The Enchanted Forest

The Christmas period is intended to be atypical in Altkirch, with no traditional Christmas market but magical decorations and illuminations, scenographies and original digital creations transforming the entire city center into a magical forest.

Each year the Enchanted Forest stages a dozen tales and legends from Sundgau and Alsace. Forest animals, mysterious characters and magical settings settle in the city center to transport you to a fantastic world.

Numerous activities will be offered, much to the delight of young and old! Mulled wine, crêpes, waffles, and other sweet treats. New for 2025: Artisan Signatures, The Designers' Boutique-Tea Room at 1 rue de la Cure. This pop-up shop, open Thursday to Sunday from December 11th, is a new place to discover! 

Altkirch will be buzzing throughout the month of December with activities at the ice rink, street shows, storytelling tours offered by the Tourist Office, exhibitions, workshops and many other activities.

To find out all the wonderful details of this edition, come to Altkirch!

 

 

What is the Enchanted Forest of Altkirch?

The Enchanted Forest is a magical trail set up every winter during the month of December in the center of Altkirch. Inspired by the tales and legends of the Sundgau region, it immerses visitors in a magical world blending fantastic creatures, luminous decorations and poetic atmospheres.

When does the Enchanted Forest take place?

The event takes place every year during the Christmas period, usually from early December to early January.

Is access free?

Yes, access to the Enchanted Forest trail and scenery is fully free.

For which audience?

For the whole family: children, teenagers, adults, seniors… The event is also accessible to strollers and people with reduced mobility.

What activities can we discover?

Enchanting decorations, scenes inspired by legends, fantastic characters, illuminations, occasional shows, storytelling tours, activities for young audiences, an outdoor ice rink and small gourmet stands depending on the year.

Do we need to book in advance?

No for the route, yes sometimes for certain themed visits or special events.

What are the schedules ?

The route is accessible during the day but reveals all its magic at nightfall, thanks to the illuminations.

Where is the Enchanted Forest?

In the heart of Altkirch town centre: rue Charles de Gaulle, place Xavier Jourdain, place de la République… A signposted route makes it easy to discover everything.

Is there a parking lot?

Yes, several free parking lots are available around the city centre.

Can the Enchanted Forest be visited during the day?

Yes, but the scenery takes on its full dimension in the evening thanks to the lights and staging.

How long does the visit last?

The complete route can be discovered in 30 minutes to 1 hour, according to your pace and the planned activities.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs on leashes are generally accepted in public spaces, as long as they do not interfere with activities.

Is there catering available on site?

Depending on the edition, stalls offer hot drinks, crepes, waffles, or winter treats. Restaurants in the city center are also open.

Can we take photos?

Of course! The sets are designed to be immersive and photogenic. It's even one of the highlights of the visit.

Is the Enchanted Forest accessible by stroller or wheelchair?

Yes, the route takes place in the city, on pedestrian and accessible streets.

Are the activities different every year?

Yes, some of the sets and scenes change regularly, making each edition unique.

Are there guided tours?

Yes, storytelling tours are sometimes used to discover the legends of the Sundgau and the stories behind each setting.

Can we come as a group?

Absolutely. The event is suitable for outings for groups, families, clubs, schools or associations.

Where to stay to enjoy the Enchanted Forest?

Numerous accommodations are available in Altkirch and the Sundgau region: family-run hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. Perfect for extending the magic over a weekend.

Why visit the Enchanted Forest rather than a traditional Christmas market?

The Enchanted Forest offers a unique approach—it's less a Christmas market and more an immersive, artistic, and magical reenactment of local legends. Rather than stalls selling goods, it's a town transformed into a living fairytale, perfect for discovering the Sundgau region with magic and authenticity. Children love it!

How to get here / access / parking

Altkirch city centre is well served by public transport (bus/tram). 
Free private parking is available for cars.
The SNCF train station is located 5 minutes walk from the centre.