Hiking warm-up - the first spring tour in the "Rheinhessen Lake District"
Without having to climb a hill, today we head through a protected area for plants and animals in Rheinhessen - we explore the Old Rhine adventure trail, an approx. 6.1 km long circular hike, a part of the 667 ha Natura 2000 area "Eich-Gimbsheim Old Rhine". A small natural jewel that was once used for gravel and sand extraction and is now a popular resting place for migrating birds and a breeding ground for many a bird. Join me on a nature experience hike through the nature reserve, which is unique in Rheinhessen.
There is ample parking right next to the fire station in Eich, where we start our tour. Whether with an all-terrain baby carriage, balance bike or as a hiking pro: the route is suitable for all ages and is an ideal start to the hiking season. You should plan 2.5 - 3 hours for this nature experience. The highlight of the hike is not climbing the Rhine-Hessian hills, but exploring the flora and fauna that call the Old Rhine area home.
View through the observation hut into the reedbeds
Right at the start of the hike, the view through the hinged wooden windows of the observation hut north of the fire station gives us a glimpse directly into the nursery of numerous birds. If you wait patiently, you can spot reed warblers, marsh harriers, water rail, bluethroats, but also rare dragonfly species such as the spotted emerald dragonfly or listen to the songs of the feathered inhabitants. It pays to be equipped with binoculars and a photo with a long focal length for this nature experience. There are plenty of photo opportunities - patience is rewarded.
Interested hikers can find out more about the bird species that live here on the information boards in the hut.
I dare to take a look through the hatch, in front of me is the breeding mute swan, which is already incubating its eggs on the small breeding island on the nest. In a few weeks, it will be swimming through the reeds with its offspring and foraging with the chicks for algae, worms, aquatic plants and mussels.
Now we set off: The path leads us over the old railroad embankment, then turns right along garden fields and paddocks. We pass the "Gänsegraben", which is home to kingfishers, mallards and tufted ducks, little grebes and dragonflies; we now reach the "southern Altrheinsee" via a grassy path.
The first signs explain the habits of the feathered inhabitants of this beautiful, natural habitat. Cheerful chirping can be heard from all directions, which I can quickly identify with a bird identification app. A wide variety of nesting aids are attached to the trees to support the bird population.
I happen to glance upwards: a pair of storks are busily building their new nest high up on a dead willow trunk. Now they've spotted me too, the wild cackling of the two clearly signals to me: this place is already occupied! But don't worry, it would be far too high for me anyway 😉.
In spring, when the bushes have not yet grown thickly, you can see the fishing jetties at regular intervals, which are very individually designed and symbolize the typical image of the route. You simply have to follow the paths with curiosity to see the ingenuity with which the small jetties jut out into the lake and enjoy the idyllic view over the water.
The sandy soil, reminiscent of a vacation, is not often found in Rheinhessen. But here in the Altrhein region, where gravel and sand extraction is at home, it is quite typical.
The idyllic nature trail leads me along an embankment, with the Altrheinsee lake on the left and the ditch on the right, where a flock of runner ducks are sailing in single file along the small arm of the river. The coots take refuge in the adjacent reed beds to continue their search for food undisturbed. With a bit of luck, we can watch the water turtles sunbathing in a pond, but the coveted spots on the branch are quickly taken.
Immerse yourself in nature - enjoy the silence
The path runs through wooded areas, which unfortunately have suffered some storm damage. The view of the water is almost always possible and provides a clear view of the seasonally changing guests. A purple heron waits for its meal to swim by and the yellow wagtail grabs a tasty dragonfly for its meal. From somewhere you can hear the hammering of the great spotted woodpecker busily working on its new nest, a swan swims majestically across the lake and the great crested grebe is hunting for fish in the morning sun.
The flora is in the starting blocks with its fresh greenery, as is the bird life, which is preparing for its offspring.
Time to reflect, the view of the water often opens up new perspectives. Spring is a particularly good time to embrace change.
Now we leave the wooded area over a bridge that leads us onto a farm track. The lake is still in sight behind the bushes, with fields to the right and the hills of the Odenwald in the background if visibility is good.
After a short time, we cross another bridge to reach Gerhard-Kiefer-Platz (former mayor of Eich and initiator of the Old Rhine Adventure Trail), where the second NABU observation hut has been erected.
