Mittlach

Mittlach, the smallest municipality in the Munster canton, had 314 inhabitants according to INSEE in 2006. Its history dates back to 1741, originally named "Medla" or "Metla," derived from "mittel" (middle) and "aha" (stream). The village developed around the "Zu Fluss" farm, owned by the Munster Abbey since 1576, thanks to the arrival of woodcutters from Tyrol, Salzburg, the Black Forest, Switzerland, Lorraine, and Italy. Their trade is symbolized in the communal coat of arms, where two axes flank a tree trunk, blue representing the sky and green the surrounding landscape. The current name, Mittlach, was established at the end of the 18th century after the sale of national properties in 1793. The municipality became independent on April 1, 1908, although it was administratively linked to Metzeral until 1847. Spared during the Battle of Metzeral in 1915, the village charms visitors with its preserved setting and peaceful campsite, nestled at the foot of the Hohneck-Kastelberg and Schnepfenried massifs. Accessible via the GR5 trail, it offers many hiking paths to the Vosges ridges. Notable sights include the church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, blessed in 1929, with the former 1895 building now serving as a community hall. The 1911 town hall-school retains inscriptions recalling its role as an alpine ambulance station in 1915-1916. The Lourdes grotto, built in 1922, honors soldiers who died during World War I. The "Mayerling" chalet, filming location of the 1948 movie *Le secret de Mayerling* starring Jean Marais, attracts film enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy a municipal library and a fitness trail.