Alter Flugplatz Karlsruhe, Nature reserve in Karlsruhe, Germany

Alter Flugplatz Karlsruhe is a nature reserve situated on the grounds of a former airfield in the city. The site features open grasslands, wetland areas, and patches of woodland vegetation, all providing suitable conditions for bird populations and flowering plants.

The site began as the Großer Exerzierplatz, a 75-hectare parade ground cleared from the Hardtwald in the early 19th century. A Zeppelin anchor point was installed in 1909, and regular civil flights started in 1925, serving 39 domestic and foreign cities. The US forces took over after World War II, and the city received the grounds in 1993; the nature reserve designation followed on 30 November 2010.

The site retains its airfield name even though it now serves as a nature reserve, reflecting its recent past in the landscape. Visitors can observe how nature has reclaimed the open spaces, creating habitats for uncommon plants and bird species that thrive in these conditions.

The reserve is open for walking, cycling, and nature photography with plenty of space for outdoor activities. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the open areas can become muddy after rain or during wet seasons.

The nutrient-poor sandy soil supports the last bristle-grass pastures of the northern Upper Rhine plain, where maiden pink and sand pink grow. The southern meadows are mown, while donkeys graze the northern part to keep the open landscape.