Altrhein Kleiner Bodensee

Altrhein Kleiner Bodensee is a protected nature reserve near Karlsruhe encompassing an old river channel, wetland areas, and multiple forest types in close proximity to the Rhine. The site combines oxbow lakes, marshy zones, and woodland habitats within a cohesive landscape.

The area formed through natural shifts in the Rhine's course around 1780 when the river altered its pathway. Official protection status was granted in 1985.

Today visitors experience this place as a space to observe nature's rhythms and diversity firsthand. The maintained pathways and observation points allow people to connect with the forest and water ecosystems that define the area.

The area is accessible through multiple hiking paths offering routes of different lengths and difficulty levels. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring insect protection, especially during wetter months.

During summer the water chestnut plant carpets the old Rhine channels with a thick greenish-red covering that transforms the water's appearance. This plant is uncommon in the region and makes the reserve a special place for observing seasonal changes.

Location: Karlsruhe

Location: Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen

Inception: 1985

GPS coordinates: 49.06917,8.35222

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:42