For a stay in Oberhausen-Rheinhausen, you can focus on three distinct themes: the birdlife of the Wagbach lowlands, recreational activities at Erlichsee, and the architectural history of the Catholic Church of St. Philippus and Jakobus. This lets you decide whether nature conservation, activities on the water or local history is especially important for your trip. The themes differ in nature: the protected area is known for bird migration, Erlichsee for sports and recreational activities; the church adds an architectural history perspective.
Nature Conservation and Landscape
The Wagbach lowlands were designated a nature reserve by the Karlsruhe Regional Council on July 8, 1983. They cover 225 hectares and lie mostly within the municipality of Oberhausen-Rheinhausen. For northern Eurasian migratory birds, they serve as an internationally or intercontinentally important resting and feeding ground. The area’s size and function offer two different points of reference: one describes its spatial extent, the other the area’s importance for bird migration.
The local landscape is also connected to water. Because of its proximity to the Rhine, the municipality has extensive bodies of water in the form of gravel pits and drainage ditches. These features add another aspect to the landscape alongside the Wagbach lowlands.
Recreation at Erlichsee
Erlichsee covers about 650,000 square meters. During the summer months, the recreational area offers facilities for seasonal campers and tent camping. There are also volleyball courts, beach soccer fields, a Pit-Pat course and a table tennis table. At the lake, a diving school, as well as a surfing school and a sailing school, offer activities on the water. There are several options: sports and skill-based activities on land, and a range of water sports. Camping is specifically available during the summer months. For comparison, Erlichsee covers about 65 hectares, while the Wagbach lowlands cover 225 hectares.
Local History and Other Excursion Destinations
The Catholic Church of St. Philippus and Jakobus is a cultural and historical landmark. Its nave was newly built in 1813; the church was extended in 1957/58. The two dates mark separate stages of construction: first, the rebuilding of the nave, followed later by the extension. The building’s history thus links an early 19th-century phase with a later change in the mid-20th century.
The fruit tree demonstration garden run by the Fruit and Horticulture Association is one of the worthwhile places to visit in Oberhausen-Rheinhausen. Both districts have bird parks. In addition, the Oberhausen Model Sports Club presents its model aircraft and helicopters on weekends. Together, these destinations broaden the choice to include horticulture, bird parks and model aviation—alongside the nature reserve and water sports.
These two activities differ in timing: camping is available during the summer months, while model presentations take place on weekends. If you want one of them to shape your stay, plan your travel dates around that time window; for the presentation, check the specific date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ubstadt-Weiher, Marxzell, Rheinstetten, Kronau, Malsch, Karlsbad, Waghäusel, Graben-Neudorf
For the broader travel overview: Karlsruhe.
