Picture the Ehn a small river in the Bas-Rhin. It begins its journey in a sun-drenched valley. This is east of the Rothlach pass. The source is near the Neuntelstein. It’s also close to the Chemin des Bornes. Locals call this area La Soutte. This name comes from an old 19th-century pastoral shelter. Back then the heights were still covered in chaumes. La Soutte sits at a lofty 927 meters. It’s located in the municipality of Ottrott. Ottrott is home to the famous Hohenbourg Abbey. This is also known as the Abbey of Mont Sainte-Odile. It’s situated on Hohenburg. This area is within the ancient oppidum known as the Mur Païen. The Ehn flows through a landscape rich in history.
The Ehn’s path takes it through Obernai and Niedernai. These towns get their names from the river itself. Obernai Oberehnheim means upper Ehn village in German. Niedernai Niederehnheim means lower Ehn village. The river’s journey continues. It passes through Klingenthal a place once known for its renowned cutlery factory. Jean-Henri d’Anthès founded this factory in 1730. He received royal letters patent. The first workers came from Solingen. Klingenthal gets its name from Klinge meaning blade or narrow valley.
The Ehn’s waters once powered numerous mills. In the mid-18th century there were 36 factories along its course. Twenty-three of these were flour mills. The Ehn’s water also supplied the moats of Château des Bock. This castle was located in Blaesheim. The water reached the village of Geispolsheim. It also went to a Wasserburg a water castle south of Geispolsheim near Hatzenmühl. The Ehn served as a vital waterway. It transported wine agricultural products and fodder. These were essential for the troops stationed there from the late 17th century. Wood for fuel floated down from the Vosges. It traveled to the Ehn’s mouth in the Ill. From there boats took it to Strasbourg.
Today La Soutte is a protected area. It’s classified as a high-altitude marsh. It’s remarkable for its flora. This six-hectare clearing is managed by the Conservatoire des sites alsaciens. The Ehn continues its journey. It finally merges with the Ill near Illkirch-Graffenstaden. This marks the end of its journey. It’s a testament to the rich history. It’s a vital part of the Alsace region’s identity. The Ehn’s story flows onward. Its legacy is etched into the very heart of Alsace.