With its “Enchanted Forest”, Sundgau extends the magic of Christmas until January 5!

Since 1996, the town of Altkirch, capital of Sundgau, has distinguished itself from other Alsatian towns by not offering a traditional Christmas market, but a unique immersive experience.

This magical stroll has become an unmissable event for all Sundgauvians. The Enchanted Forest lives up to its name, and transforms the city center into a giant tale, thanks to colorful scenography, fantastic characters and mischievous animals.

Every year, so as not to get bored, a new theme is in the spotlight. For this 2024 edition, the theme « Legends and Gastronomy » was not to displease us…

Fried carp magic

Upon entering La Forêt Enchantée, visitors are immersed in a colorful and luminous world. On Place Xavier Jourdain, they are welcomed by stands selling hot drinks, pancakes and other treats. There is also an ice rink, a real place of sociability where families and groups of excited teenagers meet every year.

After stocking up on mulled wine (to warm us up before setting off on our adventure), we stroll to the Place de la République. We then come face to face with a group of happy eaters who plunge us directly into the heart of the matter.

Seated around Alsatian specialties, the group enjoys fleischnakas, sauerkraut, plum tarts, but also the famous and famous fried carp, a Sundgauvian specialty which can be enjoyed without hunger.

There are also fried carp stands in La Forêt Enchantée, run by the restaurateurs of the Fried Carp Association.

A farandole of characters

The walk continues with traditional tales and legends, which immerse us in an enchanted and gourmet world, outside of time and the worries of everyday life.

We find, for example, the tale of the Ogre of Rombach, that of Saint-Nicolas, of the White Lady of Rougemont, or even that of the Strawberry Lady, one of the icons of the Enchanted Forest.

There are many encounters that arouse curiosity and ne don't have time to get bored: rabbits, bears, wolves, but also fairies and witches, all the Alsatian imagination is there. But not only that, since we also come across a scene taken from the tale Hansel et Gretela classic of German children's literature.

Mathilde's apple

Numerous activities enliven the route, such as the beautiful mapping projected on the facade of the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church. We are told the story of Mathilde, and her magic apple which allows her to make three wishes come true. Thanks to this, she will come to the aid of a somewhat distraught prince…

During this month of festivities, the town of Altkirch offers a farandole of activities that will warm hearts this month of December. In addition to the stroll through The Enchanted Forest which is completely free, there is something for the whole family: story tours, concerts, street shows, or even pétanque on ice.

If even Santa Claus took the time to come visit the people of Altkirch on December 20, despite a very busy schedule… Why not you?