Can you imagine a place where the air hums with the songs of over sixty different bird species? We are now standing before the Reissinsel, a nature reserve that Carl Reiss, an honorary citizen of Mannheim, gifted to the city. You might be surprised to know that despite its name, the Reissinsel is not an island. The Rhine borders it on the west, while a 1.7 km long branch of the Rhine, called the Bellenkrappen, separates it from the mainland on the east. This unique location makes Reissinsel one of the most important breeding grounds for birds in the entire Rhine valley. From March to June, the island closes to visitors, allowing the birds to nest and mate undisturbed. But Reissinsel is not just for the birds. It also boasts a large orchard where rare apple varieties and the endangered “wild vine” grow. This ancestor of today’s cultivated vines provides a glimpse into the history of viticulture. At the southern edge of the Reissinsel, you’ll find a campsite and a lido. While swimming in the Rhine is prohibited due to strong currents, visitors are welcome to picnic, barbecue, sunbathe, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this unique place.
Kleines Kreuz
Hidden amongst the vineyards near Freinsheim stands the Kleines Kreuz. This unassuming wayside cross holds a secret. It whispers tales