Wattwiller brings together contemporary art, historic fountains and water as the theme of the Fondation François Schneider’s cultural program. It is also home to a church with a 12th-century crypt, vineyards and a stream with cascades. Recurring dates, seasonal celebrations and conditions at Hartmannswillerkopf are useful when planning your visit.
Art in the village and at the art center
FEW is an annual, two-week contemporary art festival. It unfolds in public spaces and in residents’ homes; the exact dates change each year, so you should check the schedule in advance if the festival is the reason for your trip. The Fondation François Schneider art center presents two to three exhibitions each year and offers a cultural program on the theme of water. Wattwiller therefore brings together two distinct cultural formats: a limited-time festival and the exhibition program at the art center.
Church and fountains
The Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste was designated a Monument historique in 1930; its crypt dates from the 12th century. The Fontaine Saint Népomucène is octagonal, has a rectangular basin and stands beside the church and the presbytery. It has been mentioned since 1487 and is made of red Vosges sandstone. A 1577 reference describes the Fontaine de Gohr as rebuilt; it is believed to date from around 1480. The fountains thus differ not only in shape and material, but also in the historical dates associated with them.
Vineyards and stream landscape
Winegrowing is also part of the village’s character: the Alsace appellation vineyard area in Wattwiller covers 16 hectares, and cultivation has been documented since the 8th century. The Siehlbaechle rises on the slopes of the Molkenrain and flows as a mountain stream with several cascades. The fountains and stream offer two different perspectives on water: landscaped historic features and a cascade flowing through the landscape. Winegrowing adds a clearly defined agricultural tradition to these cultural and natural themes.
Seasonal celebrations in Lehwald
Recurring celebrations are held at the two ponds in Lehwald during the warmer months: on the last Sunday in April and September. The program includes refreshments, a meal of fried carp and fishing opportunities. The exact date may vary; check in advance if attending a celebration is important to your travel plans.
Hartmannswillerkopf and getting there
The battlefield at Hartmannswillerkopf is accessible on foot year-round; however, a visit in winter is not recommended. Admission is free, and an educational, scenographically designed trail allows visitors to explore independently. Guided tours are offered in French, German, English and Alsatian; booking requirements and availability may vary. If you would like a tour in a particular language, check availability in advance.
Cernay railway station is four kilometers away and provides Wattwiller with access to rail services. The village is also served by the Cernay–Guebwiller bus route. Check current timetables and routes before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Carspach, Mulhouse, Herrlisheim-près-Colmar, Holtzwihr, Ensisheim, Rammersmatt, Husseren-Les-Châteaux, Hohrod.
For the broader travel overview: Haut-Rhin.
