Merkwiller-Pechelbronn

Nestled in a setting of lush green hills and dense forests, this village bears the marks of its rich industrial past linked to oil extraction. From the early 20th century, the Pechelbronn mining industry established itself as one of the world's first oil companies, thanks to the discovery of a local deposit. This natural bounty propelled the locality into an era of prosperity that lasted until the end of World War II.

Although oil activity definitively ceased in 1970, the village has managed to preserve and showcase this unique heritage. Today, it houses a museum entirely dedicated to oil, offering visitors a fascinating dive into the history of this resource and its secrets, as well as its impact on the region.