Sondernach combines church history, hiking and outdoor activities with a local cheese-making tradition. The Massif du Petit Ballon lies to the east of the village; Sondernach has two churches with distinct historical connections. When deciding where to stay, you can consider whether history, long-distance hiking routes, a particular outdoor activity or regional produce is the deciding factor.
Church history across different periods
The Protestant church in Sondernach was built in 1899–1900. After the bombings of 1915, it was rebuilt and reopened for worship in 1924. Its history is therefore shaped by construction, wartime destruction, reconstruction and reopening.
The Église Saint-Blaise was built between 1928 and 1931. It stands on the site of the former Église de l’Emm, whose origins date back to a donation in 1450 associated with the presence of a hermit. Saint-Blaise is dedicated to the memory of French soldiers who lost their lives in the valley during the First World War.
The two churches offer different historical perspectives: the Protestant church is marked by destruction and reconstruction, while Saint-Blaise brings together a 20th-century building phase, the site's older history and the commemoration of soldiers who fell in the valley. The history of the village can thus be viewed through two clearly distinct perspectives.
Outdoor activities in Sondernach
Form'Aventures is an adventure park at Le Schnepfenried in Sondernach, with nine adventure courses. If you are considering a visit, check the latest operating information beforehand, as details may change.
The Schnepfenried ski resort is also located in Sondernach. There is also a free-access climbing area. RĂŞves de Nord offers dog-sled rides as an outdoor activity. This gives you several options for planning your trip: an adventure park, a ski resort, climbing or dog-sled rides.
If you are considering Sondernach for a specific activity, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on. The activities listed differ in nature; a particular interest can therefore shape your choice of destination without requiring you to combine them into one itinerary.
Long-distance hiking routes and Munster cheese
The Massif du Petit Ballon lies east of Sondernach and is known for its long-distance hiking routes. This adds a distinct hiking focus alongside the churches and individual outdoor activities. The massif's location and its connection to long-distance hiking routes give hikers a specific landscape to consider when choosing the village.
The local cheese-making tradition is also connected to a specific part of village life: livestock farming in Sondernach includes the production of Munster cheese. Those who consider regional produce as well as history and activities when choosing a destination will find a culinary connection to the village's livestock farming.
Discover more destinations: Wickerschwihr, Walbach, Bourbach-Le-Bas, Winkel, Levoncourt, Battenheim, Lucelle, Bitschwiller-Lès-Thann
For the regional travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
