Altkirch
Altkirch, capital of Sundgau, captivates with its rich heritage and cultural vitality. The town is home to the Sundgau Museum and the Rhine Center for Contemporary Art, open year-round. Its medieval remains – the Saint-Morand Priory, the Notre-Dame church, the old ramparts – illustrate its history. Guided tours for groups or individuals are available upon request.
To explore Altkirch freely, the Tourist Office offers a tourist map and an urban orienteering course. This route of 22 photo checkpoints, to be completed at your own pace, invites you to discover unusual details in the town center. More information is available on the dedicated *Exploration Game* page.
Altkirch blends tradition and modernity. Its dynamic commercial fabric, awarded two gold plaques, comes alive during events such as the Enchanted Forest in December, the Music Festival, the Sound’Go Festival, or street performances in summer. Local associations also organize concerts and activities.
Every summer, free guided tours of the town are offered. Nature lovers can also explore the surroundings on hikes:
- Around Schweighof via Breitholz: 10 km / 3h
- Saint-Morand: 5.5 km / 2h
- The heights of Altkirch: 8 km / 2h30
Markets punctuate local life:
- Thursday morning, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.: large market in the town center
- Saturday morning, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.: small farmers’ market, Xavier Jourdain square
- Last Thursday of November: Sainte-Catherine Fair, throughout the town
Altkirch can also be discovered through play. The urban orienteering course invites you to find 22 photo checkpoints, each revealing a detail of the heritage. The route, accessible via QR code, can be done in any order you choose. For families, the treasure hunt "On the Trail of Alsace’s Treasures", free on smartphone, offers puzzles and challenges to explore the town interactively. Finally, a fun walk specially designed for children aged 4 to 12 allows discovering Altkirch by solving riddles.