Réserve naturelle nationale de l'île de Rhinau, protected area in France

The Réserve naturelle nationale de l'île de Rhinau protects 307 hectares of Rhine alluvial forest on an island 10 km long and at most 400 m wide, between the Old Rhine and the canalized Rhine, across Rhinau, Schœnau and Sundhouse. Its surface is a mosaic of small forest, herbaceous and aquatic habitats on materials deposited by the river's floods, with black poplars, willows and white alders in the most flooded sectors.

The reserve was established in the early 1990s to protect the plants, animals, and landscape of the island. Today it is managed to maintain its ecological health, with natural river flooding playing a central role in sustaining its habitats.

The reserve lies on the Île de Rhinau, an island between the Old Rhine and the canalized Rhine, named after the commune of Rhinau in the Bas-Rhin. Its alluvial forest grows on materials deposited and reshaped by Rhine floods, which still maintain the site's alluvial character. Visitors can look for imposing lianas such as clematis and ivy among the trees.

Explore the island on foot, by bike, or in flat-bottomed boats to experience different views of the landscape. Bring insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes or boots, as the terrain can be muddy or uneven, especially after rain.

The reserve is managed by the Conservatoire des Sites Alsaciens, and access to the island is possible from the Rhinau hydroelectric plant. In winter, several thousand ducks arrive from Scandinavia, including tufted ducks, gadwalls, shovelers, goosanders and goldeneyes.