Grand tour of the Island of the Rhine

Set off on a beautiful getaway on the Island of the Rhine, between the Old Rhine and the Grand Canal of Alsace, and discover an emblematic site of ecological renaturation in Europe.

This grand tour of 17 kilometers immerses you in the heart of a territory completely reimagined, once dedicated to intensive agriculture. On nearly 100 hectares formerly used for corn cultivation, an ambitious project has breathed new life into natural environments, notably with the recreation of a river branch over more than seven kilometers, now forming a new watercourse in Alsace.

As you progress along the route, you will cross a mosaic of landscapes combining wetland areas and drier environments, conducive to the development of rich and varied biodiversity. Amphibians, birds, and mammals now find refuge here, making the island a prime location for nature observation.

Easily accessible, the island is connected to Kembs Loechlé by the hydroelectric plant and locks on the French side, and by the Märkt dam to the south, on the German side. An immersive walk that combines discovery, nature, and understanding of the major contemporary environmental issues.

To diversify the pleasures, it is also possible to choose shorter routes, with two loops of about 3 kilometers each: the path from the Petit Rhin to the Old Rhine and the path of the Rhine Escapes, perfect for a more accessible exploration of the site.