Perhaps you have heard of the Federbach. It is a stream flowing through Baden-Württemberg. Today we will explore the Federbachniederung. This is the lowland area surrounding the Federbach.
The Federbach itself stretches about 42 kilometers. It winds through the districts of Karlsruhe and Rastatt. Eventually, it meets the Alb River near Karlsruhe-Maxau. The source of the Federbach begins in Malsch. This is near the edge of the Northern Black Forest. Unlike other streams in the Upper Rhine Plain, the Federbach first flows southwest from Malsch. Then it turns west near Muggensturm. It then runs north, closely following the Rhine.
The name Federbach first appeared in records in 1313. It was written as Pfetermuln. This is a shortened version of Federbachmühle. The name probably comes from a type of grass with feathery blossoms.
From the early 18th century to the 1930s, humans greatly altered the Federbach’s course. A water management project started in 1993. It was called Entwicklungskonzept Federbachniederung. Its goal was to restore the Federbach and its lowlands. The project aimed to make it a more natural area. Work occurred in 14 phases from 1995 to 2009.
The Federbach’s source streams rise in the Northern Black Forest. They merge in Malsch. Here they form the Dorfbach. The stream splits again in Malsch. The Lindenhardterweg-Bach flows northwest into the Malscher Landgraben. The Federbach turns southwest. It flows through the Kinzig-Murg Trench towards Rastatt. Then the Federbach curves north. It enters the Rhine lowlands.
The Federbach is initially about 30 cm deep. By Bietigheim, it deepens to 50 cm. At its mouth near Karlsruhe-Maxau, it is 1.5 meters deep.
Around 1900, the Federbach was rerouted. This happened between Bietigheim and Durmersheim. It was moved east of the Alte Federbach. This new channel was widened in 1929. The local government wanted to provide jobs for the unemployed during the Great Depression. As a result, the Federbach is wider than necessary between Bietigheim and Durmersheim.
Upstream of us, between Malsch and Muggensturm, is the Federbachbruch. This is a moor area spanning over 40 hectares. The Federbachniederung lies between Durmersheim and Neuburgweier. Both the Federbachbruch and Federbachniederung are protected natural areas.
Historically, the Federbach served as a wastewater ditch. Untreated water was dumped into it as early as 200 years ago. Today, the wastewater is treated. Local towns only release rainwater into the stream.
In Durmersheim, the Bickesheim Church stands about 30 meters east of the Federbach. It was built in the 15th century. To the south, there is an old mill from the 16th century. Six bridges cross the Federbach in Durmersheim. Here the stream is about seven meters wide. The Federbachstadion is west of the Federbach. It is named after the river. Nearby, there are a gymnasium, a youth center, a skate park, a playground, and a sports hall.
The Federbachniederung offers a glimpse into the past. It shows us how humans have shaped the landscape. It also demonstrates efforts to restore nature. This area is a reminder of the dynamic relationship between people and the environment.