The history of Schwarzenthann Abbey, Sainte-Odile Church and the nature around Zinnkoepflé offer several concrete ways to explore Wintzfelden. At Schwarzenthann, the visible abbey foundations and a circular route with information panels are the main attractions today. Sainte-Odile combines architectural history with the Lapidarium right next door; at Zinnkoepflé, the focus is on dry grasslands, rare species and a warm, dry microclimate. Those planning a stay in Wintzfelden can thus explore cultural history and nature as distinct areas of interest.
Sainte-Odile Church and Lapidarium
Sainte-Odile Church has been listed as a Monument historique since 1995. It preserves a tower dating from the second half of the 12th century, which may have been a narthex. Its former choir has also been preserved and now serves as a side chapel. The church therefore offers two distinct architectural clues: a medieval structure and a choir whose function has changed. In 1859, the building was in very poor condition; the municipality then decided to build a new nave and a new choir. This decision marks another stage in the church’s architectural history.
The Lapidarium de Wintzfelden is located right next to the church. It contains a sarcophagus in which the remains of three nuns were buried. Five tombstones decorated with medieval symbols represent the four elements. Concrete burial-related objects are thus paired with symbolic representations. The church and the Lapidarium offer different points of focus: the former centers on architectural elements and the choir’s later use, while the latter features individual funerary and commemorative objects.
Monastery history at Schwarzenthann
Schwarzenthann Abbey was founded in 1124 to accommodate a congregation of sisters from Marbach Abbey. Its founding year and the community’s origins place the site within a specific historical context. Today, the foundations of the church, hospice and farm are visible. The surviving parts of the complex therefore include both religious and other buildings.
The Schwarzenthann Discovery Trail explores the history of the abbey with eight information panels along a circular route that takes about half an hour. In 2024, four large-format panels were added to the trail, showing 3D views of the virtual reconstruction of the abbey. For planning purposes, the duration of the walk and access to it should be considered separately: the circular route itself takes about 30 minutes; the Discovery Trail can be reached on foot from Rue des Vosges in Wintzfelden in 30 minutes. This means the time for the route and the walk to the trail can be treated as two separate details.
Nature at Zinnkoepflé
At Zinnkoepflé, the focus shifts from architectural history to habitats. The dry grasslands at the summit are designated as a Natura 2000 site. Attentive walkers and botanists can observe rare and sensitive animal and plant species there. The Zinnkoepflé massif, on the heights of Soultzmatt-Wintzfelden, has a warm, dry microclimate that is unique in Alsace. These details refer to different areas: the protected status and possible wildlife observations concern the dry grasslands at the summit, while the climate description applies to the massif. The habitats and microclimate thus complement the cultural history themes with a distinct focus on nature.
Discover more destinations: Cernay, Ranspach, Vœgtlinshoffen, Magstatt-le-Bas, Ammerschwihr, Markirch, Riquewihr, Mittelwihr.
See the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
