Buswiller combines a long church history with distinctive architectural landmarks and green spaces around the village. A document from 1438 attests to the existence of Saint-Sixte Church. Other landmarks include the Corps de garde, dating from 1597, and the Ferme Jacob, with the date 1599 carved into the corner post of its dwelling. Those interested in a place’s history will find evidence here from different periods and with different functions.
Buswiller lies in the foothills of the Vosges at an average elevation of 225 metres. Benches line a green path beside the school garden. The Eiler spring is also part of the village’s history: it once fed a fountain in the village centre.
Saint-Sixte Church and its History
Saint-Sixte Church is in the village centre and, since the introduction of the Reformation in 1545, has been reserved exclusively for Protestant worship. The choir contains six epitaphs commemorating members of the Gayling von Altheim, Böcklin von Böcklinsau and Wurmser von Vendenheim families. Before the destruction of the Revolution of 1789, Mayor Rueff had the epitaphs covered with a layer of plaster, which preserved them. There is a car park by the church. Check the current parking situation before your visit.
Historic Buildings and Architectural Styles
The Corps de garde is the surviving remnant of Buswiller’s former fortified cemetery complex. It dates from 1597, once served as a guardhouse and housed a prison. The Schini houses reveal another side of the village’s architectural history: their distinctive feature is a double loggia with two levels of balustrades. They reflect the architectural influence of the Swiss, who came to repopulate the region after the Thirty Years’ War, which lasted from 1618 to 1648.
The date 1599 is carved into the corner post of the dwelling at the Ferme Jacob. The farm is one of the few farmsteads protected as a historic monument. The dates 1597 and 1599 are close together, but refer to different architectural landmarks: a former guardhouse and prison on the one hand, and a protected farmstead on the other.
Walks and Activities
La Ferme Buissonnière offers participatory activities for children, young people, families, people with disabilities and older people, as well as for associations, organisations and educational institutions. Activities include walks with animals, cooking workshops, and workshops in creative arts and traditional skills. Participation is by prior appointment; confirm your appointment before visiting.
Another option is the hike organised each year on 1 May by the Association Sports et Loisirs Culturels along the region’s trails. Check the details of the current edition in advance. The two offerings also differ in how they need to be planned: the hike takes place on a fixed annual date, while activities at La Ferme Buissonnière require an appointment in advance.
Discover more destinations: Siewiller, Villé, Schiltigheim, Soultz-Les-Bains, Kirchheim, Souffelweyersheim, Duttlenheim, Weiterswiller.
Return to the regional travel guide: Bas-Rhin.
