In Hirtzbach, waterways and garden landscapes meet traces of the village’s history. The Le Hirtzbach stream runs through the village from south to north. The avenue of century-old lime trees lines it, as well as the main street, linking two defining features of the village landscape. If you want to combine nature and culture, you can explore Hirtzbach through these different themes: from the stream and its ponds to historic buildings and ecclesiastical art.
Stream, Lime Trees and Parkland
The Le Hirtzbach stream was restored to a natural state in a very open, nature-oriented style. The aim was to restore biodiversity and improve water quality through better natural self-purification. This makes the stream more than a landmark in the village: its restoration connects the landscape with specific ecological goals. The century-old lime trees line both the stream and the main street, adding a distinctive avenue to the scene.
The Parc Charles de Reinach offers a distinctive landscape setting. Laid out at the beginning of the 19th century, the English garden includes a stream and three ponds. Since 1982, the park has been open to the public for walks and recreation. Local access conditions may change, so check them before your visit. The Parc de Reinach is listed as a historic monument in its entirety, including its surrounding wall and architectural features. It was listed by decree on 5 September 1996; the listing was amended in November 2025.
Paths and Varied Landscape Themes
The marked Sentier Saint-LĂ©ger is ten kilometres long. Information panels along the walking trail cover wildlife, woodland, ponds and biodiversity, as well as traces of the First World War front line. The trail therefore focuses on both nature and history. Its length provides a practical guide for planning; check local conditions before setting out.
A footpath around Hirtzbach leads to the site of the vanished village of Sankt-Glückern and to the Landfürstenweyer, also known as Étang des Princes. The pond is notable for its calm waters. This circular route brings together two distinct themes: the memory of a vanished settlement and a peaceful pond landscape. You can choose the path according to whether you are more interested in local history, waterscapes or both.
Architectural History and Ecclesiastical Art
The Château des Reinach in Hirtzbach was built in two main phases: in the first and fourth quarters of the 18th century. These two periods give the building’s history a clear structure. A restored waterwheel in the village is considered the last surviving remnant of a former mill and recalls another aspect of the area’s history.
The churches, too, represent different chapters in the village’s history. The church of Sainte-Afre is first mentioned in 1303 and again in 1441; it remained a parish church until the French Revolution. In the church of Saint-Maurice, the nave ceiling is decorated with a fresco by Carlos Limido (1902–1957). It depicts Christ in glory with angels and the instruments of the Passion, as well as the Trinity.
Regional Cuisine and Choosing Where to Stay
At Hirtzbach’s restaurants, you can enjoy the Sundgau speciality “carpe frite” (fried carp). As individual restaurants’ offerings may change, it is advisable to check in advance whether the dish will be available during your stay.
When looking for a holiday rental in Hirtzbach, it helps to first decide what you are most interested in: the park and ponds, themed trails, or architectural and church history. Regional cuisine can add a culinary touch to these discoveries. This lets you choose your destination based on your interests without turning the different experiences into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Heidwiller, VĹ“gtlinshoffen, Moosch, Ostheim, Traubach-le-Bas, Levoncourt, Niedermorschwihr, Bergholtz.
Return to the main travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
