The Rhine Islands (Iles du Rhin)

The Rhine islands, between the Grand Canal d’Alsace and the river, are outstanding migration sites for water birds. In January, more than 60 000 individual birds can be counted there, such as mallards, gadwalls, tufted ducks and egrets. Measures more respectful of the environment have helped to diminish industrial and urbane pollution. The creation of fish-ladders allows for continuity and has contributed to the return of the Atlantic salmon.

The river and the Rhine islands offer many various activities: walking, cycling on lanes along the Rhine, or nautical activities such as fishing, sailing, rowing or boat trips on the river. And while walking along the Rhine, you may be lucky enough to meet, one of the Rhine’s last professional fishermen, and see him lift his nets out of the water.