Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
France
Alsace
Altkirch

Schwoben

Attractions and Places To See around Schwoben - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Schwoben include a mix of historical sites and outdoor routes. The region features significant World War I landmarks, such as former artillery positions and military cemeteries. Visitors can also explore man-made structures like canal locks and repurposed railway lines, offering opportunities for cycling and walking. This area provides insights into local history and opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Schwoben

  • The most popular attractions is Grand Cannon of Zillisheim, a historical site that preserves traces of World War I. This location features underground tunnels and was home to a long-range artillery piece.
  • Another must-see spot is Zillisheim Drawbridge and Lock No. 35, a bridge and lock system on the Rhône-Rhine Canal. This lock is part of a 236-kilometer canal system with over 100 locks.
  • Visitors also love Altkirch-Hirsingue cycle path – a former railway line, a well-paved route on a former railway. This path, once a railway line, now serves as a cycle path between Hirsingue and Altkirch.
  • Schwoben is known for its historical sites, cycle paths, and unique man-made structures. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from military history to canal infrastructure.
  • The attractions around Schwoben are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 370 upvotes and 20 photos, these spots offer diverse experiences for visitors.

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Zillisheim Episcopal College "Petit Séminaire"

Highlight • Historical Site

The castle now houses a school.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

The Rhône-Rhine Canal runs for some 236 kilometers and has 114 locks. This is lock number 35!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Grand Cannon of Zillisheim

Highlight • Historical Site

Beneath the forest canopy, you can discover numerous traces of bygone times, still visible or legible; only the "barracks" have disappeared. During a guided tour with one of the site's enthusiastic volunteers, you can explore the underground tunnels and discover the organization of this impressive military infrastructure. Of course, you can also visit the surface infrastructure yourself, following the marked route, where the panels provide detailed explanations.
An application, "Site du Grand Canon de Zillisheim," is also available for download.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

The Illfurth German War Cemetery was established by the French military authorities in April 1920. As a collective cemetery, it housed some of the fallen soldiers from the battles of August 7 and 17, 1914. The transfer of war dead to Illfurth, who had been provisionally buried in 64 municipalities and districts during the war or who had died in French captivity, ended in 1924. Among those reburied was the first German casualty of the 1914-1918 War on the Western Front, Lieutenant Albert Mayer, who fell on August 2, 1914, while on patrol. The first French soldier also lost his life in this battle. Several memorials erected in field cemeteries during the war were also relocated to Illfurth.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

The line from Altkirch to Ferrette is a former railway line. It was put into service in 1892 and was closed in 1968, then rehabilitated as a greenway in the 1990s.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Schwoben.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Schwoben

Gravel biking around Schwoben

MTB Trails around Schwoben

Road Cycling Routes around Schwoben

Hiking around Schwoben

Cycling around Schwoben

Running Trails around Schwoben

Tips from the Community

Ollie Rex
October 18, 2025, Cimetière militaire allemand d'Illfurth

The German soldiers who died in the Battle of Mühlhausen in August 1914 are buried there, including the first casualty of World War I. It's a bit off the beaten track and very well maintained.

Translated by Google

0

0

Beneath the forest canopy, you can discover numerous traces of bygone times, still visible or legible; only the "barracks" have disappeared. During a guided tour with one of the site's enthusiastic volunteers, you can explore the underground tunnels and discover the organization of this impressive military infrastructure. Of course, you can also visit the surface infrastructure yourself, following the marked route, where the panels provide detailed explanations. An application, "Site du Grand Canon de Zillisheim," is also available for download.

Translated by Google

5

0

The Illfurth German War Cemetery was established by the French military authorities in April 1920. As a collective cemetery, it housed some of the fallen soldiers from the battles of August 7 and 17, 1914. The transfer of war dead to Illfurth, who had been provisionally buried in 64 municipalities and districts during the war or who had died in French captivity, ended in 1924. Among those reburied was the first German casualty of the 1914-1918 War on the Western Front, Lieutenant Albert Mayer, who fell on August 2, 1914, while on patrol. The first French soldier also lost his life in this battle. Several memorials erected in field cemeteries during the war were also relocated to Illfurth.

Translated by Google

8

0

The castle fits nicely into the panorama. But I didn't go there.

Translated by Google

0

0

This site is the location of a “KW” cannon of the “Kaiser Wilhelm Geschutze” or “Max le long” type whose mission, during the First World War, was to fire large detonations at Belfort to provide a diversion during attacks. on Verdun and the forts of Vaux and Douaumont.

Translated by Google

2

0

Impressively large college on the Canal du Rhone au Rhine in Zillisheim.

