La Forêt Enchantée d'Altkirch

A unique concept in Alsace

Altkirch, the capital of Sundgau, stands out from other Alsatian towns with an unusual and fascinating event. Here, there is no traditional Christmas market with its chalets and mulled wine: the city has chosen to focus on imagination and the marvelous by creating the Enchanted Forest, a magical trail that transforms the entire city center into a magical forest populated by legendary creatures. Each year, about ten tales and legends from the Sundgau and Alsace are staged through artistic installations, life-sized sculpted characters, and enchanting decorations.

Legends that come to life

At every street corner, visitors discover a new tale illustrated by original scenographies combining traditional craftsmanship and digital creations. Dragons emerging from facades, fairies suspended in the air, giants guarding the city gates, mischievous dwarves hidden in nooks, and witches from the Sundgau: the local fantastic bestiary comes to life in a carefully crafted staging. The city's facades serve as a backdrop for light projections, particularly on the Notre-Dame church, creating a striking visual spectacle. The whole ensemble forms a trail of about 25 stories to discover along the walk.

Activities and live shows

The Enchanted Forest is not limited to a contemplative trail. A rich program of activities accompanies the event throughout the season: the traditional Saint Nicholas procession, street performances like "The Fantastic Animals" by Cie Élixir, guided storytelling tours led by a narrator offered by the Sundgau Tourist Office (departures at 4:30 PM upon registration), creative workshops for children, and Christmas concerts.

An outdoor ice rink and an artisan village

An outdoor ice rink is set up in the heart of the city, offering a space for relaxation and play for families. A pop-up artisan shop and a tea room allow visitors to discover the creations and flavors of the Sundgau in a warm atmosphere. Temporary exhibitions are presented at the Musée sundgauvien and at the CRAC Alsace (Alsace Contemporary Art Center), enriching the cultural experience of the visit.

The Sundgau, land of legends

The Sundgau, a hilly region in southern Alsace, is a land rich in legends and popular traditions. Its deep forests, hills, and picturesque villages have fueled a rich imagination where nature spirits, fantastic creatures, and marvelous characters coexist. The Enchanted Forest of Altkirch draws on this intangible heritage to offer visitors a dive into the enchanted world of the Sundgau, perpetuating and transmitting these stories to new generations in a lively and contemporary way.