In Gunstett, hikes on the Mont sit alongside local history, including the washhouse and the area’s oil-industry past. Two different routes can be distinguished when choosing a trail: the “Walk around Gunstett” climbs from Saint-Michel Church to the Mont, while the “Hiking circuit on both sides of the Sauer” runs across the heights of Gunstett.
Hiking on Mont de Gunstett
The “Walk around Gunstett” reaches a summit with panoramic views of the surrounding villages and landscapes. By contrast, municipal hiking trails through the Nierderwald and Sauer Valley end below Mont de Gunstett. The routes described therefore differ in their course: the walk climbs to the summit, while the trails through the forest and valley end below the hill.
The upper area of the Mont is marked by a calvary. Two large-leaved lime trees also stand on the Mont and are classified as remarkable trees at departmental level. These natural and cultural landmarks add specific points of interest to the summit views and highlight what makes the hill distinctive.
The “Hiking circuit on both sides of the Sauer” is listed as 17.6 kilometres long, with 226 metres of positive elevation gain. You can take both figures into account when planning your time. Route details may change, so check the current course before setting out.
The washhouse and local history
The Lavoir de Morsbronn-les-Bains was built after 1871 on the banks of the Sauer, within the municipal territory of Gunstett. Sandstone slabs lead down steps to the Sauer. Oak posts support the roof; the timber frame is made of bolted fir wood, with wooden joints secured by pegs. The area around the washhouse was once a popular bathing spot known as “Gunstett – Beach.”
The history of Saint-Michel Church also includes different building phases. The earlier church probably consisted of a choir tower and a nave, likely built at the end of the Middle Ages. The original choir tower retains a ground floor with a rib-vaulted ceiling and upper floors with loopholes. Construction of the new parish church of Saint-Michel began in 1780 and was completed in 1781.
Oil is also part of the town’s history: Gunstett made its living from it for about 40 years and grew prosperous as a result. Oil well III had two gallery levels, at depths of 195 and 401 metres. These details give the industrial past its own place alongside the church’s building phases and the history of the washhouse.
Pear collection in the town centre
The Gunstett Pear Conservatory is in the town centre, on a 25-are site near the church. The collection comprises around 400 trees and more than 150 different pear varieties. In Gunstett, the diversity of pears is therefore another local highlight alongside the hiking trails and architectural history.
Guided tours for groups are available by appointment. If you plan to take a tour, arrange a time before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Kertzfeld, Ostwald, Lohr, Saulxures, Monswiller, Scherwiller, Urmatt, Eckwersheim
Back to the regional travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
