The best MTB trails around Sankt Bernhard

Ammertzwiller – destroyed front village and mine warfare Ammertzwiller was one of the particularly contested locations on the Sundgau front during World War I. From September 1914, the front line ran immediately west of the village. German troops held Ammertzwiller, while French positions were located near Gildwiller-le-Mont, among other places. On January 1, 1915, the entire population was evacuated. Shortly thereafter, the abandoned village itself became a combat zone. The church was destroyed on January 8, 1915. By the end of the war, Ammertzwiller was almost completely devastated. The place became particularly known for mine warfare. From May 1915, French sappers and German pioneers dug tunnels under the enemy positions and detonated them. The underground warfare lasted until early 1916 and left numerous explosion craters. A striking event was the German mine detonation on July 11, 1915. The explosion under the German outpost Sautter created a massive crater. The mine crater, now filled with water, is preserved as the "Entonnoir" and serves as a reminder of this form of warfare. German troops also built an extensive system of bunkers, shelters, and underground facilities. Today, the approximately 10.5 km long "Circuit de la mémoire d’Ammertzwiller" leads through this former front landscape. Around 15 information boards explain the local history. After the war, the residents returned to a largely destroyed village. Reconstruction left a lasting mark on Ammertzwiller. Today's Saint-Étienne church, with its depictions, preserves the memory of evacuation, war, and return. Particularly worth seeing: the water-filled mine crater and the Circuit de la mémoire d’Ammertzwiller.

Albert-Lucie Memorial The memorial near Heidwiller commemorates the French soldier Alfred „Albert“ Lucie, who fell in 1917 during the First World War at the age of just 20 in the Schönholz area. Lucie came from Nancy and belonged to the 60th Battalion of Chasseurs à pied, a French hunter unit. The Schönholz was part of the front in southern Alsace during the First World War. Traces of the fighting at the time are still preserved in the woods today, including former trenches and communication trenches. Relatives of Albert Lucie searched for the place of his death many decades later and, together with local history enthusiasts, were able to locate the spot where he had presumably fallen. The memorial thus stands not only for the fate of an individual soldier but also commemorates the numerous fallen whose deaths are difficult to reconstruct today. It is particularly noteworthy that the memory of Albert Lucie was revived by his family, thereby also bringing the history of the fighting in the Schönholz more into public awareness. Further information: DNA – Sur les traces d’un Poilu lorrain tombé au Schönholz or https://gw.geneanet.org/christianlucie?lang=fr&n=lucie&p=alfred+albert

the Michelbach lake is a place where you can stop for a picnic during hikes or bike rides

The French and European National Cycleway is a great cycleway winding along side of the Rhine Rhone Canal with very little climbing, for those who do not like to climb. However those who are climbing shy, must be aware of the wind in this area. A lot of the locks still have the former lock man’s house which adds a bit of charm to every lock. One is never alone on this route as there is a constant passing of bicycles, both leisure and racing bikes.

here people watch birds

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

Very grateful for this highlight. Perfect stop. But beware, don't think you can also take advantage of the restaurant, you have to make a reservation for that. You can get an ice cream sundae and drinks here.

Ammertzwiller is a quiet Alsatian village that is surprisingly convenient for cyclists on the road. There are a few mini markets, restaurants and even a chemist – ideal for stocking up on provisions or taking a break. The village is set in rolling countryside and offers lovely picnic spots overlooking the fields. Information boards in the village tell the story of the local history during the First World War, making this stop not only practical but also meaningful."