Kehl between the Rhine and Strasbourg

Kehl on the Rhine reveals its cross-border character through its parks, bridges and shared transport links. The Garden of the Two Banks covers more than 50 hectares of gardens and parkland on both sides of the Rhine and is open to the public. The Passerelle des Deux Rives connects the German and French banks of the Rhine as a pedestrian and cycle bridge. Its viewing platform sits above the Rhine and offers a special view of this connection.

River Crossings and Cross-Border Routes

Transport links also make the shared living space of Kehl and Strasbourg tangible. Strasbourg tram line D crosses the Rhine and runs to Kehl, where it serves three stops. Check the current route and stops before travelling. The Beatus-Rhenanus Bridge serves the tram and can also be used on foot or by bicycle. Together with the Passerelle, the Garden of the Two Banks and the tram, it is part of the infrastructure connecting Kehl and Strasbourg.

Kehl offers a range of attractions for trips planned around different interests: views across the river, routes between the two banks of the Rhine and activities centered on the water. The Passerelle is a cross-border pedestrian and cycle route, while the tram provides another way to travel between Kehl and Strasbourg. Which of these aspects matters most to you may play a role in choosing where to stay.

Views and Activities by the Water

The Weißtannenturm combines an active climb with sweeping views. 210 steps lead to a platform 35 metres above the ground. From there, the view stretches across Kehl and Strasbourg to the Black Forest and the Vosges. The tower has reopened, and further maintenance work is planned. Check access before your visit.

Kehl’s water playground recreates the Rhine’s former natural course with a stream, fountains, pools and play equipment. It is open seasonally, so bear this in mind if you are planning a visit with children. The Rheinvorland also has a water-treading area with arm-Kneipp pools and the 17-metre R(h)einlabyrinth. These places offer different experiences: one focuses on enjoying the water, the other on finding your way through a labyrinth.

Traces of the City’s History

Kehl originated as a military installation even before Strasbourg. The Lange Bruck, a crossing over the Rhine, has existed since the 14th century. These historical landmarks stand alongside buildings from later centuries: St. John of Nepomuk Church was built between 1911 and 1914 to a design by Johannes Schroth. Villa Schmidt is a listed example of an elaborately designed upper-middle-class residence from the early 20th century.

The Weinbrenner House was built in 1816 and is considered the oldest house in Kehl’s city centre. The Mother Kinzig monument is also part of the town’s history: the sculpture is part of a memorial to those killed in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. Together, the church, residence, city-centre building and monument offer different points of reference for exploring Kehl’s architectural and commemorative history.

Strasbourg and the Wider Region

If you would like to include Strasbourg in your visit to Kehl, you can factor in the distance and approximate cycling time: Strasbourg Cathedral is about six kilometres from Kehl and can be reached by bicycle in around 20 minutes via signposted cycle paths. This is an estimate and may vary depending on the route and conditions.

The wider Ortenaukreis travel destination offers a broader landscape: the Ortenaukreis lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It has 23 nature reserves covering around 3,110 hectares in total. They extend from the Rhine plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest. This regional perspective complements Kehl’s cross-border urban landscape without equating the two scales.

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Back to the main travel overview: Ortenaukreis.