Schweighouse-sur-Moder is a commune in the Bas-Rhin, in the Grand Est region, to the west of Haguenau, which it borders on.
Its territory of nearly 10 km² is located north of the historical and cultural region of Alsace. Close to the Regional Natural Park of the Northern Vosges, it is crossed by the Moder and important wooded areas have been preserved in the southwest, despite significant urbanization in recent decades.
Vestiges attesting to a human presence since Prehistory have been brought to light (pottery, tools) but it was during Antiquity with the establishment of Roman villas that the future city was born.
In the Middle Ages, Schweighouse had the status of a royal town, seat from the 10th century of the counts of Nordgau. But in 1027, disturbances destroyed the city and led to the rise of its neighbor Haguenau.
In 1555, the population followed its lord and converted to the Reformed religion.
In the 20th century, industrial units were established, then the development of subdivisions boosted the demography of Schweighouse-sur-Moder, which now has nearly 5,000 inhabitants.
However, its living environment has been preserved and there is a wide range of cultural and "nature" leisure activities available.
In addition to buildings and houses of character, in the traditional style of the region (half-timbered), in the center, in terms of heritage, Schweighouse-sur-Moder has two major buildings.
The first is the Catholic Church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur. Succeeding older churches, it was erected in 1888 and then restored after the Second World War during which it had suffered significant damage. Note that concerts and recitals are occasionally hosted there.
As for the Protestant church, since 2009 it has housed a series of contemporary stained glass windows designed by the artist Arnaud Siebering for the Ateliers de Reyersviller. They evoke biblical themes and the founding elements of Protestantism. Information on +33 3 88 72 77 09.
In terms of leisure activities, the city's cultural service, grouped under the name of K'Artonnerie, program throughout the year of shows (theater, arts of street, dance, concerts…): contact +33 3 88 72 59 71. It has rooms and spaces for the Robert Kaeufling Center and the La Villa theater, which also has a garden that can accommodate seasonal events.
Meetings, workshops and readings are also offered at the municipal library. For more information, call +33 3 88 72 59 70.
For sports enthusiasts, it is possible to book a tennis court at the local club by calling +33 3 88 72 61 37.
As for fishing enthusiasts, they have the ability to enjoy the banks of the Moder. Find out about suitable sites and regulations on +33 6 86 92 18 20.
Finally, it remains to exploit the potential of the town in terms of hiking: loops can thus include the Moder valley and join Haguenau or encourage discovery the charms of the forest, southwest of the city, towards Ohlungen. Maps and information on +33 3 88 06 59 99. It is also possible to join the outings of the local club: contact +33 3 88 93 41 77.
