Soultzbach-les-Bains

Population: 651 (source INSEE 2006)
Surface area: 705 ha

First mentioned in 1211 and surrounded by ramparts and moats in 1275, the village has retained its medieval appearance, the charm of its narrow streets and old houses. The castle was first mentioned in 1289, when it was occupied by the de Hattstatt family, then, after its extinction, by the Schauenbourg family. The village was the former seat of the Hattstatt-Schauenbourg seigneury.

Legend has it that Blaeschen, young Frantz?s heifer, discovered the main thermal spring in 1603. The lords of Soultzbach developed the spa, building baths and accommodating guests in the château. It was appreciated by illustrious visitors: Archduke Leopold of Austria, Count Eberhard de Ribeaupierre, the revolutionary public prosecutor Euloge Schneider (in 1792) and the famous Italian seducer Casanova (in 1782). In 1844, half the village was destroyed by fire.

During the First World War, the commune served as a rear base for German troops and became the starting point for a cable car. At the end of the war, the commune added "les-Bains" to Soultzbach's name to immortalize its prestigious spa past. Unfortunately, exploitation of the mineral spring came to a halt some years ago.

WHAT TO SEE - WHAT TO DO

HISTORICAL VILLAGE CIRCUIT

The commune has published a discovery booklet presenting the history, traditions and heritage of Soultzbach ? on sale at Soultzbach town hall and at the Munster Tourist Office. Follow the suggested itinerary to discover :

The 15th-century château de Hattstatt-Schauenbourg, with its tower, former residence of the Hattstatt, then Schauenbourg families.
The 15th-century St-Jean Baptiste church, with its prestigious choir, altars, custode and tombstones, notably those of Jacques de Hattstatt and Marguerite de Rathsamhausen (1518), and its 1833 Callinet organ.
15th-century Ste-Catherine chapel, renovated in 1962, rue de la chapelle and Grand?rue, with its angel and paintings of Notre-Dame de la Consolation (1738), La Décollation de Ste-Catherine (1840) and Abbé Jean-Jacques Bobérieth; said to have been built after a plague epidemic.
The 1601 lion fountain in the Grand?rue bears the town?s coat of arms. It was built by Chevalier Jacques de Hattstatt, who lived in the château with his wife, Marguerite de Rathsamhausen. Four women's heads with gagged mouths adorn the fountain.
A 1727 sandstone gate at 15, rue des Bains.
The washhouse on rue des Bains (until the early 1970s, the washhouse was an important place of social interaction in every village).
Half-timbered houses with corner posts in the Grand?rue and rue de la Chapelle (the corner post also served to protect against the possible attacks of demons and ill-intentioned spirits lurking around the dwellings).
This historic circuit has 16 panels. The parking lot and welcome sign are at the entrance to the village, next to the fire station.

SCHRANKENFELS AND HANECK CASTLES

Also worth seeing above the Krebsbach valley are the ruins of Schrankenfels castle (built in 1241) and Haneck castle (probably built in the 13th century). The Schrankenfels can be reached by following the Club Vosgien signposted trails from the Col du Firstplan (approx. 1 hour's walk). The Haneck ruins are a 5-minute walk from Schrankenfels.

MOUNTAIN TOURS

The Club Vosgien offers walks as far as Staufen, Col du Marbach, Schrankenfels, Ried, Boenlesgrab, Petit-Ballon? among others, with signposts opposite the church.

Office de tourisme de la vallée de Munster