The town is traditionally regarded as the capital of Sundgau.
Etymology
The name of the commune means old church (Alsatian: Àlta Kìrch or Àlta Kìrech; German: Alte Kirche).
History
In the 1370s, the citizens of Altkirch made battle and won against a company of Gugler mercenaries.[4]
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).