Rheinstetten is described as being flanked by the Vosges and the Black Forest. When planning a trip, the main points of interest are the cultural sites, the different rules at the lakes and the cycling connections. These highlights appeal to a range of interests: the museum explores settlement history on the Upper Rhine, each body of water has its own rules for use, and cycling options range from the route to Lake Fermasee to cross-border tours.
Cultural history: exhibitions, churches and boundary stones
The museum’s permanent exhibition explores settlement history on the Upper Rhine through examples from Forchheim, Mörsch and Neuburgweier. A museum trail uses questions and puzzles to help children aged around eight and older explore the museum independently. Occasional hands-on activities for children offer practical ways to learn about the customs and crafts of earlier generations. They take place from time to time, and the programme may vary.
A walk along boundary stones on the former municipal boundary of Neuburgweier starts at the museum. This means that, in addition to the exhibition, visitors can also explore the boundary stones and the former boundary line during their stay.
The Gothic choir of St Ursula’s Chapel dates from around 1440, making the chapel Rheinstetten’s oldest church building. Prof. Emil Wachter designed the windows. St Ursula’s Church, by contrast, was built in 1951/52. Wachter created its interior paintings, windows and façade. The dates refer to two distinct construction phases: an approximate date for the choir and the years in which the church was built.
The former tobacco barns in Rheinstetten-Forchheim also have a historical connection: surviving traces include graffiti from the time they were built and from the war years. They are to be preserved during renovation.
Lakes with different rules for use
Lake Epplesee has a designated swimming area and is also used for diving and sailing. Swimming and operating rules may change seasonally, so check the current regulations before your visit. The Allmendäcker nature reserve begins immediately along the south shore; access to this shore is prohibited.
Lake Fermasee has a different combination of rules: it is located in the Altrhein Neuburgweier nature and landscape conservation area, boating is prohibited, and swimming is permitted in the southeast. Swimming and access rules may change seasonally; check the current notices before your visit. The two lakes therefore differ both in the water sports mentioned and in their specific restrictions.
Cycling connections and public transport
Lake Fermasee can be reached by bicycle from Karlsruhe or Au am Rhein via the embankment running parallel to the Rhine. The PAMINA Rhine Park North Circular Route leads to Rheinstetten, continues to Neuburgweier and then crosses by ferry to the Palatinate. Regional routes may be adjusted, so check the latest route information and ferry timetable before setting out.
The PAMINA cycling network includes cross-border themed circular tours of around 300 to 400 kilometres, linking Northern Alsace, the Palatinate and Baden. Their themes are food and drink, culture and nature. This means that, alongside the specific cycling connection to Lake Fermasee, the cycling options also include wide-ranging themed routes; the information does not specify a particular distance for the individual connection.
Two bus routes connect different places with Rheinstetten. Route 106 connects Ettlingen with Rheinstetten-Neuburgweier via Silberstreifen, Neue Messe and Rösselsbrünnle. Route 222 links Karlsruhe and Rastatt with stops serving Rheinstetten. Check the timetables for your travel date, as services and times may change.
Discover more destinations: Stutensee, Gondelsheim, Kürnbach, Forst, Bad Schönborn, Sulzfeld, Karlsruhe, Bretten
Go to the main travel overview: Karlsruhe.
