Mertzwiller

Nestled at the foot of wooded hills in the heart of the Zinsel valley, Mertzwiller is a village with a history dating back to very ancient times. Remains discovered during excavations attest to its existence as early as the Roman era, when it was located on a route connecting Mittelhausen in the Kochersberg to Gundershoffen. Long marked by an agricultural and forestry economy, the village experienced an industrial turning point in the 19th century with the arrival of forges, later taken over by the De Dietrich family. Although relatively spared by the conflicts of 1870 and World War I, Mertzwiller suffered heavily from the destruction of World War II. Its strategic position on the Zinsel made it a major target, leading to fierce fighting that made it the most affected commune in the Niederbronn-les-Bains canton. Today, the village invites visitors to discover its rural landscapes through marked hikes by the Club Vosgien, such as the Five Villages trail, or on cycle tours thanks to its network of bike paths.