The stone Sainte-Brigide Church, built in 1766, a communal washhouse supplied with running spring water, and a seven-kilometre circular trail give Berrwiller two distinct highlights for a stay: architectural history and a walk through the landscape. You can get to know the village through its historic buildings or set aside time for the route through the forest and vineyards.
Architectural history from the washhouse to the château
The present stone Sainte-Brigide Church was built in 1766 to replace an older wooden church. Its predecessor had become dilapidated and too small; both factors explain why it was rebuilt. The communal washhouse dates from 1885. Its basins remain, and water from a captured spring still flows into them today. The church and washhouse thus tell different stories of change and preservation: one replaced a predecessor that had become too small, while the basins in the other have been preserved.
The presbytery also links Berrwiller’s architectural history with the Château de Weckenthal. Typical of the 18th century, the presbytery was built in 1730 partly from stones from the château. This connection makes it possible to trace the reuse of château stones in another historic building.
The history of the Château de Weckenthal spans several stages of expansion. It was rebuilt with two towers and restored and expanded by Anastase de Waldner in 1522. It then had four towers and was surrounded by a triple moat. The surviving remains form an incomplete square of sandstone walls that do not rise above ground level, surrounded by a moat. The former complex and the remains in their present form thus offer two different perspectives on the castle.
Hiking through forests, vineyards, and history
The seven-kilometre circular trail “Sur les hauteurs de Berrwiller” is considered suitable for families and presents no particular difficulties. It passes through forests and vineyards and offers views of the Vosges, Berrwiller, and the Alsatian plain. The walk also offers opportunities to discover First World War remains and beautiful wayside shrines. The route therefore combines landscape and historical landmarks without requiring a longer hike.
The start and finish are on Route de la Forêt at the entrance to Hartmannswiller. Parking is available 500 metres farther on, at the edge of the forest; check the parking situation before your walk. This information helps you plan the circular trail as a separate activity and distinguish the stated starting point from the location of the parking.
Events with different highlights
A description published in 2025 of the 47th “Marche Populaire Internationale” lists routes of 5, 11, and 21 kilometres. They pass through the vineyards and along the eastern slope of Vieil Armand. The different route lengths offer a clear choice between shorter and longer distances; exact event dates vary.
The Humpafascht was scheduled to hold its 47th edition in 2025. The programme announced at the time included a bonfire on Saint John’s Eve with fireworks and a “Marche gourmande,” or culinary walk. The annual Berr’Noël offers a different focus: it includes a Christmas market featuring local producers, artisans, and associations. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates and the programme before making your plans.
Discover more destinations: Steinbach, Dannemarie, Heidwiller, Ottmarsheim, Sewen, Thannenkirch, Morschwiller-Le-Bas, Wattwiller
Return to the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
