Soultzeren

On the way to Schlucht pass
Population: 1178 inhabitants (source INSEE 2006)
Area size: 1837 ha

Presentation

Soultzeren is first mentioned as "Saltzeren", about 900 A.D. The origin of the name would be linked to the presence of salted water springs.

The first church is built in 1463. Between 1543 and 1559, the people turn into Protestants, and faithfully follow Martin Luther.

The village suffered from the army rabble of the Thirty years war (1618-1648). This is why the people had hidden into the nearby forests. Cults were celebrated at "Bichtstein" rock, which name means "stone of confession, repentance", because you could confess there.

The village was destroyed during WW1.

What to do - to see

Bollard

This bollard is situated on route de Stosswihr, at the entrance of the village, is topped by a French helmet. It was given as a present by the Alsatians and people originated from Lorraine, living in Argentina. It shows the extreme frontline of the German army in February 1915.

Protestant church

The Protestant church was built in 1869, and renovated in 1921-23. The church tower was damaged by the German artillery in June 1940; it got its current shape in 1949. It was recently renovated again.

Primary school

The architecture of the imposing primary school is typical of the after-WW1 buildings. It was inaugurated in 1924.

Hiking

•         Starting at the Butchery for the trails of Club Vosgien.

•         Starting at Kaltenborn (by the firestation) on route du Wettstein – Forlet Lake.

•         Starting at Wettstein pass and Tanet parking place (small ski tow) for the panoramic tour by Hohrodberg, Wettstein, Forlet Lake (known as Lac des Truites), lac Vert (known as Soultzeren’s Lake), Tanet, Bichtstein and the crest to GR5 and 531.