Ottersthal: Chapels, Roman History and Landscapes

Ottersthal offers several distinct themes for a stay: sacred architecture, the history of travel and settlement, and striking landscapes. If you are looking for a hotel in Ottersthal, these cultural and natural attractions can help you shape your trip around your own interests. The chapels tell different stories about architecture and local history; the Barbarakopf, the Col de Saverne and a hike add historical and scenic dimensions to the experience.

Chapels and Village Church

The Chapelle Sainte-Barbe stands out for its distinctive roof turret and buttresses. The buttresses were required because of a wide, ribless vault, and are therefore directly related to the chapel’s construction. It was first mentioned in writing in 1556. After suffering severe damage in 1621 and 1622, it was extensively restored in 1630. Located on Mont Sainte-Barbe in Ottersthal’s municipal forest, the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe is open to visitors.

Other details stand out at the Chapelle Saint-Urbain: its main construction phase dates to the 17th century, and inside there is a small altar with a statue of Saint Urban. The Eglise Sainte-Marie l'Auxiliatrice is in the heart of Ottersthal’s old village. Taken together, the sacred sites offer different points of interest: a chapel with a named altar, a 17th-century construction phase, and a church connected with the old village.

Historical Dimensions

The Roman road between Strasbourg and Metz also runs through Ottersthal. The Barbarakopf dominates the area and is part of a large Gallic oppidum built at the beginning of the 1st century BC. Together, these details show how the historical themes extend beyond the chapels’ architectural history: they encompass both early settlement history and a Roman transport route.

Another notable monument is the Fontaine monumentale au col de Saverne in Ottersthal. It is protected as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 21 April 1934. This date gives the monument its own historical reference point alongside the chapels’ mentions and construction phases.

Landscape and Hiking

The Col de Saverne is at an altitude of 413 m and offers panoramic views over the forest, Saverne and the surrounding area. The Forêt domaniale de Saverne is also one of Ottersthal’s attractions. Alongside the buildings, these scenic destinations reveal another side of the area.

A hike recommended in Eckartswiller passes through the heritage of Eckartswiller and the neighboring towns of Ottersthal and Saint-Jean-Saverne. It is about 14.5 km long, with around 250 m of elevation gain, and can be done on foot or by mountain bike. In Ottersthal, it leads to the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe. As trail conditions and route directions may change, check the current route before setting out.

A Practical Date

The local food market in Ottersthal takes place every Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Check the market hours again before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Molsheim, Brumath, Wittisheim, Harskirchen, Hindisheim, Ingwiller, Itterswiller, Rosheim.

For the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.