The best road cycling routes around Sulz/Oberelsass

The bridge in the town of Merxheim over the river Ill is worth a short stop for a photo, or simply to admire. The Ill is 217 km long in total, originates in the Jura, flows through the departments of Haut Rhin, Bas Rhin and flows as a left tributary into the Rhine near Erstein, which is located south of Strasbourg.

On the route of Col Amic, above the Ferme Auberge Kohlschlag, there is a cozy wooden bench that invites you to take a break. From here, you have a view of the Ferme Auberge Kohlschlag and the mountain Le Sudelkopf. The bench was made as a project by students from the Enstib Épinal wood trade school.

The Wells of Lautenbach The monks who founded Lautenbach settled in this area because of the abundant water resources. Over the centuries, population growth led to a multitude of wells, both public and private. Many wells, like the Stockbrunnen (a type of well), played an important role in the daily life of the village. The use of solid sandstone testifies to the wealth and prosperity of the village, which had developed into a small industrial town by the end of the 19th century. The wells remained in their original state until the construction of a water supply network. --- The Wells of Lautenbach The monks who founded Lautenbach settled in this area for its water resources. Over the centuries, population growth led to a multiplication of wells, both public and private. The names of the fountains, comme le Stockbrunna, participate in the vie quotidienne of the village. The large size used is signe of the richness and the prosperity of the village qui devient, à la fin du XIXe siècle, a small industrial town. Les fontaines conservent leur état d'origine jusqu'à la creation d'un réseau d'adduction en 1896.

Das Rathaus befindet sich im ehemaligen Klostergebäude der Stiftskirche Lautenbach. Die Tür des Ostflügels trägt die Jahreszahl 1517. In diesen Gebäuden befinden sich das ehemalige Propsthaus, die Sakristei der Domherren, der Kapitelsaal und eine Gewölbegalerie. Der Nordflügel wurde erst im 19. Jahrhundert errichtet. Im Winkel zwischen den beiden Flügeln stehen noch ein Turm mit seiner Wendeltreppe. Der Gotische Kreuzgang, der durch ein Spitzbogenportal zugänglich ist, weist Rippengewölbe auf. --- The town hall is housed in the former convent building of the Collegiate Church of Lautenbach. The door of the east wing bears the date 1517. These buildings house the former provost's house, the canons' sacristy, the chapter house, and a vaulted gallery. The north wing was built only in the 19th century. In the angle between the two wings, a turret and its spiral staircase still stand. The Gothic cloister, accessible through a pointed arch doorway, features ribbed vaults. To the left, the house, arranged as a central block, was acquired by the municipality in 1978 and then demolished in 1985, making way for a more suitable urban development.

The church cannot be visited at this time as it is closed for renovations.

Steady climb.👍

The VV221 cycle route is part of the EuroVélo 5 network and begins in Ensisheim at the Thur bridge and ends in Cernay after about 17 km. The route initially runs alongside the road, then past ponds and finally through a wooded area. It runs alongside the Thur and passes the Alsatian Ecomuseum (another route leads to Ungersheim via the Petit Prince Park). The Green Route then winds along the Thur, passing Pulversheim, Staffelfelden, and Wittelsheim, and finally reaches Cernay, still along the Thur.

A pleasant section to ride, with moderate climbs and little traffic. There were a few racing cyclists on the road.