Pulversheim is a town in Haut-Rhin, in the Grand Est region, 12 km northwest of Mulhouse.
Its territory of 8.5 km² remains very green, covered for 41% of its area by forests (in the west) and agricultural areas and orchards (35%). The locality that the Thur River crosses also includes some marshes to the northwest.
Village appeared in the 8th century, depending on the bishop of Basel and his "ministers" under the Carolingians, Pulversheim retains a rural landscape and an essentially agricultural activity until the beginning of the 20th century. The locality then became one of the centers for the extraction of potash in Alsace, used mainly to produce agricultural fertilizers. This geological wealth leads to the development of mining pits and boosts the demography of the town. The village tripled its population before the Second World War (700 inhabitants) and this boom continued until the closure of the main well in 1976. The proximity of Mulhouse helping, there are now some 3000 inhabitants in this small town in the countryside. Its industrial heritage is now highlighted and is adjoined by completing the Ecomuseum of Alsace, the area of which also covers the neighboring town of Ungersheim. The whole constitutes a major tourist attraction to which is added the potential offered by the forest...
In terms of "traditional" heritage, the town of Pulversheim has preserved old dwellings with the typical appearance of the region (timbering). We should also mention the Saint-Jean church, built in 1968 and presenting a resolutely contemporary architecture. As for the old parish church, dedicated to Saint-Côme and Saint-Damien, it is now devoted to the Romanian Orthodox cult. Frescoes and characteristic icons, signed by the artist Cristian Buduroi, now cover the walls and ceilings.
In terms of culture, events are regularly scheduled at the municipal library: inquire on +33 3 89 83 69 06.
For sports enthusiasts, tennis courts are accessible to visitors. Information at the town hall on +33 3 89 83 69 00. Finally, note that in the center of the town, the Saint-Étienne park is a very pleasant place to walk in a wooded setting...
Then head west of the town, on the edge of Ungersheim. This is where stands the upper part of the Rodolphe pit, in operation from 1913 to 1976, and which was one of the high places of potash mining. 711 m deep, the well (or pit) was acquired by local authorities in 1987 and an association initiated renovation work in the 1990s so that the site, witness to a part of the region's history, both economically and socially, is open to the public. Thus, two headframes are presented (metal frames installed above the shaft to support the potash extraction cables and ensuring the descent and then the ascent of the miners). Two extraction machines used in the gallery, a crystallization shed, a water tower, a rail network, two salt sheds (without equivalent in Europe) are also visible, and of course a set of rehabilitated machines and equipment. What to understand the reality of exploitation on the technical level and what was the daily life of the miners… Open to individuals every Wednesday and during certain events such as Heritage Days. Open every day for groups by reservation. Price: 5 and 10 euros. Information on +33 3 89 48 86 54 (Wednesdays only) and +33 6 27 70 63 43.
Nearby was created in 1984 the Écomusée d'Alsace on a 15 hectare area partly covering the locality of Ungersheim. 70 authentic Alsatian buildings have been transferred and rebuilt there, forming a veritable village with half-timbered houses, shop, town hall, fortified tower, festival hall, farm, school... Sometimes very old (some date from the 15th century), these accommodations and buildings allow to present the daily life and the activities of yesteryear, agricultural or artisanal. Animals are also presented to visitors, and traditional festivals are organized. Throughout the year, workshops and exhibitions are also presented and programmed in this open-air museum. A real educational and festive change of scenery in time and space awaits visitors thanks to this life-size showcase of the Alsace of yesterday and the day before... Open every day except Tuesday and closed in November and January. Price: from 10 to 16.50 euros. Information on +33 3 89 74 44 74.
Finally, it should be noted that in this same village of Ungersheim, is located the Parc du Petit Prince which allows you to learn about astronomy by following the work of Saint-Exupéry… Contact on +33 3 89 62 43 00.
There remains the significant potential available to hikers on Pulversheim. Thus, many hiking trails cross the generous forest that covers the "western" third of the town. Loops are also possible that allow you to discover the wetlands to the north or to reach the outskirts of the Mulhouse agglomeration to the south. Of course, on foot or by bike, it is finally easy to reach the course of the Rhine to the east (about 15 km) along a European cycle route... Maps and information on +33 3 89 35 48 48.
