Over the Rhine to Kehl

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Kehl is across the Rhine from Strasbourg.

Kehl and Strasbourg share the history of this area with both being affected by the activity first to create France and Germany and then to see which of those countries would 'own' either or both of the cities. Kehl has always been smaller and has been treated at times as a suburb of Strasbourg, during the periods when both have been in the same country. In fact, it was a suburb of Strasbourg during the Second World War after the Battle of France. With the formation of the European Union, though, the relations between the neighbours are becoming more 'normal'. The tram now runs from Strasbourg to Kehl. At this stage it ends just across the bridge across the Rhine but there are plans for extension.

We decided to go over and have a look. Kehl is a smaller place than Strasbourg with a population of a little over 35,000 - according to Wikipedia. The centre is modern and open. The Tourist Office provides a map of the centre with 3 walks. We took the longest out of the centre and down towards the Rhine. The walk was roughly 3 km - but we did take a few detours.

The walk took us through some very nice and up-market areas of Kehl along the Altrhein, past some monuments and the oldest Catholic church in Kehl, St John of Nepomuks, that is situated on the other side of a restful rose garden. The Altrhein is a body of water that appears once to have been an arm of the Rhine and still seems to flow into the Rhine although in a highly controlled manner. There was not much flow, if any, on the day we were there and my immediate thought was of mosquitoes. I am sure, however, that the authorities in such a well organised city would not allow such to become a problem. It is an attractive area and pleasant on a sunny day.

The Weisstannenturm - the Silver Fir Tower - is an impressive structure. It was built in 2003 and reflects the fact that this was the year that the Silver Fir was tree of the year in Europe. The tower is 44 metres high with 210 steps that lead to platforms that provide an impressive view over Strasbourg, Kehl, the Black Forest and to the Vosges Mountains. The pillars of the tower are silver firs and the whole arrangement is held together with wood and steel. It does still rock when you are at the top though. A great view and worth the climb.

A lovely children's play area complete with a good running creek on the way over the hill to the Rhine gave me some ideas for the construction being developed for Lucy, Aidan and Emily.

The Rhine itself is an impressive river. Many others agree and a lot of them take trips in - surprisingly for us - long boats. These people are likely to make people in the towns along the Rhine happy as they disembark and deliver nice tourist dollars or euros to the residents. There didn't seem to be that many about when we were there but there were a couple of the boats in port. Clearly, many of the visitors turn towards Strasbourg rather than its smaller, but worthy, neighbour.

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Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

Germany
So many charming towns.

[Sue Walker]

Loving Your Blogs
Really enjoying your stories and photos. Not sure I would have climbed the White Fir Tower .... looks a bit flimsy lol And a bike ride along the Rhine appeals more to me then boating it.

[Slowfeet]

Ride Along the Rhine
It's a real possibility. We'll let you know details as they are created, so you can join us!