Unterer Neckar: Maulbeerinsel

The Maulbeerinsel in the Lower Neckar is a nature reserve near Mannheim that spreads along the river banks and is marked by characteristic mulberry trees. The grounds contain natural habitats with walking paths where visitors can explore the local plants and wildlife.

The nature reserve took its current form during Neckar Canal construction in the 1930s, when natural habitats developed on the islands. Official protected status came in 1986 to preserve the ecological qualities of this area.

The island's name comes from the mulberry trees that have grown here for centuries and shape what visitors see when they walk through. These trees remain woven into the local identity and represent a chapter when the region relied on silk production.

The grounds are easy to reach by public transport and have parking nearby for visitors with their own vehicles. The paths are straightforward to walk and let you explore the nature reserve at a relaxed pace.

Individual mulberry trees on the island received natural monument status in 1975 and represent remnants from the silk caterpillar farming days of the 18th century. These trees stand today as some of the oldest along the river and show how long such species can endure in one place.