Kehl

Kehl is a border town in Baden-Württemberg that sits on the eastern bank of the Rhine opposite Strasbourg, combining modern infrastructure with residential neighborhoods in German style. The streets are lined with trees, and the center has a market square surrounded by low-rise buildings and local shops.

The fishing village from the 11th century was transformed into a fortress during the French occupation in 1678 under Louis XIV. Its location on the Rhine made it a contested border point between French and German territories.

The Friedenskirche from 1817 served as a rare example of shared worship, where both confessions celebrated services under the same roof. Construction of a separate Catholic church in the early 20th century ended this arrangement and led to the division of the congregations.

Tram line D connects Strasbourg directly with the center, crossing the Rhine via Pont de l'Europe for vehicles. Pedestrians can use Passerelle des Deux Rives, a modern bridge that links both cities across the river.

Marie Antoinette was officially handed over from Austria to France in 1770 on a Rhine island nearby. The small island has since been called Kommissionsinsel to commemorate this event.

Location: Ortenau

Capital city: districte de Kehl

Elevation above the sea: 139 m

Shares border with: Rheinau, Appenweier

Website: https://kehl.de

GPS coordinates: 48.57111,7.80889

Latest update: December 11, 2025 20:38