Backofen-Riedwiesen

Backofen-Riedwiesen is a protected reserve comprising wetlands, flood meadows, and old Rhine branches spread across roughly 150 hectares between Mannheim, Brühl, and Edingen-Neckarhausen. The landscape consists of open grassland interspersed with riverside forests and water channels.

The area was placed under protection in 1984 to preserve the valuable floodplain ecosystem along the Rhine and safeguard its natural habitats. This designation responded to threats to such environments from human development and land use changes.

The area draws school groups and nature enthusiasts who come to photograph birds and observe plant life in their natural settings. It has become a place where visitors directly experience the different habitats and their inhabitants.

A walking trail of roughly 8.7 kilometers winds through the area, starting near the parking area at Restaurant Heimat. The path works well for day visits and offers several vantage points where different habitats can be observed.

The reserve hosts several amphibian species that depend on the wet conditions of the floodplain and use it as breeding grounds. These species have disappeared from many other regions and make the site a refuge for creatures that struggle to survive elsewhere.

Location: Mannheim

Location: Brühl

Location: Edingen-Neckarhausen

Inception: 1984

GPS coordinates: 49.41523,8.51149

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40