Our bucket list of things to do on the Rhine
Rhine Island
10 must-do activities
In the Land of Colmar, the eastern border is symbolized by the Rhine, the mythical river that joins France and Germany. The 1300-kilometer-long Grand Canal d’Alsace has created the Rhine Isle, a haven of peace where nature reigns supreme.
Just a few kilometers from Neuf-Brisach, this island comes alive and becomes a place for meeting and sharing, with a multitude of activities for young and old alike. Here are our 10 must-do activities to discover the Franco-German border:
Sailing on the Rhine
There’s no better way to discover this river than to climb aboard a boat for a river cruise! For two hours, the grandeur of the Canal d’Alsace is yours to discover: a breathtaking view of the Münsterberg, the old town of Breisach, the river banks and, if conditions permit, the passage through a lock.
Gourmets can even opt for a meal cruise, combining sightseeing with gustatory pleasure.
Bonus tip: from May to September, combine your Rhine cruise with a ride on the tourist railroad that takes you through the Alsatian Ried!
Play leapfrog
The Rhine symbolizes the border between France and Germany, so you can kill two birds with one stone by visiting both countries! Immerse yourself in Germanic culture and taste the famous Kaffee – Kuchen in Breisach am Rhein. From the cathedral square, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alsace plain, the Black Forest and the Vosges mountains.
Mooring your boat
If you’re already sailing on the Rhine, the Rhine Isle is also an ideal stopover for yachtsmen. Moor your boat here for a quiet stopover before exploring the island and the Colmar region.
Chill on the Rhine Isle
The Rhine Isle is also the ideal place to relax. Soak up the sun on the sandy beach, enjoy a drink at the “guinguette” (outdoor bar), take a dip in the pool…
The atmosphere changes according to the time of day: lively in the afternoon, more peaceful at sunset when the light reflects on the river.
Soaking wet
Although swimming is prohibited in the Rhine, the Sirénia pool is the ideal place to cool off and take a dip. Its large outdoor playground and numerous activities promise plenty of laughs and splashes.
Explore the Rhine Island by bike
The Rhine Island is criss-crossed by easy, accessible cycle routes, including the EuroVelo 15 Rhine cycle route. It’s a gentle way of cycling along the river, from one bank to the other, from Neuf-Brisach to Breisach, and enjoying the scenery.
See a show at Art’Rhena
Dance, circus, music, puppetry and theater: Art’Rhena has established itself as a genuine cultural meeting place for people from both sides of the Rhine. Because language can sometimes create a distance, the program gives pride of place to artistic forms that express themselves without words and are understood by all!
Each season, shows in French, German, bilingual or entirely visual invite audiences to share a cross-border experience.
Observing flora and fauna
On the banks of the Rhine, the ecosystem is rich and diverse. Swans, ducks, marsh plants… Migratory birds love this green setting, especially in winter! To find out more, visit the Maison de la Nature in Hirtzfelden, just a few kilometers away.
Photo spotlight
Of course, you’ll want to immortalize your visit! For a view of the Alsace plain, climb to the top of the Breisach cathedral square. The Jules Leber bridge lets you capture the Rhine from above. From the terrace of the restaurant La Plage or the Art’Rhena belvedere, you can enjoy a view of the river and Saint Stéphane cathedral.
Visit the hydroelectric power station
The power of the Rhine’s currents is used to generate electricity at twelve power stations along its course. At the Rhine Isle, you can visit the Vogelgrun hydroelectric power station once a year, during the European Heritage Days. It’s completely free (reservation required) and promises a unique industrial visit!
