Ottersthal brings together religious buildings, historical traces and a heritage walk that takes in several places. The topics range from the distinctive architecture of the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe to a church in the old village and links to Roman and Gallic history. When planning your trip, it is helpful to distinguish between the local cultural sites and the longer walk.
Chapels and village history
The Chapelle Sainte-Barbe stands on Mont Sainte-Barbe in Ottersthal’s municipal forest and is open to visitors. It was first mentioned in writing in 1556. In 1630, it underwent extensive restoration after the severe destruction of 1621 and 1622. This makes it possible to distinguish between an early written mention and a later restoration phase in the history of a single building.
Its architecture also has a striking feature: a broad, ribless vault makes a roof turret and buttresses necessary. These elements are therefore part of a single structural solution, not merely separate exterior details. Anyone interested in religious architecture will find a clear connection here between the shape of the vault and the building’s design.
The Chapelle Saint-Urbain offers a different perspective in terms of both time and place. Its main construction phase dates to the 17th century; inside is a small altar with a statue of Saint Urban. The Eglise Sainte-Marie l'Auxiliatrice stands in the heart of the old village. Together, the three buildings illustrate different links to local history: the written mention and restoration of the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe, the construction phase and altar of the Chapelle Saint-Urbain, and the church’s location in the old village centre.
Historical traces and landscape
The Roman road between Strasbourg and Metz passes through Ottersthal. Another historical trace is associated with Barbarakopf: it overlooks the village and forms part of a large Gallic oppidum built at the beginning of the 1st century BC. A Roman road connection and a Gallic site therefore represent two distinct historical links.
The Col de Saverne also offers a connection with the landscape: at an altitude of 413 m, it provides panoramic views over the forest, Saverne and the surrounding area. The Fontaine monumentale au col de Saverne in Ottersthal is protected as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 21 April 1934. The ForĂŞt domaniale de Saverne is also listed as a sight in Ottersthal.
Heritage walk and practical planning
A walk proposed in Eckartswiller takes visitors through the heritage of Eckartswiller and the neighbouring villages of Ottersthal and Saint-Jean-Saverne. In Ottersthal, it leads to the Chapelle Sainte-Barbe. The walk is about 14.5 km long, with around 250 m of elevation gain; it can be done on foot or by mountain bike. The route offers a longer way to connect cultural sites across several places. Since route descriptions and directions may change, check them before setting off.
For a different kind of planning, there is a regular weekly event: Ottersthal’s local food market takes place on Fridays from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Check the schedule again before your trip if you would like to plan a visit to the market.
Choose your focus
To decide whether Ottersthal fits your travel plans, you can weigh up two different options: the chapels, church and protected monument put building and local history centre stage, while the heritage walk also takes in Eckartswiller and Saint-Jean-Saverne. This lets you shape your trip around either the village’s cultural sites or a longer route through several places.
Discover more destinations: Gœrsdorf, Schirmeck, Hinsbourg, Kirchheim, Rœschwoog, Bernardvillé, Entzheim, Wissembourg.
See the broader travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
