Schleithal: Village History and Churches

Schleithal combines a rural village character with cultural and historical themes and routes for walking or cycling. These include the architectural history of Saint-Barthélemy Church, the distinctive history of the Reformed Church, the historic horse market, and two routes described in different ways. When planning, you can weigh up local history, rural character, and outdoor activities.

Churches and Cultural History

The tower and older parts of Saint-Barthélemy Church are stylistically dated to the late 15th century or, more likely, the early 16th century. The early 16th century is the more probable date. The church also contains two altarpieces from the side altars. Both are classified as protected objects; this classification took place on June 28, 1972. This date refers to the classification, not to when the altarpieces were made.

The Reformed Church offers a different historical perspective. It was built to serve as a place of worship, school, and teacher’s residence. Today, it hosts cultural and musical events, particularly those centered on the Cithar, a traditional Alsatian instrument. Saint-Barthélemy is notable for the stylistic dating of its older parts and the protection of its side-altar altarpieces; the Reformed Church combines its original multiple functions with its cultural use today.

Horse Market and Village History

Schleithal’s history also includes the historic horse market and its races. The market and races were known for their quality and were associated with the breeding of high-quality half-bred horses. The horses were used for riding, military purposes, and carriage driving. The horse market thus adds a distinct focus to the village’s history: the connection between market activity, horse breeding, and a range of uses.

Rural Village Character and Landscape

The village’s rural identity is also reflected in its streetscape: the main street is lined with traditional houses and farmsteads. Schleithal also lies in a landscape of agricultural hills shaped by long-standing human activity. Its rural character is therefore evident both in the buildings along the main street and in the hilly landscape shaped over an extended period.

Walking and Cycling

The “Lignes de la Lauter” hiking trail is 19 km long and takes about six hours. After the Bienwaldmühle, it reaches Schleithal and passes through the village. The approximate duration provides a guide for planning the hike. The “Circuit à vélo: des champs de bataille de 1870 au village le plus long d’Alsace” cycling route heads toward Schleithal. Before reaching the village, it follows the road for about 3.5 km. The routes therefore provide different planning details: an approximate duration is given for the hike, while the cycling route specifies the stretch along the road before the village. This lets you compare a tour with a stated duration with a route approach that includes a specifically described road section.

Discover more destinations: Puberg, Rangen, Hunspach, Petersbach, Bilwisheim, Reipertswiller, Gundershoffen, Eschau

For the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.