Wyhl am Kaiserstuhl combines floodplain forest, nature observation and a long history. Wyhl’s forest covers around 300 hectares; about 98 percent of it lies within the Rheinniederung Wyhl-Weisweil nature reserve. This means that two local themes take centre stage when planning a trip: the Rhine floodplain forest and its paths, as well as historic buildings and landmarks.
Floodplain Forest and Nature Trail
The Rhine floodplain forest is a mixed deciduous woodland dominated by ash, maple and English oak. Its birdlife is also characteristic of Wyhl’s floodplain landscape, which is considered rich in bird species. Visitors interested in habitats will find a specific reason to look not only at the landscape, but also at its tree species.
The nature trail in the Rhine floodplain forest was established in 1971 and is about 4 kilometres long. Its features include audio stations, interactive games and information boards. A hut along the nature trail introduces 19 native tree species that grow in the Rhine floodplain forest. The trail presents the woodland in a variety of ways: through information, interactive stations and views of individual tree species.
Leisure cycling is another option in the floodplain landscape near Wyhl. It takes place on paved forest paths. This offers further ways to explore the natural area alongside the nature trail, without requiring visitors to experience it in the same way.
Historic Traces in the Village
Wyhl was first documented as a “Villa” in 926. The history of St. Blasius includes several distinct dates: a document first mentions the parish church in 1275, while experts date the lower section of the tower to the period between 1150 and 1180. The foundation stone of the present-day parish church was laid in 1760. These dates therefore relate to different aspects: a written mention, the dating of a section of the tower and the start of construction of the present-day church.
A former school building also links architectural history with present-day use. Built in 1827, the school building is now the Alte Schule, a library and meeting place. The Wyhl Municipal Library is on the first floor of the Alte Schule. Alongside the parish church, a 19th-century building and its current function thus also contribute to the village’s history.
Regional Context: Emmendingen and Kaiserstuhl
The wider destination of Emmendingen offers a broader view of activities across the district. The district has a well-developed network of 800 kilometres of hiking trails and hiking routes. For cycling, 900 kilometres of routes are listed, including 250 kilometres of signposted routes. These figures provide a broader regional context than Wyhl’s nature trail, which is about 4 kilometres long.
The culinary scene should also be viewed regionally: the Kaiserstuhl region produces Burgundy wines, fruit and asparagus. Visitors can experience local produce at wine festivals, in seasonal wine taverns and in restaurants. Regional food and drink experiences thus complement the nature and history that define Wyhl itself.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Gutach im Breisgau, Emmendingen, Vörstetten, Endingen am Kaiserstuhl, Weisweil, Biederbach, Simonswald, Waldkirch.
Go to the main travel overview: Emmendingen.
