Breitenbach Haut-Rhin

Founded in the 13th century like most villages in the Munster valley, Breitenbach owes its name to its location at the exit of the Breitenbach valley, on the right bank of the Fecht River. Originally made up of several hamlets, the village was first mentioned in the 13th century and shared the fate of the Munster community until 1847. The Lutheran Reformation was introduced here in 1559. In the 19th century, Breitenbach housed a textile factory and a brewery before turning to battery production. Severely damaged during World War I, the village was later rebuilt.

Among the places to discover, the Breitenbach town hall, dated 1838, was almost completely destroyed in 1915 before being rebuilt after the armistice. An inscription on its facade recalls its construction under the presidency of Jean Hummel, then president of the valley mayors. The old Oberbreitenbach chapel, from the 18th century, is surrounded by a legend that the bell ringer was struck by lightning while announcing a storm. The bell, found later, was reportedly requisitioned by the German army during World War I.

The German military cemetery, located near the war memorial, honors the memory of 3,529 soldiers who died during World War I and 173 during World War II. Finally, the Belle Époque space, set up in the premises of the former textile factory, offers a multipurpose hall hosting banquets, seminars, conferences, concerts, or theatrical performances.