Bastberg Hill

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Bastberg, also known as Mont Saint-Sébastien in French and Bàschtbärri in Alsatian (and sometimes called Petit-Bastberg), is a hill near Bouxwiller in north-eastern France. It rises to 326 meters (1,070 feet) and is close to the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park in the Grand Est region.

Geology and landscape: The hill is made of limestone. It sits in a folded rock layer, and due to folding and erosion, the oldest rocks show at the summit. The soil is thin, so the vegetation is sparse, but the area supports interesting plants and animals.

Plants and animals: The Bastberg has rare flora, including orchids such as Ophrys fuciflora and the Lizard Orchid. Insects like the swallowtail butterfly and the praying mantis can also be found here.

Conservation: Since December 1, 1989, part of the hill has been protected as a nature reserve, covering about 6.45 hectares and managed by the Conservatoire d’espaces naturels Alsace. In 2012, the site was officially classified as a regional nature reserve.

Nearby: Close to Bastberg is the Galgenberg hill (Mont de la Potence), about 321 meters high and sometimes called Grand-Bastberg.

Astronomy: Bastberg has long been used for stargazing. In summer, clubs hold events such as Ciel d’Alsace and Nuits des étoiles. The Némésis club of Saverne and other groups organized these activities for many years; since 2006, the Hanau Astronomie club has run them.

Local folklore: Local traditions say Bastberg was once a sabbath place for sorcerers.