The Outer Forest

Saint-Jean Protestant church in Wissembourg © Office de tourisme de Wissembourg

L’Outre-Forêt (the Outer Forest) is the name given to the area in northern Alsace, bordered by the Vosges, the Rhine, the Haguenau forest and the Palatinate border with Germany. This land’s turbulent religious history, particularly during the Reformation, reflects the complexity of the local situations.

SAINT-JEAN PROTESTANT CHURCH IN WISSEMBOURG

Built between the 13th and the 16th centuries, this parish church welcomed Martin Bucer in 1522, who preached in the local language. In 1534, the Reformation was introduced for good in the town’s parishes. Admire its old 14th century frescos, its 11th century carved window lintel representing the Lamb of God, its remarkable metal cross as well as its stained glass windows designed by Gérard Lardeur.
Online visits on www.paroisse-wissembourg.fr.
 

THE PROTESTANT CHURCH IN SEEBACH

In this picturesque village, in 1783, Protestants were able to build “a house of prayer” without a steeple. From the outside it looked like a typical Alsatian house. In 1829 a steeple was added to it. After being damaged in 1945, it was taken down then rebuilt in the axis of the main building.

THE PROTESTANT CHURCH IN HUNSPACH

Built in 1757, its paneled steeple was replaced in 1874 by a bell tower built in the Neo-Romanesque style. Stop to discover one of the paintings that forms the “Reconciliation fresco” – 11 paintings painted by Claude Braun in 1996. A cross-border initiative will lead you on the “Fresco route”, through the Palatinate in Germany and northern Alsace (further information on www.paroisse-wissembourg.fr).

THE PROTESTANT CHURCH IN BETSCHDORF-NIEDERDORF

This simultaneous church has kept in its 15th century choral frescos painted in about 1400. They represent the Lamb of God, the last judgment and its 64 characters, as well as the Eucharistic Windmill. Its stained glass windows designed by famous artists are also worth the detour.

THE PROTESTANT CHURCH IN KUHLENDORF

This Protestant church was built in 1820 in a style similar to the other half-timbered houses in the village. It only stands out from the others by its steeple and the height of its windows. This building was used as a church as well as a class-room.

THE HOHWILLER SIMULTANEOUS CHURCH

Do not miss the 15th century paintings in its Gothic chancel. Among many other paintings, you may notice a representation of the “Eucharistic Mill”, symbol of Christ’s incarnation. The angels pour down verses of Scripture, the apostles turn the millstone, out of which the baby Jesus is welcomed by the priests who are distributing hosts.
 

THE PROTESTANT CHURCH IN FROESCHWILLER

In 1552, Kuno Eckbrecht de Dürckheim, lord of Froeschwiller, introduced the Reformation to the village. After being destroyed in 1870, the present neo-Gothic “Friedenskirche” (church of peace) was built again in 1876. In its chancel you will find a white sandstone baptistery, as well as a big altarpiece dating from 1875 that represents Martin Luther and de Dürckheim. The sacristy contains memories of the battle of Reichshoffen, the famous charge of the cuirassiers. Also take a look at its gold book which bears the signatures of the German Emperor William 1st, the Crown Prince and the Emperor William II.

THE LIEBFRAUENBERG CASTLE IN GOERSDORF

During the 14th century, the Liebfrauenberg being a very popular place of pilgrimage, a chapel was built there, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was destroyed when the village became Protestant in 1571, then during the 18th century was rebuilt and renovated, and turned into a mansion in the 19th century. Bought by an organization called the friends of the Church House in 1954, the estate was restored and turned into a meeting centre that houses many activities. Today it also offers pleasant accommodation.
 

THE CLEEBOURG CONTEMPLATIVE PATH

Take some time out to walk along this contemplative path. It will take you from the Protestant church of Cleebourg to the church of Steinseltz, passing by the Catholic church of Cleebourg, and through vineyards, fields and orchards.