Ohmbach Banks

A small 9 km stream, the Ohmbach originates from a limestone cave in Soultzmatt and is formed by the contribution of multiple small streams. It is then joined by the waters of the Blumensteinbach and the Kaltenbach. Since the 13th century, locals have harnessed this stream to extract valuable energy for mills, sawmills, turneries, cutlery workshops, and tanneries. It was also used to fight fires, irrigate lands, transport wood and stones, wash animals, supply washhouses, enable fishing, and many other uses. Its course once hosted up to fifteen mills. However, in 1972, repeated flooding downstream made it necessary to divert the stream at the valley's exit, ending this long history of services provided.