Beneath the rustling leaves of the trees at the edge of Frankfurt, lies the Enkheimer Ried. This nature reserve whispers tales of a bygone era. It’s not just a tranquil escape. The Enkheimer Ried holds a unique place in Frankfurt’s history. It has transformed from an industrial hub to a sanctuary for nature.
The Enkheimer Ried was once a vital source of ice. Before electric refrigerators, this area produced ice naturally. This “ice factory” played a crucial role in the daily lives of Frankfurt residents. The Riedteich, the heart of Enkheimer Ried, is a partially silted old arm of the Main River. This 4.5-hectare lake reflects the area’s rich geological past.
The Enkheimer Ried has seen many changes over the centuries. Until the 19th century, it was a swamp, frequently flooded by the Main. Attempts to drain the Ried began in the Middle Ages. A ditch was constructed, leading from Bischofsheim through Enkheim and Seckbach to the Rechneigraben. This was part of Frankfurt’s fortifications. However, it likely did little to drain the Ried. Peat cutting transformed the swamp into a series of ponds. From 1829 to 1864, Enkheim leased the area for peat extraction. The resulting ponds, some up to five meters deep, were then used for ice harvesting until 1924.
The Enkheimer Ried’s journey towards becoming a nature reserve began in the mid-1920s. The Stiftung Allgemeiner Almosenkasten acquired the area in 1936. This laid the groundwork for its protection under the 1935 Reichsnaturschutzgesetz. The Enkheimer Ried officially became a protected area in 1937. It expanded in 1973 and again in 1995, reaching its current size of 28.23 hectares.
Today, Enkheimer Ried is a haven for rare and protected species. Several endangered orchid species thrive here. The European pond turtle, a critically endangered species, also calls the Ried home. The reserve is also regionally significant for bird breeding. Over 140 bird species have been observed here. Among them are endangered species like the teal, the northern shoveler, and the northern pintail.
The Enkheimer Ried is accessible by foot and bicycle. The Grüngürtel-Radrundweg passes along the western bank of the Riedteich. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. A designated hiking trail circles the Riedteich. It allows visitors to experience the reserve’s diverse flora and fauna. The Enkheimer Ried is more than a nature reserve. It’s a living testament to Frankfurt’s evolving relationship with nature. It’s a place where industrial history intertwines with the beauty of the natural world.