The street layout of this ancient medieval town's center hasn't changed since the Middle Ages! Between two historic buildings, an old watchtower, a fountain, an old gate, and more, a colorful work of street art appears. Two tours exist to discover the heritage and frescoes, depending on your preferences. Depending on the day you visit, head to the Sundgauvien Museum to learn more about the region's history, or to the CRAC – Centre Rhénan d'Art Contemporain – which offers three different exhibitions each year.
Do you like religious activities? Visit the Notre-Dame church, where the Altkirch castle used to be. Some remains can still be found behind the church. In the lower town is also the Saint-Morand Priory, another building that you can reach via a marked path from the centre in about fifteen minutes.
You like walking? That's great! Go to Rue du Roggenberg, all you have to do is climb... but the view is worth the effort: a superb panorama over the rooftops of Altkirch and in particular that of the Museum with its colorful tiles.
If you are passing through on a Thursday or Saturday morning, a trip to the market is essential to buy some local produce...and why not have a little snack?
Another idea for lunch: fried carp! This is the typical dish of Sundgau. The carp is cut into steaks, fried with wheat semolina, and served with fries. It is hearty and delicious. Many restaurants offer it throughout the region. Our suggestion to kill two birds with one stone: the Gare restaurant in Hirtzbach, to have a good meal and then digest while strolling in the village's English garden, just a stone's throw away. This magnificent park, designed by Baron Charles de Reinach, is a peaceful place with its many trees, small ponds... and its icehouse, a construction you don't see every day!
If you have fallen under the spell of Hirtzbach and want more, head towards Hirsingue, then continue towards Bettendorf, Grentzingen, Oberdorf…on the Flowery Route, where you will be amazed by the view.
Another beautiful church, this one Romanesque, is to be seen in Feldbach, not far from the Route Fleurie. It is even the Romanesque jewel of the Sundgau. A stop is essential to discover the interior.
Another option, past Hirtzbach: head towards Largitzen and stop at the next village, Friesen. One of the oldest half-timbered houses in Alsace is located there, and there's a whole trail to explore the village. From there, head up the Largue Valley to Dannemarie. A leisurely stroll along the canal, exploring the canal bridge or the lock ladder, is a great way to end the day.