Altkirch

The town is home to the Sundgau Museum and the Rhine Center for Contemporary Art, both open year-round. The Saint Morand Priory, Notre-Dame Church, the old town walls, and other medieval remains reflect the town's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Guided tours for groups and individuals are available upon request. The Tourist Office also offers a tourist map with QR codes for exploring the town on your own. A modern town with a distinctive character, boasting a vibrant commercial sector, represented by the award-winning Altkirch Traditions association (two gold plaques), Altkirch also hosts numerous and varied cultural events, such as the Enchanted Forest in December, the Fête de la Musique (World Music Day), the Sound'Go Festival, and street performances in the summer, as well as concerts and many other shows organized by energetic local associations. Free guided tours of the town are organized every summer, and you can also explore Altkirch and its surroundings through short hikes. - Around the Schweighof via Breitholz 10 km / 3 hours - Saint-Morand 5,5 km / 2 hours - The Altkirch Heights 8 km / 2.5 hours. For families, there's a fun walk to discover Altkirch, suitable for children aged 4 to 12! Market days: Thursday mornings: from 7 am to 1 pm, large market throughout the town center. Saturday mornings: from 7 am to 12 pm, small farmers' market, Place Xavier Jourdain. The Sainte Catherine Fair: the last Thursday of November, large fair throughout the town. 

Altkirch also offers a fun experience with the treasure hunt "On the Trail of Alsace's Treasures," available for free on smartphones (iPhone and Android). This app allows users to discover the town interactively through riddles, clues, and challenges leading to a treasure, sometimes with a reward at the end. In addition, visitors can explore local heritage sites—such as the Sundgau Museum, the CRAC Alsace (Regional Center for Contemporary Art), the Saint-Morand Priory, and medieval remains—thanks to guided tours, marked hiking trails, and an interactive tourist map available at the Tourist Office.

FAQ – Discover Altkirch and its cultural attractions

1. What are the main cultural sites to visit in Altkirch?
Altkirch is home to two major cultural venues open year-round. The Sundgau Museum showcases local history, traditions, and heritage, while the Rhine Center for Contemporary Art is dedicated to contemporary artistic creation. This complementary approach allows visitors to discover both the history of the Sundgau region and a demanding contemporary program, making Altkirch a culturally rich and vibrant city.

2. What historical heritage can be discovered in the city?
Altkirch boasts a diverse architectural heritage, reflecting its medieval and religious history. The Saint-Morand Priory, the Church of Notre-Dame, the old ramparts, and various medieval remains bear witness to this richness. These emblematic sites allow visitors to understand the town's evolution through the centuries and provide an ideal setting for guided tours tailored to both groups and individual visitors.

3. How to visit Altkirch independently or with a guide?
Guided tours are available upon request for an in-depth exploration of Altkirch's heritage. For independent exploration, the Tourist Office provides a tourist map equipped with QR codes. These codes allow access to detailed information and the ability to explore the town at your own pace, independently, while enjoying accessible cultural content.

4. Is Altkirch a lively town all year round?
A modern and dynamic town, Altkirch offers numerous cultural events throughout the year. Highlights include the Enchanted Forest in December, the Fête de la Musique (Music Festival), the Sound'Go Festival, summer street performances, and numerous concerts. These events are supported by an active network of associations, contributing to a vibrant and welcoming local life.

5. What outdoor activities can be done around Altkirch?
Altkirch and its surroundings can be fully explored thanks to a wide range of outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts can choose from several trails suitable for different levels, including the Schweighof trail via Breitholz (10 km), the Saint-Morand trail (5,5 km) and the Altkirch heights trail (8 km).
The Sundgau region is also ideal for practicing cycling, mountain biking and gravel bikingMany routes use secondary roads, forest paths and hilly trails, offering a gentle and sporty discovery of the surrounding countryside, typical villages and natural heritage in a preserved setting.

6. What activities are offered to families and what are the market days?
Families can enjoy a fun walk specially designed for children aged 4 to 12, allowing them to discover Altkirch in an interactive and entertaining way. For a more social experience, the town hosts a large market on Thursday mornings, a farmers' market on Saturday mornings, and the Sainte-Catherine Fair, held on the last Thursday of November, which brings the entire town center to life.