The best MTB trails around Gewenheim

During the First World War, this spring was part of the German fortifications. It was redeveloped in 1931, recalling the town's military past and how water was supplied there. It is one of the points of interest on the Bunker Trail.

Hagendorn Spring The Hagendorn spring near Burnhaupt-le-Bas is a very old and particularly abundant spring. Its name has been documented as a field name since 1412. The name „Hagendorn“ probably refers to a place overgrown with hawthorn. The place name Burnhaupt is also likely connected to the old word for „spring“ or „well“. The spring gained particular significance for the history of the place during the First World War. After the stabilization of the front in Upper Alsace, the German-French front ran approximately along the line Cernay – Pont d’Aspach – Ammerzwiller. East of or in the vicinity of this front line, German troops erected numerous concrete shelters, observation posts, and artillery positions. German fortifications were also built at the Hagendorn spring. Traces of the fortification from that time can still be recognized there today, including concrete components. The spring was thus part of a larger military system of positions that the German troops used during trench warfare. Numerous other shelters and observation posts from that period can be discovered along the current Sentier des Bunkers. The spring itself was rebuilt or redesigned in 1931. The current structure partially covers the preserved remains of the wartime fortification underneath. Thus, the Hagendorn spring connects two very different aspects of the place's history: a centuries-old water supply and the military landscape of the First World War. Today, the spring is station 18 of the Sentier des Bunkers, an approximately nine-kilometer-long historical circular trail through the former front landscape of Burnhaupt-le-Bas. https://burnhaupt-le-bas.fr/sentier-des-bunkers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Bahnhof Burnhaupt-le-Haut The Bahnhof Burnhaupt-le-Haut is located on the former railway line from Cernay to Sewen, which led through the Dollertal. The line was built in the 19th century and was of great importance for passenger and freight transport in the region. During the First World War, the station gained particular strategic importance. Burnhaupt was located immediately behind or close to the front line between German and French troops. The railway was used to transport soldiers, weapons, ammunition, and other supplies. Due to the fighting, the station was heavily damaged. After the war, the station building was rebuilt between 1921 and 1923. A building typical of the region with elements of Alsatian architecture was created. The station has largely been preserved to this day and serves as a reminder of the importance of the railway for the region's development and the destruction of the First World War. Regular passenger service on the line was discontinued in 1967, and the line was later closed. Part of the former railway line is now operated as a museum railway by Train Thur Doller Alsace. Historic locomotives and wagons run on the line through the Dollertal, making the history of the railway tangible for visitors. The Bahnhof Burnhaupt-le-Haut is therefore not only a former transport hub, but also a historic site where the history of the region, the railway, and the First World War converge. Further information and historical photos: Train Thur Doller Alsace – Bahnhof Burnhaupt

From the outside it seems quite ordinary, but step inside and you will be surprised by the brightness of the chapel, its colorful choir and, above all, its entirely painted vaults.

the Michelbach lake is a place where you can stop for a picnic during hikes or bike rides

This old chapel was erected after the French Revolution on the old path to Thann and fell into disrepair over time. In 1932, the community decided to rebuild it. The current small building has a simple nave, an open porch, and a small bell tower with a bell. In front of the chapel stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, which underscores the character of the place as a pilgrimage and devotional site. The chapel is dedicated to the "Mother of God of Perpetual Help" and belongs to the typical small religious monuments of southern Alsace.

Please take the nature conservation restrictions seriously. Otherwise, you will not only disturb the fauna, but the rangers on site are also very conscientious and ensure strict adherence. Dogs on a leash, take your trash with you, stay on the paths, and do not picnic in the grass. But that goes without saying.

It was indeed a pretty little lake. We wanted to return there but had to turn back (Spring 2026). Access to it is now blocked by fences with warning signs and monitored by cameras. The marked trails (Club Vosgien) have been rerouted.