Kappelen offers several distinct ways to explore the area: religious architecture, historic milling and a landscape shaped by the Wurmbach. The contrast between the Saint-Wolfgang Chapel, where Masses and processions are still held today, and former buildings put to different uses is particularly illuminating. A circular walk also passes through Kappelen. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether religious architecture, industrial history or the natural surroundings matter most to you.
Chapels and churches: architectural history and religious use
The Saint-Wolfgang Chapel has stood between Kappelen and Stetten since the 13th century. Today, it still welcomes worshippers for Masses and processions. Its coffered ceiling consists of 21 panels. The chapel thus represents both a location between two villages dating back to the 13th century and religious use in the present day.
Saint-Michel brings together several layers of construction and use. The former Saint-Michel Chapel was converted into a church in 1847 by extending the nave by nine metres. The new Saint-Michel Church has a stained-glass window depicting Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation. This offers two distinct points of interest: a structural transformation and a specific biblical subject.
A local article from 2021 describes the former Saint-Michel Church as having been deconsecrated in 1977; its nave has served as a community room ever since. This historic use should be distinguished from the religious use of the Saint-Wolfgang Chapel.
Mills and a former rectory
After modernisation and the installation of electric motors, the Hintere Muehle remained in operation until 1958. The Niedere Muehle is associated with a notarial deed dated 27 July 1692: it authorised the construction of a grain mill with a water-supply channel between Kappelen and Brinckheim. The histories of the two mills begin at different points: the Hintere Muehle is notable for its operation and technical modernisation, while the Niedere Muehle is linked to authorisation to build a mill for a specific purpose with a water supply.
The former rectory in Kappelen adds another type of building to the area’s architectural history. It was built in 1746 to plans by Blaise von Runcz. Along with the churches and mills, it offers another perspective on historic buildings in the village, though not all of them served the same purpose in the past.
The Wurmbach and a circular walk
The municipal wetland network along the Wurmbach in Kappelen comprises four depressions and an educational pond. The project included follow-up monitoring through 2023. For nature enthusiasts, this offers a different way to explore the area from the circular walk: here, the focus is on the components of a wetland project; there, on the landscapes along a route.
The Bartenheim–Kappelen circular walk passes through fields, along forest edges and through village areas, including Kappelen. If you are using the walk as the reason for your trip, check the current route status before planning.
Discover more destinations: Rammersmatt, Vogelgrun, Kaysersberg, Lapoutroie, Niederhergheim, Niedermorschwihr, Bergheim, Gueberschwihr
View the wider travel guide: Haut-Rhin.
