Virgin of Alsace

Perched on the rocky promontory of Eichstein, the gaze of the Virgin of Alsace has watched over the village of Niederbruck and the Doller valley since 1923.

This statue, carved from gray Chauvigny stone by Antoine Bourdelle, was exhibited at the Salon d'Automne in Paris before its inauguration on October 7, 1923. Its story dates back to the beginning of World War I: the then mayor, Joseph Vogt, and his wife vowed to erect this statue if the factory and valley were spared. Their promise was fulfilled, and after Joseph Vogt's death, his son Léon completed the work. An engraved plaque on the base commemorates this commitment: "In recognition of divine protection over the Masevaux valley and the return of Alsace-Lorraine to France, the spouses Joseph Vogt 1914-1918."

To reach the statue, one must follow a hiking trail marked with a blue circle, accessible from the bike path. The route crosses the forest before offering, upon arrival, a breathtaking view of the village and the neighboring peaks of Triebelskopf and Heindenkopf.