Rocky landscape and Taennchel
Thannenkirch can be explored through two distinct themes: the landscape of the Massif du Taennchel and the local cultural heritage. The massif is characterized by rocky landscapes and a diverse range of animal and plant life. In the village, a museum, a woodcarving studio and a medieval garden complement the nature themes with local history, craftsmanship and a historical explanation of how forest plants were used. For your stay, you can choose what to focus on according to your interests: the landscape and nature of the massif, or cultural discoveries in the village.
Geologically, the Massif du Taennchel is a sandstone plateau on a granite base: sandstone forms the plateau, and granite the base. The landscape and geological structure complement each other as two ways of looking at the massif; its diverse animal and plant life is another feature. If you are interested in the natural side of Thannenkirch, you can also explore the Taennchel’s distinctive geological classification.
History, craftsmanship and gardens
The Massif du Taennchel is also notable from a historical and cultural perspective, with a former glassworks, a pagan wall and local legends. These connections range from past craft activities to a named structure and local tales. In addition, the parish of Thannenkirch has been under the patronage of Saint Catherine since the 13th century. This gives the village’s history a clearly dated historical reference as well.
The Musée du patrimoine local presents the history, landscapes, traditions and development of Thannenkirch. Its themes therefore go beyond a single historical event and bring together different aspects of the village. If you plan to visit the museum, check visiting options in advance.
The Atelier de sculpture sur bois - Famille Bosshardt is open to the public. The exhibition there presents various aspects of the millennia-old art of wood sculpture. The studio complements the historical themes with an artistic perspective: the focus is not only on the village’s history, but also on the variety of a craft art form.
The Jardin médiéval de Thannenkirch is at the eastern entrance to the village, next to the first small fountain. It features climbing plants from the surrounding forest that were offered as food to charcoal burners. In this way, the garden connects forest plants with a historical explanation of their use. This is different from the geology of the Taennchel: here, the focus is on plants and their cultural and historical significance, not the structure of the massif.
Cherry specialties and festival program
The Cherry Festival is a festive gourmet weekend featuring cherry specialties. These include tarts, mendiants, beignets and flambéed cherry tarts. The culinary offerings are a distinct feature alongside the landscape, local history and craftsmanship, and are especially appealing to travelers interested in regional festival culture.
The festival also includes a costume parade, a mountain ball, bowling, musical entertainment and a craft market. So, as well as food, the program features music, crafts and other events. Check the current dates and program before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Pulversheim, Bergholtz, Ammerschwihr, Kaysersberg, Kientzheim, Pfaffenheim, Fellering, Soultz-Haut-Rhin
For the overview of the wider area: Haut-Rhin.
