The nature reserve l'Ile du Rhin, or l'Ile de Rhinau, is located on an island between the Old Rhine and the Grand Canal d'Alsace and forms the largest renaturation site in Europe. As part of the concession renewal for the Kembs power plant in 2007 and the associated obligation to create ecological compensation, the reserve area was almost doubled. Today it covers a good 450 hectares and forms a mosaic of terrestrial and aquatic areas that promote the development of biodiversity in the region.

The valuable and almost pristine floodplain landscape offers a diverse flora and fauna. However, an extensive forest stand and riparian forests in all stages of development can also be found. Thanks to the mixture of ruderal areas (mostly fallow raw soil areas), dry grassland, dry scrub and floodplain scrub, the nature reserve offers a home to an exceptionally large number of rare animal and plant species in various biotopes. Numerous dragonfly or grasshopper species have quickly adopted the newly created habitats. But also a variety of different amphibians, birds and mammals have either been preserved or even returned to the area thanks to the renaturation.

In order to preserve the area in the long term, demanding maintenance work is necessary. Scottish Highland cattle, but also wild horses, goats and sheep are used to graze the open areas, keeping the area gently and naturally clear.

Tour

A good five different themed circular walks can be discovered on and around the Rhine Island. A descriptive information board right at the entrance to the area informs visitors about the routes and possible animal sightings.

The most comprehensive is the large Rhine Island Circuit. This circuit starts at the Kembs Loechlé car park, passes the Roman Rhine valley road and runs between the Kembs power station and the Märkt weir over a total length of twelve kilometres. Parts of the route are on a tarred path along the Rhine canal or along the Altrhein on the Leinpfad (towpath). North of the Kembs power station on the Rhine island, starting from a small car park, you reach a bay with thresholds and a view of the Isteiner Klotz. Via a small path, you can walk around the entire Rhine island, past popular breeding places for birds, the grazing section with the Scottish Highland cattle and a small retreat for beavers. Finally, you reach the Kembs power station again, from where you descend to the Altrhein. If you like, you can take a detour downstream to a bathing bay with unofficial barbecue sites.

The walk is partly (on the paved roads) suitable for prams and wheelchairs.

Refreshments

There is a small selection of shops and restaurants on both the German and French sides. At the weir near the car park is the small restaurant "Brasserie Le Chalet Rhin & Découverte". Otherwise, it is worth taking provisions from your rucksack or having a picnic at the bathing bay.

Other greenbelt sites in the vicinity

Isteiner Schwellen

Gravel pit Huttingen

Isteiner Klotz 

Hardtwald

Further information

Here you will find further information from our partner regionatur.ch on the topic 'Floodplain forests' and the nature reserve Petite Camargue Alsacienne.

Characteristics

Arrival

You can get there either via the German side to Istein or via the French side to Kembs-Loechle. Cars can be parked right by the power station on the Rhine island or in the car park of the dam.

Calculate route