Rheinsheim: History and Cycling Routes

In Rheinsheim, two interesting ways to explore the town are its history and the region’s cycling routes. The town is first mentioned in writing in 784 in the Lorsch Codex, where it is called Reginesheim. The Rhine Cycle Route also passes through Rheinsheim. You can combine your stay with traces of the past, a bike ride or both.

Local History from Early Times to the Rhine Ferry

Finds from the Rheinsheim district date back further than the town’s first written mention: they include evidence from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, two Roman household altars and rows of Frankish graves. Grave goods included jewellery, weapons and coins. These varied finds bring several periods of local history to life, without limiting Rheinsheim’s past to a single chapter.

The town’s connection with the Rhine also has a long history. A ferry across the river is documented in Rheinsheim as early as 1191 and operated until 1960. Shipping and fishing also shaped the town: an anchor and fish on the historic coat of arms recall their importance. The ferry is therefore part of the town’s historical story, while the coat-of-arms motifs tell of activities once important on the river.

St. Vitus Church and Local Cultural History

The Catholic parish church of St. Vitus has stood at the highest point in town since 1896. A stele at the church provides information about its history, construction and destruction during the Second World War. Those interested in local history will find both the long history of the church site and specific information about the building’s history and the destruction it suffered.

The choir of St. Vitus Church is another part of local cultural history. Founded in 1805, it is Rheinsheim’s oldest association. Its history adds another aspect of local life to the town’s historical traces and church. It is a distinct cultural landmark in Rheinsheim’s history, while the cycling routes offer another way to explore the surrounding area.

The Rhine Cycle Route and Rides of Different Lengths

The Rhine Cycle Route, part of the international Rhine cycling route, passes through Rheinsheim. The route runs for a total of 1,320 kilometres through four countries, from source to mouth. The 15-kilometre “Around Rheinsheim” circular route is much shorter: it starts at Rheinsheim railway station, runs through the Rhine floodplains and passes Balkertsee on the way back. Check the current condition of the circular route before setting off.

There are different types of rides to choose from: an international long-distance route that passes through town, and a local loop with a fixed starting point and return route. For further cycling trips, the five signposted cycle routes around Philippsburg are also worth exploring. They pass through nature and landscape conservation areas and by attractions in Philippsburg and the districts of Huttenheim and Rheinsheim. When planning, you can choose between the Rheinsheim loop and the signposted routes in the wider area.

Natural Areas in the Wider Region

The wider region is home to the approximately 5,000-hectare “Rheinniederung Karlsruhe - Rheinsheim” bird sanctuary. It extends across the Karlsruhe district and city district and provides a habitat for numerous rare bird species.

When looking for accommodation in Rheinsheim, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: would you mainly like to explore the town’s history, or make cycling trips the focus? If you plan to cycle, you can choose between the Rhine Cycle Route through Rheinsheim, the loop starting at the railway station and the signposted routes around Philippsburg. This lets you match your choice of destination to the things you would like to discover locally.

For the full travel overview: Philippsburg.