Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines (Markirch) combines a long mining history with textile production, churches and outdoor trails. Almost 3,000 hectares of forest lie entirely within the municipal area. The history of mining extends far beyond a single site: between 938 and 1940, more than 1,100 mines were established in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines and its surroundings, together comprising almost 300 kilometres of underground tunnels. Individual visits take you to specific sites and sections of this history.

Mining history underground

The underground tour at Tellure follows an 850-metre route through galleries excavated by people in the 16th century. Tellure is a tourist complex built at the Saint-Jean Engelsbourg mine. This mine is also known as “La Colonne Saint-Jean” and is described as the largest man-made underground cavity in the Vosges Massif.

A visit to Tellure also features life-size scenes depicting the daily lives of 16th-century miners. The Saint-Louis Eisenthür mine offers a different timeframe: its underground exploration through 16th-century galleries is designed to take half a day and leads to the Salle de l'Avalanche, where three former silver mines in the Vosges Massif meet. Guided tours are available by appointment or on request. For planning purposes, this means an 850-metre route with a specified distance, alongside an exploration designed to take half a day.

Churches and traces of the town’s history

The Église St-Pierre-sur-l'Hâte has been mentioned since the 12th century and was remodelled in the 16th century. In 1685, it was shared between the Catholic and Protestant communities. The key to the church can be collected from the Val d'Argent Tourist Office; check the visiting arrangements before you travel. The turret houses are another visible trace of the town’s history: they mark places of power in the townscape and can only be seen on the Alsatian side of the town.

Patchwork, textiles and outdoor trails

The Carrefour Européen du Patchwork takes place every September in Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines, Lièpvre and Rombach-le-Franc. It includes more than 30 exhibitions by international artists; the number may vary from one edition to another. As the event takes place across several locations, it is advisable to check the latest dates and venue arrangements with the organisers before travelling.

Unlike the annual festival, Tissage des Chaumes is still operating and produces high-quality novelty yarns for European haute couture houses. If you would also like to spend time outdoors, Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines has signposted hiking and mountain biking trails. These trails are maintained by the Club Vosgien and the cycling club.

Discover more destinations: Hunawihr, Diefmatten, Oderen, Friesen, Hirtzbach, Guebwiller, Chavannes-Sur-L’étang, Zimmerbach

See the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.