History of the Domaine du Hirtz
A place rooted in the history of Alsace, a land of welcome
Ten years of adventure… and several centuries of history! From the medieval castle to today’s ecotourism residence, discover the fabulous story of the Hirtzenstein since 1265.
The Domaine du Hirtz in Wattwiller, a rock like no other
Overlooking the town of Wattwiller, the Domaine du Hirtz is located at the “Hirtzenstein” locality, at an altitude of 570 metres. Literally, Hirtzenstein means “stag’s rock”, after the deer that once roamed the surrounding forest.
Beyond this feature, which already reflects the wild and natural side of the Wattwiller area, the Hirtz rock has a special history. It is a magmatic quartzite rock located near the Vosges fault and is part of Wattwiller’s “Parc des Sources”, springs known for their mineral water with therapeutic properties, already renowned in Roman times!
A spirit of welcome and sharing that has withstood the test of time and war!
Although the site was previously occupied by a castle dating from the Middle Ages, destroyed and rebuilt several times, it was a farmhouse inn that welcomed visitors to the Hirtzenstein from the end of the 19th century. So for more than a century, hikers and travellers have come to admire and enjoy the beauty of the Vosges mountains, stopping off or spending several days at the Hirtzenstein.
This inn was later destroyed by the wars but always managed to rise from its ashes.
The blue line of the Vosgesthe Hirtzenstein at the heart of the Great War
The war of 1870 left deep scars in people’s memories. With the annexation of Alsace and part of Lorraine by the German Empire in 1871, a new border was drawn along the Vosges ridges. The famous “blue line of the Vosges”, long a symbol of a lost land, ceased to be a mere horizon and became, in 1914, the starting point of a reconquest.
From the first months of the First World War, the heights of Wattwiller became a strategic objective. Close to the Hartmannswillerkopf, nicknamed “Vieil Armand”, the Hirtzenstein rock occupies a commanding position over the Alsace plain. French and German troops fought fiercely there, particularly in 1915, to control this rocky promontory.
Occupied in turn by both armies, the Hirtzenstein was fortified by German troops, who dug tunnels and set up observation posts in the rock. On 8 January 1916, a major German offensive retook the position for good, and it remained under their control until the armistice of 1918.
Today, the remains of these fortifications still bear witness to this turbulent past. Where the sounds of battle once echoed, the forest has gradually reclaimed its place. The Hirtzenstein is now a place of calm and renewal, where history and nature meet, inviting everyone to remember while enjoying the peace that has returned.
1955, the Hirtzenstein family holiday home
In 1955, the Hirtzenstein family holiday home was founded. At the time, the estate included 12 ha of land and forest.
For 40 years, the family holiday home welcomed families, tourists and summer camps, always striving to give its guests the best possible welcome and to share with them the pleasure and wellbeing offered by a healthy region where nature is rich and respected.
The Hirtzenstein through the years
Wattwiller,a village rooted in the history of Alsace
Wattwiller — does the name ring a bell? That’s probably because you have already seen or tasted the mineral water from the springs of Wattwiller, now sold throughout France!
Wattwiller is known not only for its exceptional mineral water but also for its wine estates, as it lies on the Wine Route, a must for all lovers of wine, vineyards and Alsace!
Today, the Domaine du Hirtz
Today, the Domaine du Hirtz welcomes you with a breath of fresh air and modernity, with the aim of continuing to share with everyone the benefits of a multifaceted region that tourists from all over the world love to visit every year.
The owner of the Domaine du Hirtz is also committed to enabling everyone to enjoy a restorative holiday and therefore ensures that the estate is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Wattwiller and the Domaine du Hirtz welcome you to Alsace for an unforgettable stay!