A whisper of history hangs in the air. We stand before Maxau a small hamlet nestled on the banks of the mighty Rhine. Its name echoes with the legacy of Markgraf Maximilian von Baden. Around 1835 he acquired three Rhine islands. These were Abtsgründel Langengrund and Katersgrund. An existing farmstead Abtsgrundhof already stood on Abtsgründel. The Rhine’s regulation shifted this land to the Baden side. Maximilian renamed the farmstead Maximilians-Au. He expanded the estate cultivated the land and connected the islands. Around 1860 the name shortened to Maxau.
Maxau’s story is deeply intertwined with the river. The first Rhine bridge here opened in 1840. It replaced the old ferry. This early bridge was a road-ship bridge built on floating pontoons. Imagine the scene barges supporting a roadway. A new pontoon bridge followed in 1865. This one served both rail and road traffic. Think of the intricate engineering of that era. Trains even had to be shunted at Maxau station because of the bridge.
A modern bridge finally arrived in 1938. It did not impede river traffic. Today two bridges stand side by side. The rail bridge opened in 1991. The road bridge a striking cable-stayed structure built between 1963 and 1966. Picture the engineers’ ingenuity. These modern marvels are essential links. They connect Karlsruhe and Wörth am Rhein.
Maxau also boasts a rich maritime past. Before the Karlsruhe Rhine harbor opened Maxau’s harbor was a major port. This was between 1862 and 1901. It served as a vital hub for the city. Today the harbor functions as a marina for yachts and pleasure crafts. Nearby sits the Maxau water gauge. Located at Rhine kilometer 362.3 it plays a key role in navigation and flood control.
Industry too has left its mark on Maxau. The Maxauer Papierfabrik a paper mill with an annual production of up to 500000 tons of printing paper. It’s now part of the Schwarz Group. Did you know this mill even provides district heating to Karlsruhe’s network? This adds another dimension to its significance.
Nature conservation also plays an important role here. The Altrhein Maxau nature reserve exists since 1980. It protects a valuable natural area. This includes the Knielinger See an old Rhine arm and the Federbach stream. The area also features a monument dedicated to Johann Gottfried Tulla the engineer behind the Rhine rectification.
Maxau’s story is more than just bridges and industry. It’s a narrative of adaptation innovation and the enduring connection between people and the river. It’s a story that deserves to be remembered a testament to a community that has thrived alongside the Rhine for generations.