Altkirch: City Gates, Art and Walking Tours

Altkirch sits on a rocky spur above the Ill Valley. When planning a stay, it is worth exploring the town’s different sides: historic gates and collections, contemporary art, and walks on foot and in the forest.

City History Between Gates and Museum

The Vieille Porte, also known as the Porte de Belfort, is one of Altkirch’s two oldest city gates. It was built in 1245 as part of the construction of the town fortifications. Visitors can pass through the gate and see its inner vaulted ceilings and dovecote. If you plan to visit the interior, check access in advance in case restoration work is underway.

The Parcours Patrimoine offers walking tours covering different periods and themes: Saint-Morand, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the 18th and 19th centuries. You can focus on a particular period or on the town’s religious history. The Prieuré Saint-Morand, with a recumbent effigy of Saint Morand, is a fitting addition. It also houses a reliquary donated by Archduke Frederick of Tyrol in 1428.

The Musée Sundgauvien focuses on the history, life and customs of southern Alsace, particularly the Sundgau. Its collections include archaeology, applied arts, fine arts, ethnology and history. The building itself is also part of Altkirch’s cultural history: it is a protected historic monument.

Art and Culture in Altkirch

The Parcours Street Art takes visitors on a walking tour of murals and graffiti from the town centre to the Saint-Morand district. It features 13 works that are still visible, by local, regional and international artists; the number may change over time. The route combines public art with a walk through different parts of the town.

CRAC Alsace is a contemporary art centre in Altkirch dedicated to research and artistic creation. The Halle au Blé offers a different cultural focus, with a programme that includes theatre, music, comedy and performances for children. The programme may change.

Walks with Different Themes

If you would like to explore art in public spaces, the Parcours Street Art offers a route from the centre to Saint-Morand. The Parcours Vita, by contrast, focuses on exercise in the forest: the circular route is about one kilometre long and includes 15 sports stations accessible to everyone. These details about the town route and forest circuit can help you choose between an art walk and a more active stay surrounded by greenery.

Designed for children aged four and over, the Randoland adventure trail is a family-friendly treasure hunt. Using clues, children explore the town’s natural and architectural heritage. If you plan this activity, check that the accompanying leaflet is available before your trip.

Events and Getting There

La Forêt Enchantée takes place annually in Altkirch. Around ten Alsatian fairy tales and legends are staged in the town centre. Since dates and the programme vary from year to year, it is worth checking the latest event information before your trip.

Altkirch railway station is served by the Mulhouse–Belfort TER line. If travelling by train, check the latest TER information and timetables. The Parking de l’Ill in Altkirch is recommended as the starting point for the Sundgau cycling route No. 2; check in advance whether this recommendation is still current.

Discover more destinations: Berrwiller, Ranspach, Houssen, Wittelsheim, Galfingue, Chavannes-Sur-L’étang, Flaxlanden, Herrlisheim-près-Colmar

Return to the main travel overview: Haut-Rhin.