La Vieille Thur walks

For a long time, the Thur was used as a dumping ground for the dye works in the Thann-Cernay valley and beyond, as far as Ensisheim, for chlorides from the potash mines.Today, these industries have disappeared, which is regrettable, but the polluted ditch has regained its wild beauty and the trout have returned. Starting from the Ensisheim Pond, this route offers a tour of the river, its tributary the Old Thur and its forest, the Thurwald. Please note: Japaneseknotweed invades the banks of the Thur every year, obstructing the view of the river between May and November.It is best to do this hike between November and early May.

Water is ever-present throughout this route; starting from the lovely Eiblen Nature and Leisure Park, it follows the edges of the large pond, the tree-lined banks of the Ill and then the water body of the former gravel pit. It then enters the tranquillity of the Thur Forest and its banks to reach the Little Prince Park. Return along the banks of the Vieille Thur, then back along the Thur to its confluence with the Ill, ending with a final glimpse of the park’s waterbird ponds. Please note : Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant, regrows every year along the banks of the Thur from its rhizome, starting in March–April. Its growth accelerates (2 to 8 cm per day) and the plant can reach 2 or 3 m by July, obstructing the view of the river. It flowers in September–October (beautiful colours) and dies off by November.To enjoy the view of the waterways, it is best to undertake this walk between November and early May.