Rheinau’s local history can be explored through tangible traces of its past. The building popularly known as the “Alte Relaishaus” is actually called Kießler-Hof and is protected as a cultural monument under Section 2 of the Baden-Württemberg Monument Protection Act (DSchG). The name combines a familiar designation with the name Kießler-Hof; it also has permanent listed status.

Local History and Architecture

Another historical trace leads to Karl Drais: on 12 June 1817, he rode his draisine from his Mannheim residence to the former Schwetzinger Relaishaus in what is now Rheinau. The Drais Route follows the historic route as closely as possible. The date, starting point and destination give this local connection a concrete context.

The Alte Relaishaus is also part of the history of the later village of Rheinau: alongside the Stengelhof, built around 1773, it was the village’s oldest building. This comparison connects two named buildings with the area’s early development; the approximate date refers to the Stengelhof.

The Protestant Pfingstberg Church offers a different architectural and historical perspective. It was built in 1962/63, during the second construction phase, with a church and bell tower. Its glass walls afford an unobstructed view of birch trunks and sparse conifers. Thus, different features stand out among Rheinau’s buildings: the Alte Relaishaus for its historical role, and the church for its dated construction phase and the view through its glass walls.

Routes, Murals and the Rheinauer See

There are two distinct Drais-related options when choosing a route. The Drais Route follows the historic route taken in 1817 as closely as possible. The “In the Footsteps of Karl Drais” tour reaches Rheinau soon after passing through Neckarau. This tour therefore specifies the Neckarau–Rheinau sequence, while the other route follows the historic ride to the former Schwetzinger Relaishaus.

The bookable group tour “Stadt.Wand.Kunst – Right here, Rheinau” focuses on art: the route, rated as easy, is 1.30 km long, lasts 90 minutes and showcases murals by DUO SOURATI. Its length and duration provide a concrete basis for planning your time; as a group tour, it differs from the Drais routes, which focus on history. Check availability for your preferred date.

To get to the Rheinauer See, take bus route 48 from Rheinau station in the direction of “Rheinau, Rotterdamer Straße Nord” and get off at Chiemseestraße. Check the timetable before setting off, as public transport details may change. This connection gives you a specific starting point if the lake is among the places you plan to visit.

Additional Culture in the Wider Destination of Mannheim

In the wider destination of Mannheim, the water tower is a distinctive architectural and urban-history landmark. The Mannheim Water Tower was built in 1889 by Stuttgart architect Gustav Halmhuber, who also worked on the construction of the Reichstag building in Berlin. The structure is 60 metres high, 19 metres in diameter and holds 2,000 cubic metres of water. At nightfall, the brightly lit fountains create a special atmosphere.

The TECHNOSEUM in the wider destination of Mannheim offers a different thematic perspective. It presents 200 years of technological and social history, features hands-on stations for science and technology, and combines information with interactive experiences on a journey through time. Suitable activities for schools, children, teenagers and adults include a Robo Contest and an Escape Room. As programmes may change, check the current offer before your trip. This makes it possible to distinguish Rheinau’s cultural history from Mannheim’s technological and social history without conflating their respective themes.

Discover more destinations: Mannheim, Seckenheim, Friedrichsfeld

Back to the wider travel overview: Mannheim.