Heidwiller: Château, Church and History

A trip to Heidwiller can focus on architectural history, hiking and cycling. The Château de Heidwiller and the Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul represent different historical themes. The Circuit du Haulenwald is a circular route in the Illfurth–Tagolsheim–Heidwiller area. These offer several points of reference to help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Château de Heidwiller: protection and changing uses

The Château de Heidwiller is protected as a historic monument. The protection covers the terrace, the château park with its archaeological remains, and the entrance portal with its wrought-iron gate. It was granted by a decree dated 14 February 1996. A moated castle may have stood at the site of the château as early as the 12th century; it is documented from the 14th century.

The château’s later uses are also part of its history. In 1795, it was sold as national property. It subsequently served, in turn, as a prison for suspects from the Altkirch area, a factory and a school. Its chronology thus brings together a possible early moated castle and a succession of later uses. The château can therefore be viewed not only through its medieval origins but also through its history of changing uses.

Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul: several building phases

A predecessor church of the Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul is documented as early as 977. This date refers to the earlier church, not to the church’s later building phases. The choir and bell tower on the east side are the only surviving parts of the medieval Église Saints-Pierre-et-Paul; the church was rebuilt again in 1470.

Further changes followed in 1768 and 1878. In 1768, the side chapels were removed to build a new nave. In 1878, the church was extended westward by one bay; a new choir and a sacristy were added. The alterations of 1768 and 1878 followed the predecessor church documented in 977. These dates help distinguish the early record from 977 from the later structural changes and trace the church’s development over several centuries.

Schoenholz and the history of the First World War

Part of the Schoenholz forest lies within the municipality of Heidwiller. During the First World War, the forest was an important battlefield. Alongside the buildings, the history of the war is therefore part of the historical context of the area.

Circuit du Haulenwald: hiking and military relics

The Circuit du Haulenwald circular route in the Illfurth–Tagolsheim–Heidwiller area is 6.5 kilometres long, has 100 metres of elevation gain and takes an estimated two hours to walk. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current condition of the route before setting out.

In the area of the Heidwiller section of the First World War front, the route passes several bunkers, including ammunition depots, observation posts and artillery positions. The relics along the route also include a gun emplacement for a large gun and several casemates. Those interested in the history of the First World War will find a tangible connection here between the hiking trail and military-historical remains, while the route details given also help establish the tour’s time frame.

Cycling along the Rhine–Rhône Canal

The Rhine–Rhône Canal runs west of the Château de Heidwiller, and the EuroVelo 6 cycle route follows it. The Circuit du Haulenwald is a 6.5-kilometre hiking trail with 100 metres of elevation gain and an estimated walking time of two hours. For your trip planning, you can weigh up three different options: the architectural history of the château and church, a hike with stated route details, or the cycle route along the canal.

Discover more destinations: Bergholtz, Sentheim, Carspach, Lièpvre, Eglingen, Wintzenheim, Muhlbach-Sur-Munster, Pulversheim.

For the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.