From here you can also gain a unique impression of the birdlife living, breeding and resting here. (Binoculars recommended) Great crested grebes, coots, greylag and Canada geese, tufted ducks and little grebes are frequently seen.
But songbirds such as orioles and nightingales, cuckoos and woodpeckers are also regularly spotted here. Both migratory and resident birds feel at home here - the lake is always well frequented.
View over the lake and seawater as far as the Odenwald
This important nature reserve was created by the straightening of the Rhine and enjoys the highest protection status in Germany and the EU. Five information boards tell us about the special flora and fauna that live here. What is the "seawater" here all about or what does a "crested newt" look like?
Interested hikers will find extensive information along the scenic hike.
View is a good keyword: an observation tower has been built about halfway along the adventure trail. If you climb it, you have a sensational view over the approx. 65-hectare water surface of the central Old Rhine Lake and the approx. 20-hectare "Mausmeer" reedbed and alluvial forest area. The course of the Rhine and the hills of the Odenwald can be seen in the distance.
On the way to the beach
Along the northern shore of the lake, the shore is more visible again and some jetties await anglers here too. Along the shore, we can find shiny spurge and rush, but yellow lilies and coltsfoot also line the varied path.
In spring, the willows along the banks of the river blossom and, with their fluffy catkins, provide an important food source for bees as they are particularly rich in pollen and nectar. The successful breeding of a strong bee colony is the basic prerequisite for the fertilization of the fruit trees and therefore essential for the fruit harvest.
In spring, the protected golden-yellow water lily blooms on the lake and forms large carpets in shady areas of the lake.
Where there is water, there are usually dragonflies: the large damselfly, the spotted emerald dragonfly and many other species feel at home here.
I discovered a real climate winner in a blackberry blossom: The weeping rose beetle, originally from the Mediterranean region, now feels increasingly at home in our mild Rhine-Hessian landscape.
Active in the evening hours
But the Altrheinsee is also a home for very shy members of the same species. It's easy to see that one - or perhaps even several - beavers feel at home here. Its unmistakable tracks on the shore indicate that it has settled here.
But the fox also emerges from its hiding place and eyes the wildlife around the lake with interest.
We've saved the best for last...
The special highlight on warm summer days is a dip in the cool water as a reward for the hike. Our route leads directly past the newly designed bathing area with sunbathing lawn, play area, sanitary facilities and a Beach bar (May - September from 11:00 to 19:00). A welcome reward for tired hikers - to take a relaxing break at the end. Of course, you can also start your hike from here, as there are plenty of (paid) parking spaces for visitors to the lake.
Note from VG-Eich:
The three-part lake was created by the extraction of gravel and sand. It is mainly fed by groundwater and a small amount of surface water from the surrounding area. Today, gravel is no longer extracted from the lake. However, leaving the shore area can still be dangerous due to the great depth of the water with steeply sloping banks and is only suitable for experienced swimmers. A narrow shallow water zone is immediately followed by the deep water zone. Swimming is free of charge and at your own risk. There is no monitoring by the German Life Saving Association (DLRG). The water quality is checked regularly.
The last section of the trail leads us over the former railroad embankment along reed beds and shallow water areas of the Old Rhine. Patient observers will catch a glimpse of the impressive mating flights of the marsh harrier. Many sand lizards as well as grass snakes and slow worms can be spotted between the stones on this section of the trail.
Due to the current situation caused by swine fever, this last section of the trail is unfortunately currently closed. The alternative route is parallel to the road and leads directly back to the starting point.
A sporty finish
Back at the parking lot, a newly installed fitness parkour awaits motivated athletes. If you still have energy left, you can use the freely accessible equipment for a short fitness session at the end of this impressive tour around the Altrheinsee lake.
Hiking tip: After a few rainy days, it is particularly important to wear waterproof footwear. In summer temperatures, mosquito and sun protection is recommended.
Hiking makes you hungry: bring your own provisions and enjoy a well-earned break on the benches around the lake. There are no refreshment stops along the way, but snacks and chilled drinks can be purchased on the beach during the summer months.
Have fun on the pleasure tour for plant and bird enthusiasts!
2 Responses
Wow that looks really great! Nice article 😍 next time I'm there I'll take my camera with me.
Yes, you absolutely have to have the photo with you on this tour!
Have fun hiking and taking photos 🙂