Discover Wittelsheim

Wittelsheim can be explored for travel planning through three distinct themes: the history of potash mining in Alsace, the garden areas of the Jardins du monde, and several circular routes. They offer different focal points—from mining heritage and landscaped park settings to routes for different modes of transport. If you are looking for a hotel in Wittelsheim, this selection can help you decide on the focus of your stay.

Mining history at Carreau Joseph-Else

The Musée de la Mine et de la Potasse is located in the former changing room at Carreau Joseph-Else. It presents the history of potash mining in Alsace. The mineralogical collection contains more than 5,000 samples of evaporite rocks; some are dated to 500 million years old. The museum thus connects mining history with a geological perspective.

The surface buildings of the Carreau minier Joseph-Else are also part of the historical story: they date from 1928 to 1930. At Carreau Joseph-Else in Wittelsheim, the Route de la Potasse includes a complete ensemble comprising two shafts and headframes, a winding engine, and adjoining buildings. This brings different elements of the former operation into focus at the same mining site.

Jardins du monde: garden styles and an arboretum

The Jardins du monde is a 2.2-hectare, intergenerational park in Wittelsheim that is open to everyone. Its themed sequence includes Italian, Japanese, French, Andalusian and English gardens. The landscaped area also includes an arboretum with trees and shrubs from America, Europe and Asia. The park therefore offers two distinct focal points: the five named garden styles and woody plants from three continents.

Circular routes and the Route de la Potasse

The 16-kilometre Circuit découverte can be completed on foot or by bicycle. Along the way, it passes the Salle des Fêtes Grassegert, a historic monument. A second circular route is 8 kilometres long and runs through the Wittelsheim Forest and the Rossalmend residential area. The two routes differ both in length and in the places named along their course.

The Route de la Potasse is a separate 18-kilometre circular route that covers four municipalities. It begins at the Musée de la Mine et de la Potasse on Avenue Josephe Else in Wittelsheim. The route can be completed independently using a route map downloaded via the Cirkwi app; a vehicle is required to travel it.

The mode of transport is a key difference when choosing a route: the Circuit découverte is intended for walking or cycling, while the Route de la Potasse requires a vehicle. The 8-kilometre circular route, in turn, is defined by its passage through the Wittelsheim Forest and the Rossalmend residential area. This lets you distinguish the routes by length, course and mode of transport.

Discover more destinations: Holtzwihr, Heimsbrunn, Riquewihr, Issenheim, Neuf-Brisach, Illzach, Guebwiller, Lièpvre

For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.