Westhouse can be explored through two distinct themes: architectural and church history, and the Wesch’Tour, which highlights the commune’s natural and cultural heritage at its stops. For planning your trip, this offers a cultural discovery of the area and a circular route on foot or by bike; the shorter route option can be distinguished directly from the longer one by its distance in kilometres. There is also a wetland along the route and other leisure activities in the commune.
Chapel, Maison des Bains and Church
The Romanesque Chapelle du Holzbad St Ulrich dates from the 12th century. Wall paintings dating from the 14th century were discovered there in 1966. This brings two distinct historical periods together in one place: the medieval chapel and the wall paintings from a later era. The Maison des Bains adjoins the chapel. It was built on a site where baths already existed in Roman times. Their immediate proximity provides a clear point of reference for planning; check access to both places before your visit.
The present-day Eglise St Matthieu stands on the site of an 11th-century Romanesque church. The current church building is neo-Gothic and was built from 1895 to 1897. Medieval remains were reused in its walls. These dates should be clearly distinguished: the 11th century refers to the earlier church on the site, while 1895 to 1897 refers to the construction of the present-day Eglise. The reused remains provide another historical trace in the walls.
The Wesch’Tour: two route lengths
The Wesch’Tour is a 12 km circular route with eight stops. Each stop has an information panel highlighting Westhouse’s natural and cultural heritage. You can complete the Wesch’Tour on foot or by bike. A 5 km alternative is also available. Two specific differences are key to comparing them: the shorter option is seven kilometres shorter, while the 12 km loop has eight stops with information panels. Check the route details again if the precise route is important for your plans.
The Wesch’Tour reaches the Bruch de l’Andlau, a wetland classified as a Natura 2000 site. It has meadows and forests, and is also home to wildlife and protected animal and plant species. The stops highlight cultural heritage, while the Bruch adds a specific connection to nature. If its current formal protection status is important for your plans, check the classification again.
More leisure activities
The Zone de loisirs intergénérationnelle includes a multi-purpose sports court. If the facility is important for your visit, check its current layout in advance. Day and half-day fishing are available at the APSAN fishing pond in Westhouse. Access information varies by season; check the current conditions directly with APSAN.
Discover more destinations: Albe, Rosheim, Gertwiller, Brumath, Stotzheim, Mittelhausen, Duntzenheim, Batzendorf
For the wider travel overview: Bas-Rhin.
