Muhlbach-sur-Munster

Population: 773 (source INSEE 2006)
Surface area: 788 ha

The village owes its name to the stream that rises on the southern slopes of the Tannk?pflé, which in turn owes its name to a mill (Mühle). The village of Muhlbach sur Munster was founded in 896. In 1068, the Bishop of Basel inaugurated a church dedicated to St. Barthélémy, replacing the one erected in 896, and the parish became autonomous in 1316. In 1559, following in the footsteps of the vicar of Muhlbach, almost the entire population embraced the Protestant Reformation. The first school was opened the same year. In addition to the children of Muhlbach, it welcomed those from the three surrounding villages. From 1628 to 1675, the village was subjected to successive invasions by the Imperials, the French, the Swedes and the Lorrains.
Under Louis XIV, Catholic worship was gradually reintroduced. In 1704, both religions were officially recognized in the churches of Val St-Grégoire. In 1728, Muhlbach became a mixed or simultaneum church. When Alsace became part of France, the villages in the valley lost some of their rights and privileges. Lawsuits were brought against the royal administration, and a delegation went to Versailles. The French Revolution led to the dissolution of the Communauté de la Ville et du Val de Munster, and like the other villages in the greater and lesser valleys, Muhlbach became an independent commune. The division of property was not completed until 1847.
After the First World War, Muhlbach was gradually rebuilt from a heap of ruins.

WHAT TO SEE - WHAT TO DO

SCHLITTE AND WOODWORKING MUSEUM

Founded in 1972, this museum is located in Rue de la Gare, and brings to life the ancestral techniques of skidding and timber transport. Originally located near the Protestant church, since 1997 it has been housed in premises specially built by the commune.
Tel. 03 89 77 61 08 (town hall) or 03 89 77 69 46 for group bookings. Open seasonally (July and August) from 10 h to 12 h and from 14 h to 18 h. Guided tours for groups by appointment all year round.

CHURCHES

The Protestant church dates back to 1930. Archives dating from 1068, preserved in Munster, mention the construction of a chapel dedicated to Saint-Barthélémy. In 1559, the chapel was converted into a parish church. It was enlarged and became a Protestant place of worship. From 1727 to 1915, it was used for both religious services, but the building was destroyed during the Battle of Metzeral. It was rebuilt on the exact site of the former chapel and inaugurated on January 4, 1930. From then on, it was entirely dedicated to Protestant worship.

After 1918, the commune also decided to build an Austrian neo-Baroque Catholic church. It was blessed on May 26, 1929 and dedicated to St. Barthélémy.

Office de tourisme de la vallée de Munster