Hagenthal-le-Haut: History and Landscape

Hagenthal-le-Haut lies in the upper valley of the Lertzbach. Several themes come together for a stay here: the history of the Chapelle Sainte-Catherine, the Jewish heritage of the Ancien cimetière juif, a hike through woodland and open terrain, and regional produce and Agrogast. These specific places and activities offer a way to get to know the area. Depending on whether you want to focus on historic buildings, Jewish history, the landscape, or regional products, your stay can take different directions.

The chapel’s history across two periods

The Chapelle Sainte-Catherine is a listed chapel in Hagenthal-le-Haut. The present building was erected in 1834. It replaced a medieval pilgrimage chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Sainte-Marguerite. This clearly distinguishes two historical points of reference: the present building dates from the 19th century, while its predecessor served as a medieval pilgrimage chapel. This sequence helps distinguish the existing building from the earlier religious use in terms of their dates. Anyone interested in architectural history will find a specific reference here that reaches back beyond the building’s construction date to the Middle Ages.

Jewish heritage at the Ancien cimetière juif

The Ancien cimetière juif is a place you can visit and explore, and is considered a testament to rural Jewish life in Alsace. The oldest surviving gravestones date from 1750, and the most recent from 1904. These dates place the surviving stones within a time span of more than a century and a half. In this way, the cemetery adds another perspective to the chapel: while the building date and medieval predecessor are central there, here the dated gravestones and the Jewish heritage of rural Alsace shape the historical perspective. The two places therefore offer different points of focus, even if you are interested in the same area and its history.

Hiking through woodland and open terrain

The “Collines autour de Hagenthal-le-Haut” hike runs partly through woodland and partly across open terrain in the hills around Hagenthal-le-Haut. On the return route, it offers views of the Jura, Basel, Chrischona, and the surrounding hills. Woodland sections and open stretches shape the route in different ways; the views mentioned are on the way back. This outing focuses not on the architectural history of a single place, but on the changing terrain and long-distance views. Trail conditions can change, and visibility depends on the conditions. Check both before your hike, especially if the views are important to you.

Regional produce and Agrogast

Since 2023, the farm shop at Ferme du Lindenhof has offered eggs, whole or portioned chicken, potatoes, apple juice, fruit, vegetables, and local beer. The selection may change; if a particular product is important to you, check what is currently available. Agrogast takes place every year and originated at Ferme du Lindenhof in Hagenthal-le-Haut. At Agrogast, you can sample wine and cheese, as well as savoury and sweet specialities and other regional products. You can also meet local craftspeople; the event weekend features music and activities. Dates and programmes vary from one edition to the next, so check the details of the specific edition if you are planning your trip around it. The farm shop and Agrogast have different focuses: the shop features the farm’s product range, while Agrogast brings together tastings, crafts, and event activities.

Discover more destinations: Bourbach-Le-Bas, Orbey, Zellenberg, Sainte-Croix-En-Plaine, Fellering, Horbourg-Wihr, Pulversheim, Niedermorschwihr.

For the overview of the wider area: Haut-Rhin.