Saales: Peaks, Forest Trails and Local History

Saales brings together peaks, forest trails and a rich local history, along with a mountain market that brings regional producers together. When planning a stay, you can choose between several areas of interest: nature and outdoor activities, remembrance and architectural history, or regional produce. If you’re looking for a hotel in Saales, you can first decide which of these aspects of the village matters most for your trip.

Peaks and Forest Trails

Voyemont is one of the peaks overlooking the village of Saales, reaching 793 m. Its highly porous sandstone enabled numerous springs to form. Les crêtes de Saales offers a different way to experience the landscape: this 10 km walking trail runs over peaks and through the forest. While Voyemont, as a single named peak, illustrates the area’s elevation and terrain, the trail describes a longer route through the forest and over peaks. You can consider these two nature experiences separately when planning your trip; the trail is a specific option if you’d like to include a walk in your stay. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

Remembrance and Local History

The Saales National Necropolis contains the remains of 36 French soldiers who died for France during the fighting in the Bruche Valley in the summer of 1914. The memorial site was established in 1921 and laid out in 1924. The events of the summer of 1914 and the later development of the memorial site therefore belong to different historical periods.

The main construction phase of the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe dates to the first quarter of the 19th century. Following a restoration campaign, the chapel was blessed on March 27, 1881. It was associated with a small pilgrimage linked to a nearby spring and a fountain dating from 1802. The building’s history, its blessing and historical accounts offer different insights into the local heritage.

Several fountains in Saales also have two basins. They were once used for washing and rinsing clothes. This former everyday use complements the history associated with the chapel: the fountains tell of a practical purpose, while the story of Sainte-Barbe focuses on the building and the pilgrimage.

Regional Produce at the Mountain Market

The mountain market in Saales brings together 30 mountain producers. Visitors can meet farmers and craftspeople from the mountain region and discover and enjoy regional products made through their skilled craftsmanship. A snack stand and light meals are available at every mountain market in July and August. If visiting the market is important to your trip, check in advance whether a market day falls during your travel dates. The snack stand and light meals are available only in July and August.

Planning Your Trip Around Your Interests

When choosing a destination, it helps to compare your interests: the 10 km walking trail focuses on outdoor activity and scenery, while the necropolis, chapel and fountains offer different perspectives on local history. The mountain market adds another option if regional produce and meeting producers fit your travel plans. Check trail conditions if the route is a deciding factor, and bear July and August in mind if you want to plan for the seasonal snack stand. This will help you assess Saales based on your specific interests before looking for hotels for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Soultz-Les-Bains, Buswiller, Merkwiller-Pechelbronn, Hinsbourg, Neuwiller-Lès-Saverne, Bernardvillé, Kleingœft, Furdenheim

Return to the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.