Nearly 50 kilometres of hiking trails make it possible to explore the Frankenthal-Missheimle Nature Reserve. In Stosswihr, nature exploration sits alongside several different cultural and historical themes. Visitors planning their stay can choose from these different highlights: hiking trails, an educational trail through the forest, architectural history and a light walk with local historical connections.
Hiking trails and reindeer farm
The network of hiking trails around the nature reserve covers nearly 50 kilometres. The Schantzwasen reindeer farm’s educational trail is shorter, at 800 metres. It leads through the forest, where 30 to 40 reindeer roam freely. The extensive network of hiking trails and the clearly measured educational trail offer different ways to explore the area.
A visit to the reindeer farm begins with a video presentation about the herd and the farm’s history. The site also has a museum hut dedicated to the culture of the Sámi reindeer herders of Lapland. Everyday objects, traditional clothing and handicrafts are on display there. The visit thus combines learning about the reindeer herd with a cultural perspective on the lives of reindeer herders.
Church and memorial
The Protestant church in Stosswihr was rebuilt from 1924 onwards to plans by Strasbourg architects Robert Voelckel and Charles Wolff. It was inaugurated on 8 August 1926. Its pink sandstone foundation and terrace, accessed by straight stairways, are distinctive architectural features. Together with the church’s rebuilding history, they provide a specific historical and architectural context.
Another site of remembrance is the Germania French military cemetery in Stosswihr. It is one of ten Alsatian First World War memorial sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. Alongside the history of reconstruction, the focus also turns to remembrance of the First World War. Both themes offer different ways to explore the history of the area.
Light walk and local history
The Silberwald Christmas Trail combines a light walk with local historical themes. A description from 2021 portrays the trail in Stosswihr and notes that residents had been illuminating it since 2010. The story features watering places for livestock, agriculture and forestry, as well as a former tramway and the monks who once founded the Munster Valley. Its historical perspective thus spans earlier forms of farming and forest use through to transport and religious history.
An older local route description gives the Christmas Trail’s circular route as two kilometres, starting from the Stosswihr village hall. If you plan to include this walk in your stay, check in advance whether it is currently taking place. A guided tour with commentary is available on request at the Fromagerie Ferme des Trois Fours. It is also advisable to arrange this in advance so that the request requirement is taken into account when planning.
The attractions offer different highlights: the hiking trail network and educational trail lead into nature, while the church, cemetery and light walk explore different chapters in architectural and memorial history. You can plan your trip according to whether you would rather spend your time outdoors or explore culture and local history.
Discover more destinations: Chavannes-Sur-L’étang, Thann, Lutterbach, Ottmarsheim, Hohrod, Labaroche, Willer-Sur-Thur, Friesen.
See the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
