The addition “aux-Mines” to the place name Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines refers to the former mining of silver and other metals in Grandmont, La Herrschaft and La Stimbach. The Carreau minier du Samson is also part of the mining heritage; it has been protected as a historic monument since 18 October 1989. Another connection to mining leads to the Hury Massif: the discovery of coal mines there made it necessary to build the Pont de la Timbach. The simple bridge has three basket-handle arches made of pink sandstone.
Mining and former industries
Water once supported the economy in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines. Activities included numerous mills, papermaking, spinning and fabric dyeing. The Scierie Vincent preserves its machinery to show visitors the former production process. The original tools have also been preserved and are protected as historic monuments. If you would like to visit the sawmill, check visit options separately.
Churches, castle and chapel
The Église Saint-Nicolas dates back to a church built in 1762. Its onion-shaped bell tower represents the Lorraine side of the valley. From 1824, a larger nave and choir were built to plans by Colmar architect Jean Benjamin Kuhlmann. The church’s features include the first organ installed in the Val d’Argent: Joseph Callinet installed it in 1834. The church therefore has distinct historical significance for both its architecture and its organ.
The Château fort de Haut-Echery stands on a rocky spur northwest of the village. The Duke of Lorraine founded the castle and granted it as a fief to the nobles of Echery; it was first mentioned in 1250. Today it is an inaccessible ruin. Only the chapel’s retaining wall, with its substantial buttresses, is visible. If you plan to approach it, check the local situation in advance.
The Chapelle Saint-Blaise also tells a story of preservation: it was restored and its roof bell turret reinstated. Volunteers carried out much of the restoration work.
Villa Burrus and planning your visit
Villa Burrus was built in the early 1930s by André Burrus, a tobacco industrialist in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines and cousin of Maurice Burrus. The villa is freely accessible; by arrangement, the guided tour “Laissez-vous conter le patrimoine des Burrus” is also offered as part of the tours of the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire du Val d’Argent. The grounds include a 3.2-hectare park with several dozen tree species and themed gardens. These include gardens with aromatic and medicinal plants, a vegetable garden and a rose garden. The garden layout may change over time.
In 2023, the fishing area at the Etang de pĂŞche de Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines was open to the public only on Wednesdays; fishing was permitted only when a staff member was present. Fishing equipment was provided on site, and a refreshment bar was also available. Check the current opening days and access conditions before visiting.
Visiting conditions vary considerably: the Château fort cannot be accessed, while Villa Burrus is freely accessible and offers a guided tour by arrangement. Check visit options separately for the Scierie; the information about the fishing pond refers to 2023. This will help you choose visits according to their respective conditions.
Discover more destinations: Illfurth, Rixheim, Orbey, Wettolsheim, Eschbach-Au-Val, Oderen, Bréchaumont, Jungholtz.
For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
