Capital of the Sundgau, Altkirch has a rich past as evidenced by its impressive built heritage. Located 4 km from the hotel, this medieval city founded in the 12th century is built on a rocky spur. It was protected by ramparts, some remains of which are still visible: the Schlaghaus tower and the Belfort gate.
When visiting the town, go see the Saint-Morand priory, built at the beginning of the 12th century and now transformed into a hospital. Then discover the Church of Our Lady, whose original name, “alta kirche” (high church), gave its name to the city. Inside, you can admire the 12th-century baptismal font, a 13th-century keystone and a beautiful 15th-century pietà.
Take the time to visit the Sundgauvien Museum, located in a beautiful Renaissance building, which presents the history and customs of this wonderful country and houses the Rhine Center for Contemporary Art which offers numerous exhibitions as well as creative workshops for children.
To discover the history of the city, many guided tours are organized every summer and on request the rest of the year. For the children, a playful walk is proposed by the Tourist Office. As a family, you can also enjoy the city and its surroundings by taking the many hiking trails that crisscross them: around Schweighof, Saint-Morand, the heights of Altkirch…
The dynamic city also organizes numerous cultural events such as the Enchanted Forest in December, the Short Film Festival in spring, or the Sound’Go Festival in summer. Another highlight of the year is the St. Catherine’s Fair, which has been held on the last Thursday of November for over 500 years.
