The Reißinsel (Reiß Island) is a nature reserve in the southwest of Mannheim. It is named after Carl Reiß, an honorary citizen of Mannheim, who once bought the land and bequeathed it to the city of Mannheim.
If you come here, you will probably be surprised at first, as the island is not an island at all. Nevertheless, it is not far from the water, because the Rhine borders the area on the western side. On the eastern side, the “Bellenkrappen” arm of the Rhine separates the Reißinsel from the surrounding land over a length of 1.7 km.
The dense floodplain forest on the Reißinsel is one of the most important breeding grounds for birds in the Rhine valley. Around 60 species of bird nest and mate here. That is why the Reißinsel is closed to visitors every year from the beginning of March to the end of June.
Besides the natural forest, there is also a large orchard on the Reißinsel. Rare apple tree varieties grow here, for example, as does the endangered “wild vine”, from which today’s vines were bred.
Incidentally, there is a camping site and a lido on the southern edge of the Reißinsel. Here, too, the name is a little deceptive: bathing in the Rhine is generally prohibited because of the dangerous current. However, picnicking, barbecuing, sunbathing, relaxing and playing are all welcome.
