With today's excursion tip we would like to take you to the area around Karlsruhe. The Rhine meadows near Rastatt are among the most valuable natural treasures in the surrounding area and invite you to take long hikes and bike tours. It is equally exciting for children and adults to experience the unique flora and fauna of this natural floodplain up close.
What is the Rastatter Rheinaue and what activities are possible there?
The Rastatter Rheinaue is an 850 hectare nature reserve in Baden-Württemberg, which is characterized by floodplain forests, oxbow lakes and species-rich meadows. Visitors can experience animals such as dragonflies, butterflies and numerous species of birds up close and discover untouched nature on hikes or canoe tours.
Directions and visitor information
A signposted circular path leads through the nature reserve and takes you past the various habitats of the floodplain:
- The start and finish of the tour is the parking lot at the sports facility in Rastatt-Wintersdorf, where you will find a sufficient number of parking spaces.
- From the train station you can reach the sports facility with bus number 231, also on Sundays and public holidays.
The PAMINA Rheinauen cycle path is currently being renovated in some places. The necessary diversions are clearly signposted, so that people who are not local can easily find their way around.
Description
The Rastatter Rheinaue covers around 850 hectares and is therefore one of the largest but also most beautiful nature reserves in Baden-Württemberg. It is one of the last natural flood areas on the Upper Rhine.
During your hike through the floodplain, you can discover sparse floodplain forests, oxbow lakes, moist tall herbaceous borders and colorful meadows. The floodplain landscape is characterized by its biodiversity. During the tour there are countless opportunities to observe the animals native here, such as dragonflies, butterflies and many species of birds. Binoculars are therefore definitely recommended.
The riparian forest habitat with its fascinating flora and fauna is clearly described on illustrated boards. You will learn that migratory fish such as salmon and shad use the Rhine to get from the sea to their spawning grounds and back again. The eye waters themselves are of great importance as the “nursery of fish”.
Tip
The Rastatter Rheinaue can also be discovered from the water, for example by canoe. Here you can drive through absolutely untouched nature and experience the rare feeling of seclusion.
