In Graufthal, troglodytic dwellings occupy two horizontal fissures in the rock. The houses in the first fissure are about seven metres above the village. The Maisons des Rochers were created gradually as former storage rooms belonging to the abbey were converted into homes. Visitors can learn about the living conditions of the former residents there. The term “troglodytic” refers to the dwellings’ unusual location in the rock fissures.
Rock Dwellings and Abbey History
The exhibition “Des rochers et des hommes” is also on display at the Maisons des Rochers. It explores how people have used the rocks over the centuries. Check the current exhibition status before your trip.
Graufthal Abbey was a Benedictine convent from the 12th to the 16th century. Its remains include a large hall with arcades, probably used as a refectory and built in the third quarter of the 12th century. A refectory was the dining hall of a monastic community. The first level of the refectory is almost entirely preserved to its full height and is considered unique in Alsace.
The architectural features of the Maisons troglodytiques de Graufthal also have protected-monument status: they were listed as historic monuments by decree on 20 December 1988.
On Foot: Village History or a Panorama
The audio tour “Balade sonore – Découverte du village d’Eschbourg” covers the village church, traditional residential buildings and former crafts. It is described as an easy 2.9-kilometre walk with a stated duration of one and a half hours.
The Circuit des 5 Fontaines starts at the church car park in Graufthal. This walking trail is eight kilometres long, with a stated duration of two and a half hours. It leads to a viewpoint near Eschbourg overlooking the Vosges massif.
The two walking options differ in both duration and focus: the audio tour is about the village church, residential buildings and crafts; the longer circuit leads to a viewpoint near Eschbourg. Its stated duration is one hour longer than that of the walk.
Mountain Biking on the Les Maisons des Rochers Route
The “Les Maisons des Rochers” route is described as an easy mountain bike ride, with a duration of three hours and 396 metres of elevation gain. It follows a forest track along the Rehbach to the entrance to Graufthal. The stated duration is half an hour longer than that of the Circuit des 5 Fontaines. As route information can change, check the current route details before setting out.
There are activities to suit different interests and time frames: an easy walk focusing on village history, a longer hike with a panorama, or a mountain bike ride with a stated elevation gain.
Discover more destinations: Hohengœft, Ottersthal, Stundwiller, Erstein, Dinsheim-sur-Bruche, Ergersheim, Andlau, Schleithal
Return to the regional travel guide: Bas-Rhin.
