The best walks and hikes around Bisel

The „German infantry outpost at the Largue bridge“ is indeed an interesting installation from the First World War. It is located at the so-called Kilomètre Zéro, where the former Western Front began on the Franco-Swiss border near Pfetterhouse / Mooslargue. The installation is designated as structure No. 8. It was a small concrete casemate for observation and defense. It was built by German troops in the autumn of 1915. Its task was primarily to monitor the exit of the road bridge over the Largue. From there, it was possible to observe whether French soldiers were advancing across the bridge or along the road. The five firing slits are particularly interesting. Together, they covered approximately a 180° area. This allowed the crew to control a relatively large section in front of the position. This is particularly exciting: the road bridge at the time had a stone arch. It was destroyed by the Germans in 1917 because a French attack with tanks was feared. It is also interesting that other German installations are located nearby – including a machine gun outpost at the Moos bridge, blocking positions, and another infantry casemate. The entire area can be explored today via the „Sentier du Kilomètre Zéro“.

The railway bridges near Pfetterhouse The former Largtalbahn Dannemarie–Pfetterhouse–Bonfol ran directly through the front line. The French army not only used the infrastructure for transport but also integrated the railway line and its bridges into the military infrastructure. The bridges in Bannholz, immediately east/southeast of Pfetterhouse station, are particularly interesting. Today, remnants of the former railway bridges can still be seen there. https://www.flickr.com/photos/94033413@N06/albums/72157633003469056/

The Largtalbahn: Dannemarie–Pfetterhouse–Bonfol The line was called Largtalbahn in German, or the Dannemarie–Pfetterhouse railway line. It ran from Dannemarie (Dammerkirch) through the Largtal via Dannemarie → Altenach → Mertzen → Friesen → Seppois-le-Bas → Pfetterhouse → Swiss border → Bonfol → Porrentruy. The French section was about 20 km long. The line opened in 1910 and was initially a connection within the then German Empire, or between the German Empire and Switzerland. When the line was built, Alsace still belonged to the German Empire. The state treaty for the railway connection between Pfetterhausen and Bonfol was concluded in 1906 between the German Empire and Switzerland. With the start of the First World War, cross-border traffic was stopped. The border between Pfetterhouse and Bonfol was closed. At the same time, Pfetterhouse was located directly at the southern end of the Western Front. The railway could no longer be used simply as a normal international connection. The military significance of the area was considerable: military operations took place in the forests on both sides of the border, partly to prevent Alsatians from fleeing to Switzerland. Even today, traces of shell impacts are still present there.

The Espenkolonne Memorial near Riespach commemorates the escape of 183 young Alsatians in February 1943 who wanted to evade conscription into the German Wehrmacht. From this place, they set off together towards the Swiss border – a courageous act of resistance. The monument also remembers the severe consequences, as many of their families were subsequently punished and deported by the National Socialists.

After prolonged periods of rain and heavy machinery, the path can become impassable. Then it's a matter of heading into the thicket and skirting around the affected areas. Not always easy. A great route when dry. ...

In the centre of Bonfol the path is signposted

The list of the so-called "14 emergency helpers" is not uniform everywhere, as regional peculiarities are sometimes taken into account. As a rule, the following patron saints are named (the text is from a notice board from Memmingen, which was created in the Baroque period, the original spelling - which is partly foreign to us - has been retained): St. Blasius - intercedes for sore throats St. George - should be called upon in times of war St. Erasmus - for intestinal and abdominal pain St. Vitus - a great friend of children's hearts St. Pantaleon - patron of doctors, powerful with God St. Christopher - he protects powerfully against hail and bad weather St. Dionysus - is called upon in times of major pain St. Cyriacus - can help those possessed by the devil St. Achatius - he helps Christian soldiers quickly St. Eustachius - averts sorrow in marriage St. Aegidius - helps to recognize secret sins St. Margaretha - where the devil's cunning finds access St. Catherine - when wisdom is found in studying lacks St. Barbara - received the sacrament in death

The pretty chapel of the Fourteen Saints, also called “Pfifferkapelle”, is located on the edge of the woods on the municipal ban of Bisel, on the edge of Moernach.