The best walks and hikes around Balschweiler

Ammertzwiller – destroyed front village and mine warfare Ammertzwiller was one of the particularly contested locations on the Sundgau front during World War I. From September 1914, the front line ran immediately west of the village. German troops held Ammertzwiller, while French positions were located near Gildwiller-le-Mont, among other places. On January 1, 1915, the entire population was evacuated. Shortly thereafter, the abandoned village itself became a combat zone. The church was destroyed on January 8, 1915. By the end of the war, Ammertzwiller was almost completely devastated. The place became particularly known for mine warfare. From May 1915, French sappers and German pioneers dug tunnels under the enemy positions and detonated them. The underground warfare lasted until early 1916 and left numerous explosion craters. A striking event was the German mine detonation on July 11, 1915. The explosion under the German outpost Sautter created a massive crater. The mine crater, now filled with water, is preserved as the "Entonnoir" and serves as a reminder of this form of warfare. German troops also built an extensive system of bunkers, shelters, and underground facilities. Today, the approximately 10.5 km long "Circuit de la mémoire d’Ammertzwiller" leads through this former front landscape. Around 15 information boards explain the local history. After the war, the residents returned to a largely destroyed village. Reconstruction left a lasting mark on Ammertzwiller. Today's Saint-Étienne church, with its depictions, preserves the memory of evacuation, war, and return. Particularly worth seeing: the water-filled mine crater and the Circuit de la mémoire d’Ammertzwiller.

Next to the town hall. Fountain, bench, and a large shelter with two tables and benches. Restrooms are located at the rear of the building. Ideal for a sheltered picnic or for a group to wait out a downpour in the dry.

February 2026: Don't bother looking for the trees anymore, they've been cut down. Only the Saint Eloi cross remains.

Ammertzwiller is a quiet Alsatian village that is surprisingly convenient for cyclists on the road. There are a few mini markets, restaurants and even a chemist – ideal for stocking up on provisions or taking a break. The village is set in rolling countryside and offers lovely picnic spots overlooking the fields. Information boards in the village tell the story of the local history during the First World War, making this stop not only practical but also meaningful."

In Gildwiller, an unmissable pilgrimage

Very pretty, extremely well preserved

This historic well has for a long time satisfied the water needs of the municipality of Guevenatten. An informative panel tells you more about its history and its particularity in terms of construction.

Located on the Alsatian Way to Santiago de Compostela, Bellemagny is a beautiful town that is worth the detour. Despite its small size, it is home to many sites of interest such as the old Bellemagny mill, the convent of Bellemagny or the traditional half-timbered houses. There are also colorful animal statues dotted around the village.