Osthouse can be explored through two distinct themes: historic buildings and a route that brings together water features and landscapes. The château and the Church of Saint-Barthélemy offer insights into the area’s cultural history; the Sentier du Bronnwasser passes a karst spring and the Ill River, and winds through forests and meadows. This lets you choose between a cultural-history focus and a walk through the surrounding countryside for your trip.

Château and Church

The Château of Osthouse is a lowland château surrounded by a water-filled moat and dates from the 15th century. It has belonged to the same family since it was built. By decree of March 15, 1983, the façades and roofs of the château’s two wings, including their towers, the entrance bastion, the courtyard with its well, the surrounding wall, and the moat were listed as a historic monument. The date of construction and the date of the decree refer to two different historical periods: the 15th century is part of the château’s history, while March 15, 1983, marks the later listing of the specified features.

The Church of Saint-Barthélemy has been listed as a historic monument since 1937 and stands on a small hill. The names and coats of arms of former members of the Zorn de Bulach family appear on its outer wall. This adds a trace of the area’s history through its people to the architectural features of the château. The château and the church offer different perspectives on Osthouse’s cultural history.

The Sentier du Bronnwasser

Water and landscape are at the heart of the Sentier du Bronnwasser. The trail passes the karst spring of the Bronnwasser and follows the Ill River; it also winds through the surrounding forests and meadows of Osthouse. Along the way, it brings together two distinct water features: the karst spring and the Ill River. The landscape also includes both woodland and meadows, so the nature trail is defined by more than just its water features. The route is signposted by the Club Vosgien. As route-marking information may be updated, check the latest information about the trail before setting out.

The Route des crèches

The Route des crèches offers a seasonal cultural highlight. It invites visitors to discover nativity scenes in the churches of the parish community; the scenes represent local craftsmanship and a living faith. Several of these churches are usually closed to the public. During the route, the church in Osthouse is open to visitors as an exception. Dates and participating locations may vary, so check the latest dates and local opening arrangements in advance.

Choose between different themes

At the château, the focus is on its architectural features and date of construction; at Saint-Barthélemy, it is on the historic-monument status and the names and coats of arms on the outer wall. The Sentier du Bronnwasser draws attention to water and landscape, while the Route des crèches highlights a seasonal cultural tradition. You can plan your trip around whether you are especially interested in architectural history, nature, or the nativity-scene tradition.

Discover more destinations: Stutzheim-Offenheim, Lohr, Duttlenheim, Mittelhausen, Kirchheim, Gerstheim, Andlau, Odratzheim.

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.