Those considering Durningen for a stay in the Kochersberg can choose between a longer hike, religious heritage and scenic viewpoints. The Chemin des Croix passes through several village centers and by religious landmarks; the church, a former horse trough and a restored viewpoint each offer something different. You can explore Durningen outdoors or through its architectural and local history, depending on your interests.
Hiking the Chemin des Croix
The Chemin des Croix is an easy circular trail suitable for families. It is 10.7 kilometers long, has 210 meters of elevation gain and is marked with a blue ring. The stated duration is three hours. Picnic areas and children’s play areas are located along the route. For specific planning, it is advisable to check the current condition of the trail markers and the facilities mentioned beforehand.
The trail passes through the village centers of Durningen, Kienheim, Rohr and Gougenheim. It includes 37 calvaries and rural roadside crosses. Religious landmarks are therefore a recurring theme of the hike, rather than the focus of just one stop. Along the Chemin des Croix, you can also visit a chapel dating from 1524, dedicated to Saint Lawrence.
The route details provide a specific time frame for the hike itself. Those who enjoy walking through several village centers and are interested in the religious landmarks along the way will find both on this tour. The chapel adds a distinct historical point of interest to the route.
A church with several layers of history
The Église Saints Pierre et Paul de Durningen is first mentioned in 1321. Its nave dates from the second half of the 18th century. Four of the church’s stained-glass windows were made in 1893 by Ott frères of Strasbourg. These dates reflect different periods in the church’s construction and furnishings, whose history spans more than a single century.
The organ also marks a distinct period: the organ by Stiehr and Mockers was built in 1861 and restored in 2008 by organ builder Alfred Kern. The main roof and the perimeter wall were renewed in 2017. The calvary near the church entrance was also renewed that year. Taken together, these details relate to different parts of the church and its immediate surroundings.
The church thus offers a different way to explore local history from the Chemin des Croix, which passes through several villages: here, the focus is on the building and its furnishings, while there, it is on the crosses along a longer hiking route.
Scenery, wildlife and local places
At 245 meters, Durningen is the highest village in the Kochersberg and offers walkers unobstructed views across the plain. La Wiewash also offers a viewpoint: the site has been renovated on a grassy slope and affords a clear view across the Kochersberg. A small pond was created below to restore a peaceful biotope. The view and the pond describe different aspects of this restored site.
Around 45 bird species, as well as European roe deer, squirrels and hares, can be spotted in Durningen. The approximate number of bird species is one aspect of local wildlife, along with the mammals mentioned. For walkers who want to include landscapes and wildlife in their explorations, this offers a different focus from church architecture or roadside crosses.
La Rosschwemm recalls a former use: it was a horse bath at the entrance to Durningen, on the road to Schnersheim. Walkers and riders visit La Rosschwemm and the washhouse right next to it. The site combines a historical reminder with a described present-day use, while its former purpose clearly belongs to the past.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Osthouse, Furdenheim, Birkenwald, Betschdorf, Neuwiller-Lès-Saverne, Schirmeck, Bernardvillé, Westhouse
Back to the main travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
