in the town’s history: the church’s construction in the 19th century and its reconstruction after the war damage. The church is thus both the starting point for the route and a place where this sequence of events can be traced.

The Quatelbach features in several historical references. The former mill of Sausheim on the stream already existed in the Middle Ages. The Quatelbach was probably developed at that time to supply water to villages and mills. This qualified description of its likely development is part of the waterway’s history. Another named footbridge over the Quatelbach is the Passerelle des Poètes. The mill, stream and bridge represent different aspects of the town: medieval water supply, a historic mill and a named crossing.

Industrial history and places of remembrance

The former Dollfus-Noack factory operated from 1889 to 1991 and produced industrial felts. Its period of operation is clearly in the past: it is a former business whose significance is reflected here in its industrial production. The factory adds another chapter to Sausheim’s history, alongside the older references to the mill and waterway.

The Hansi roundabout commemorates Jean-Jacques Waltz (1873–1951), an Alsatian illustrator, caricaturist and poet known as Hansi. The memorial site connects the well-known name with the three artistic pursuits associated with Waltz. This is a distinct cultural point of interest for exploring the town’s history, alongside its architectural and industrial heritage.

The geodetic stele, known as the Sausheim Pyramid, also points to a special historical purpose. It was erected during the reign of Napoleon and was intended to serve as a basis for creating a map of Switzerland. Its recorded purpose is therefore cartographic: the stele is part of the history of surveying and mapmaking. No specific year of its construction is given here.

Plan events and your stay

The Espace Culturel Dollfus & Noack (ED&N) is an event venue that was inaugurated in October 2008. If a specific event date is important for your stay, check the current programme and dates separately. This lets you plan around a particular cultural event rather than assuming that a suitable programme will be available just because the venue exists.

The route and event venue offer different considerations for planning: for the route, the circular layout and stated length of 6.5 kilometres are key; for the ED&N, the programme on your chosen date is what matters. Consider whether you would rather plan your stay around exploring the town’s history or attending a specific event. These priorities can help you decide whether Sausheim suits your interests as a destination.

Discover more destinations

Soultz-Haut-Rhin, Lutter, Saint-Amarin, Ranspach, Blotzheim, Diefmatten, Metzeral, Staffelfelden

See the main travel guide: Haut-Rhin.