Above the village of Oderen, the Church of Saint-Nicolas, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, stands on a rocky outcrop; on Maerelberg, the Notre Dame du Bon Secours chapel is carved into the rock. These distinctive religious buildings give a visit a clear cultural focus. At the same time, there is plenty to discover, from the panoramic trail and hikes at the Markstein resort to the unspoilt Étang du Maerel. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between these different highlights: religious history, mountain scenery and seasonal village life each reveal a different side of Oderen.
Churches and Chapels in Oderen
The present-day Church of Saint-Nicolas was consecrated on 27 April 1786 by the Prince of Roggenbach, Bishop of Basel. It is the fourth church to have been built on the same hill. The year of consecration helps date the present building, while the number of churches also reflects the hill’s longer building history. The Notre Dame du Bon Secours chapel dates back to the 17th century and is carved into the rock of Maerelberg. It is also known as Maria Hilf and is widely known for its pilgrimages. The two religious buildings offer different historical points of interest: at Saint-Nicolas, the year of consecration and the sequence of buildings shape the story of the hill; at Notre Dame du Bon Secours, the chapel’s history, its setting in the rock and its pilgrimage tradition take centre stage.
Trails Through Mountain Landscapes
Oderen is a mid-mountain municipality covering just under 2,000 hectares, half of which is forested. A panoramic trail created by the municipality of Oderen and village volunteers offers views over the valley and the landscapes of the upper Thur. The family circular trail at the Markstein resort and along the Route des CrĂŞtes passes through mountain heathland and pastures; you may encounter mountain animals along the way. The trails offer different landscape highlights: the panoramic trail focuses on the valley and upper Thur, while the family circular trail takes in mountain heathland, pastures and possible encounters with animals.
At the Markstein resort, there are opportunities for hiking, Nordic skiing and Alpine skiing. Skiing conditions may vary by season; check them in advance if you are planning your trip around skiing. The R1 circular trail is very easy and accessible to everyone.
Relaxation by the Pond and Seasonal Village Life
The Étang du Maerel offers a different experience from the churches and trails: anglers and visitors can relax here in an unspoilt setting. Thus, alongside culture and outdoor activities, a place to unwind in a natural setting is another facet of Oderen.
The Bredalamark, a recurring village festival and one of Oderen’s most important seasonal celebrations, is a time-specific highlight. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Grentzingen, Hartmannswiller, Wintzenheim, Jungholtz, Saint-Louis, Kingersheim, Uffholtz, Lucelle.
For the main travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
