Mannheim
A natural idyll in the heart of the city
The Reißinsel is a nature reserve in the southwest of Mannheim. It is named after the honorary citizen of Mannheim, Carl Reiss, who once bought the land and bequeathed it to the city of Mannheim.
If you come here, you will be surprised at first: The Reißinsel is not an island at all! But you still don't have to go far to the water, because the Rhine borders the area on the western side. On the eastern side, the "Bellenkrappen" branch of the Rhine separates the Reißinsel from the surrounding country over a length of 1.7 km.
The jungle-like alluvial forest on the Reißinsel is one of the most important bird breeding grounds in the Rhine Valley. About 60 species of birds are courting and nesting here. That's why the Reißinsel is closed to visitors every year from the beginning of March to the end of June.
In addition to the natural forest, there is also a large orchard meadow on the Reißinsel. For example, rare apple tree varieties grow here, but also the endangered "wild vine", from which today's vines were grown.
By the way, on the southern edge of the Reißinsel there is a campsite and a lido. Here, too, the name is a little deceptive: because of the dangerous current, swimming in the Rhine is generally prohibited. But you are allowed to picnic, barbecue, sunbathe, relax and play!
