Durningen: Hiking, Crosses and the Kochersberg

Durningen brings together a designated hiking route, traces of local history and views across the Kochersberg. You can explore the village from different perspectives: as a destination for a longer hike, through the history of the Église Saints Pierre et Paul, or by taking in the landscape and wildlife. The following highlights can help you choose the focus that best suits your trip.

Hiking the Chemin des Croix

The Chemin des Croix is an easy circular route suitable for families. It is 10.7 kilometres long, has 210 metres of elevation gain and is listed as taking three hours. The blue ring markings help you find your way. There are picnic areas and play areas for children along the route. This gives you an idea of both the length of the hike and the stated options for a break; trail conditions, markings and facilities may change.

The route passes through the village centres of Durningen, Kienheim, Rohr and Gougenheim and includes 37 calvaries and rural roadside crosses. Along the Chemin des Croix, you can also visit a chapel dating from 1524, dedicated to Saint Lawrence. The tour thus combines a specific distance and walking time with a clear cultural theme: in addition to the chapel, its features include numerous religious roadside markers.

Church history across several periods

The Église Saints Pierre et Paul is first mentioned in 1321. Its nave dates from the second half of the 18th century. Four stained-glass windows, made by Ott frères of Strasbourg, date from 1893. These dates relate to different aspects of the church: its first mention, the construction period of the nave and the windows. This offers several specific milestones through which to explore its history.

The organ and later renovations add further detail to this picture. The Stiehr and Mockers organ was made in 1861 and restored in 2008 by organ builder Alfred Kern. The church’s large roof and surrounding wall were renovated in 2017. The calvary near the church entrance was also renovated that year. When considering the dates, it is worth distinguishing the creation of a feature from its later restoration or renovation.

Landscape and nature

At 245 metres, Durningen is the highest village in the Kochersberg and offers walkers an unobstructed view across the plain. Another landscape feature is La Wiewash: this grassy slope has been renovated and offers open views across the Kochersberg. A small pond was created below it to restore a peaceful biotope. The viewpoint and the biotope describe different aspects of the landscape—the view over the surrounding area and a deliberately restored habitat.

Wildlife watching is also among the nature experiences associated with Durningen. Around 45 bird species, as well as European roe deer, squirrels and hares, can be observed here. The approximate number of bird species and the specific mammals mentioned give you an idea of the wildlife associated with the village, without implying a particular observation spot or season.

Discover more destinations: Russ, Gottesheim, Erstein, Drachenbronn-Birlenbach, Bilwisheim, Thanvillé, Osthouse, Lingolsheim.

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.