Altkirch is a commune in the Haut-Rhin department in Alsace in north-eastern France. The town is traditionally regarded as the capital of Sundgau.

Etymology

The name of the commune means old church ( or Àlta Kìrech; ).

History

In the 1370s, the citizens of Altkirch made battle and won against a company of Gugler mercenaries.

Demography

Its inhabitants are known as Altkirchois. The resident population number of 5500 is rather deceptive as some 15,500 people will be in town on a typical working day (4500 working, 3000 studying, 3000 for medical treatment and another 5000 divided between shopping, administrative offices, cultural and sporting activities).

Sister cities