Bourbach-Le-Bas lies in the Bourbach valley, within the geographical Doller Valley. Several distinct themes shape the area and can help you plan your outings: the Silbachwaeldle nature recreation area, a hike through vineyards and orchards, a viewpoint with historical significance, and guided tours of the iron mines. You can focus on outdoor exercise, a landscape view or local history. For seasonal activities, planning your dates is important from the outset.
Enjoy nature and plan outdoor activities
Silbachwaeldle is a nature recreation area with a fitness trail, making it a clear option for outdoor exercise. The “Balade: le village de Bourbach-le-bas” hike offers something different: it passes through vineyards and orchards, and there is also an alternative route via the Chapelle des Mineurs. When choosing your route, consider whether the landscape trail or the additional stop at the chapel better suits your planned outing. The fitness trail and the hike therefore differ in the type of activity: one focuses on exercise in the nature recreation area, while the other lets you choose a route featuring the named landscape landmarks.
A viewpoint with historical significance
Rocher des Poilus is a viewpoint overlooking the landscape. The rock was also a former observation post during the First World War. Here, a scenic outlook and a historical role come together. This offers a different focus from the hike: at Rocher des Poilus, the view and the past take centre stage. If you are interested in local history, this is a specific point of interest that is also described as a viewpoint.
Guided tours of the iron mines
The iron mines of Bourbach-Le-Bas date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Guided tours visit two galleries that remain intact, each 400 metres long. The historical context and the actual galleries provide two clear points of interest. Tours are seasonal, so check the dates before you travel. Unlike Rocher des Poilus, whose former role dates to the First World War, the mines take you further back in history and into underground galleries.
Summer activity by the river
As part of the summer activities, the local association’s programme includes an annual river discovery outing. Participants observe aquatic wildlife, followed by a fishing session. This sequence offers a different kind of nature experience from the fitness trail or hike: the river and its aquatic wildlife come first, followed by fishing. Check the local programme for specific dates. If you would like to take part, include the relevant event date in your travel plans.
A precisely dated chapter in local history
The village chapel of Bourbach-Le-Bas was demolished on 13 June 1768. This precise date adds a clearly dated event to the historical references provided by the iron mines and Rocher des Poilus. For travellers interested in history, it is another point of reference for understanding the area’s different historical themes.
Discover more destinations: Wettolsheim, Wuenheim, Westhalten, Rappoltsweiler, Hirtzbach, Soultzeren, Katzenthal, Pulversheim.
For the broader travel guide: Haut-Rhin.
