Jungholtz reveals itself through a range of historical and natural themes: a Jewish cemetery dating back to the early modern period, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Thierenbach, an example of Austrian Baroque, and a very easy walking trail that passes information panels about history and nature. During your stay, you can choose between local history, architecture, a walk and a culinary highlight.
Jewish heritage: cemetery and yeshiva
The Jewish cemetery of Jungholtz was established at the beginning of the 17th century in the moat of the former Château de Schauenbourg. It preserves hundreds of graves and is listed in the register of historic monuments. The yeshiva building is the only surviving remnant of Jungholtz’s former synagogue and Talmud school. The cemetery and yeshiva thus represent different records of the town’s Jewish history: the historic burial ground with its many graves, and a surviving building associated with the synagogue and Talmud school.
From a concrete chapel to a Baroque basilica
The modern Saint Joseph concrete chapel stands in the centre of Jungholtz at the foot of a shady vineyard slope. It was built from May 1957 to December 1958. Its construction and precisely specified timeframe give it a different architectural profile from the Basilique Notre-Dame de Thierenbach: today’s basilica is a church in the Austrian Baroque style, built by Peter Thumb in 1723. The two distinct building styles and periods stand side by side: 20th-century modern concrete architecture and 18th-century Austrian Baroque.
The landscape is also part of the basilica’s setting: it offers panoramic views across the Alsace Plain. Its location is also defined by two named routes. The basilica lies between the “Promenade au pied de Sainte Anne” walking trail and the starting point of the Stations of the Cross. The architecture, views and these two route points offer different perspectives on the site.
An easy walking trail exploring nature and history
The Sentier pédagogique du Vallon de Thierenbach is a very easy, 2.6-kilometre walking trail that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, information panels explain the history of the basilica and the valley, as well as the local fauna and flora. There are also views of the basilica and the surrounding meadows. This gives you both an approximate duration and specific themes and sights to look out for when planning your visit.
The trail brings together nature observation and cultural history without one theme replacing the other: alongside flora and fauna, the panels also cover the history of the valley and the basilica. Those with a particular interest in buildings can consider the information about the religious building alongside its Austrian Baroque style and panoramic views across the Alsace Plain. The walk also offers a distinct, clearly timed way to get some exercise.
Tree heritage and a culinary highlight
The natural and cultural tree heritage of Jungholtz includes a giant sequoia, presented as part of this heritage. This adds a tree as a distinctive local feature alongside the historic buildings and walking trail.
La Ferme des Moines is a traditional restaurant in Jungholtz. Its furnishings are inspired by the 18th century, and cooking on volcanic stone is part of its concept. The restaurant adds a culinary dimension to the town’s history and landscape without implying any specific offering or opening hours.
Discover more destinations: Sierentz, Wolschwiller, Mittlach, Bischwihr, Osenbach, Friesen, Hirtzbach, Gundolsheim
For the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
