Rheinau: History, Drais Route and Mural Art

One name, two stories: In Mannheim-Rheinau stands the Old Relaishaus, protected as a cultural monument, which is actually called Kießler-Hof; the Drais Route, meanwhile, takes you back to a ride in 1817. Add the distinctive glass architecture of Pfingstberg Church and a bookable guided group tour of murals. Rheinau brings together local history, a cycling route and mural art, each with a different focus.

Traces of local history

The building popularly known as the “Old Relaishaus” is actually called Kießler-Hof. In Mannheim-Rheinau, it is protected as a cultural monument under Section 2 of the Baden-Württemberg Monument Protection Act (DSchG). Alongside the Stengelhof, built around 1773, it was the oldest building in what later became the village of Rheinau. Comparing it with the Stengelhof places the Relaishaus in the early development of the area and brings its history to life through two specifically named buildings.

The Drais Route, murals and church architecture

Wherever possible, the Drais Route follows the historic course of the ride Karl Drais made on June 12, 1817, on his running machine, from his home in Mannheim to the then Schwetzingen Relaishaus in what is now Rheinau. The date, person and route give the ride a clear historical connection. The “In the Footsteps of Karl Drais” tour reaches Rheinau soon after passing through Neckarau.

Another cultural perspective is offered by the bookable guided group tour “Stadt.Wand.Kunst – Right here, Rheinau.” It takes in murals by DUO SOURATI along an easy 1.30 km route and lasts 90 minutes. This gives you a clearly defined activity to plan around; its focus is mural art rather than the historic route of the Drais Route.

The Evangelical Pfingstberg Church in Mannheim-Rheinau also combines architectural history with a distinctive sense of space. The second construction phase, in 1962/63, included the church and bell tower. Glass walls provide an unobstructed view of birch trunks and light coniferous woodland.

Rheinau Lake and choosing accommodation

From Rheinau station, take bus route 48 toward “Rheinau, Rotterdamer Straße Nord” to reach Rheinau Lake; get off at the Chiemseestraße stop. As public transport information can change, check the timetable before travelling.

A cultural perspective on Mannheim

If you also include Mannheim in your travel plans, you can choose from architecture, museums and parks. Mannheim’s Water Tower was built in 1889 by Stuttgart architect Gustav Halmhuber, who also worked on the construction of the Reichstag in Berlin. It is 60 metres high, has a diameter of 19 metres and holds 2,000 cubic metres of water. At dusk, the brightly illuminated fountains at the Water Tower create a special atmosphere.

Mannheim’s TECHNOSEUM presents 200 years of technological and social history. Interactive stations on science and technology complement the hands-on journey through time. The museum offers suitable programs for schools, as well as for children, young people and adults, including Robo-Contest and Escape Room; program formats may change.

The Reiss-Engelhorn Museums preserve more than 1.2 million cultural heritage objects. The Museum Weltkulturen spans the story from the beginnings of humanity in the Stone Age through the Celts, Romans and early Middle Ages to ancient cultural treasures from Egypt. The Museum Zeughaus houses collections on art and cultural history, theatre and literary history, as well as Frankenthal porcelain, photography and antiquity.

Mannheim’s parks also each have their own appeal. The 21-hectare Herzogenriedpark offers opportunities for picnics, barbecues, boules, basketball, football, tennis and table tennis. Luisenpark covers 42 hectares; visitors can observe exotic and native animals there, and Gondoletta boat rides are available. These may operate seasonally.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Friedrichsfeld, Seckenheim, Mannheim.

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