Translated by Google

3

0

Our school (primary, secondary, high school under association contract with the State) of mixed education now welcomes more than 1,300 students, but our history is very rich. The Minor Seminary of Zillisheim was born in 1869 from the transplantation of that of Lachapelle. The latter had been founded after the storm of the Great Revolution, to reorganize the religious life of the country and give to the department of Haut-Rhin, then passed from the crook of the Bishop of Basel under that of the Bishop of Strasbourg, the possibilities of contributing in a normal way to the recruitment of native clergy. Even today, Catholic teaching, chaplaincy and catechism are at the heart of our education.

Translated by Google

0

0

Huge castle complex. Unfortunately too

Translated by Google

2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly activities around Schwoben?

Yes, the Altkirch-Hirsingue cycle path – a former railway line is a well-paved route on a former railway, perfect for cycling or walking with children. It offers a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.

What historical sites related to World War I can I visit near Schwoben?

You can explore the Grand Cannon of Zillisheim, a significant WWI site featuring underground tunnels and the remains of a long-range artillery piece. Another important historical location is the Illfurth German military cemetery, which houses the graves of nearly 2,000 soldiers from the war.

Are there any wheelchair accessible attractions in the Schwoben area?

Yes, the Zillisheim Drawbridge and Lock No. 35 on the Rhône-Rhine Canal is noted as wheelchair accessible. It offers an interesting view of the canal infrastructure.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?

The region around Schwoben offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like the Hundsbach Windenhof loop. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes and mountain biking trails, such as the Altkirch-Hirsingue cycle path.

Where can I find scenic views or peaceful spots?

The area around Our Lady of the Snows Chapel, Luemschwiller offers superb views amidst wooded paths. The chapel itself is set in a green park, providing a tranquil and picturesque setting.

What is the significance of the Zillisheim Drawbridge and Lock No. 35?

The Zillisheim Drawbridge and Lock No. 35 is part of the extensive 236-kilometer Rhône-Rhine Canal system, which features over 100 locks. This specific lock is number 35 and is known for its distinctive blue canal bridge, making it a notable piece of engineering and a scenic spot.

Are there any easy walking routes around Schwoben?

Yes, for easy walks, consider the Hundsbach Windenhof – Le Moulin de Hundsbach loop, which is an easy hiking route around Schwoben. The Altkirch-Hirsingue cycle path, a former railway line, also provides a flat and well-paved surface suitable for easy strolls.

What do visitors enjoy most about the Grand Cannon of Zillisheim?

Visitors are particularly fascinated by the opportunity to explore the underground tunnels and learn about the organization of this impressive military infrastructure from World War I. The detailed explanations provided on marked routes and through the 'Site du Grand Canon de Zillisheim' application enhance the experience.

Can I cycle on former railway lines in the Schwoben region?

Absolutely. The Altkirch-Hirsingue cycle path – a former railway line is an excellent example. This well-paved route, once a railway, now serves as a greenway between Hirsingue and Altkirch, offering a smooth and scenic cycling experience.

What is the history behind Our Lady of the Snows Chapel in Luemschwiller?

The Our Lady of the Snows Chapel has a rich history, with its first mention dating back to 1598. It was rebuilt in 1816 after destruction during the revolution, and its frescoes were painted in 1950. It's a site of historical and religious significance, nestled in a beautiful forested area.

Are there any specific tips for visiting the Illfurth German military cemetery?

The Illfurth German military cemetery is a solemn site established in 1920. It commemorates nearly 2,000 German soldiers from WWI, including Lieutenant Albert Mayer, the first German casualty on the Western Front. Visitors should approach with respect for its historical significance.

Most popular routes around Schwoben

Traffic-free bike rides around Schwoben

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

BiederthalOltingenLutterKiffisRädersdorfWolschweilerLützelMüspachObermüspachBettlachLinsdorfFislisBuchsweilerOberlargWerenzhausenSondersdorfLigsdorfWinkelBendorfPfirtAltpfirtRoppenzweilerDurlinsdorfKöstlachMörnachRiespachLuffendorfDürmenachLiebsdorfOttendorfJettingenWaldighofenWittersdorfSteinsulzBernwillerHirsingenMooslargTagolsheimSpechbachIlltalObermorschweilerFrankenEmlingenWalheimGildweilerBalschweilerBiselPfetterhausenHeidweilerFeldbachBerenzweilerObertraubachFalkweilerWelschsteinbachGevenattenSaint-CosmeHeckenCarspachBellemagnyHeimersdorfWillerHausgauenTagsdorfRüderbachGommersdorfSternenbergDiefmattenBrettenHeiweilerHagenbachSankt BernhardBütweilerEglingenAspachHundsbachAltenachHirtzbachElbachOberseptWillernIllfurthNiedertraubachBrückensweilerAltmünsterolLargitzenHindlingenBettendorfManspachRetzweilerDammerkirchSankt UlrichWolfersdorfMertzenSchaffnatt Am WeiherGottesthalHochstattBallersdorfFriesenStruethLümschweilerFullerenFröningenÜberstrassNiederseptMagnyJungmünsterol

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Tagsdorf

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy