Ginsheim-Gustavsburg: Old Rhine, Mainspitze and history

By the Old Rhine, Ginsheim-Gustavsburg offers an appealing mix of waterside scenery, open spaces and visible traces of history. At the Mainspitze, the Main and Rhine meet; from there, you can reach the water directly and enjoy sweeping views of the Mainz skyline. Whether you prefer to pause by the riverbank, go for a walk or plan a bike ride, the area’s varied landscapes and history offer different ways to shape your stay.

The Old Rhine landscape and Mainspitze

The Old Rhine landscape near Ginsheim-Gustavsburg includes the offshore island of Nonnenau. Alluvial forests, meadows and farmland define this local recreation area. If you prefer open landscapes to views of historic buildings, you will find a different atmosphere here than in Burgpark or along the promenade. Mainspitze is ideal for short walks and brief breaks during a bike ride; it is also a destination for excursions from nearby towns in the Rhine-Main region.

The “Johanna” Old Rhine ferry connects the Ginsheim Old Rhine riverbank with the island of Nonnenau. If you are planning a trip by ferry, check the timetable and fares with the operator beforehand. This lets you plan around the actual ferry service rather than assuming a particular departure time.

Industrial history by the river, traces of the fortress in Burgpark

A striking landmark on the Old Rhine is the Ginsheim gravel dredger. It was extensively restored in 2002 and 2003 and preserved as a technical monument. Today, it stands on the central promenade in Ginsheim-Gustavsburg. The gravel dredger is in a public outdoor area on the riverbank and is freely accessible year-round. It offers a chance to see a piece of industrial history while spending time outdoors.

A distinctive wooden gate tower in Gustavsburg’s Burgpark points to the former 17th-century Swedish fortress of Gustavsburg. The outlines of the former star fort can still be made out on the grounds. This also makes the park appealing to visitors who prefer to discover historic traces in the landscape rather than in an exhibition. Burgpark is ideal for walks and, together with nearby Mainspitze, forms an excursion destination in the RhineMain Regional Park.

Planning walks and bike rides

For your day’s itinerary, you could include a walk in Burgpark, short walks at Mainspitze or a bike ride. The Veloroute Rhein runs directly through Ginsheim-Gustavsburg. One variant of the Regional Park Circular Route passes over the island of Nonnenau by bike. On the other side of the Old Rhine, the route crosses meadows and follows the dyke back north; shortly before Bauschheim, it rejoins the Regional Park route. These sections offer different ways to plan your trip, though not every part of the circular route runs within the town.

The contrast between the Veloroute, which runs directly through town, and the island variant of the Regional Park Circular Route can help you choose between a route through Ginsheim-Gustavsburg and a ride across Nonnenau. At Mainspitze, you can go for short walks and take a break during a bike ride. When choosing accommodation, you can consider whether your trip will focus mainly on riverside scenery, historic impressions or cycling.

More perspectives in the wider destination of Groß-Gerau

The wider destination of Groß-Gerau offers other distinct nature and excursion experiences. The Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue European Nature Reserve lies in the west of Groß-Gerau district along the Rhine. It is Hesse’s largest contiguous nature reserve and serves as a breeding and resting ground for numerous resident and migratory birds. The Mönchbruch nature reserve lies between Rüsselsheim and Mörfelden-Walldorf in Groß-Gerau district and is Hesse’s second-largest nature reserve.

Other regional offerings have their own appeal, too: the Lutherweg 1521 runs for around 31.5 kilometres through Groß-Gerau district; check route conditions before planning your trip. The district is also home to the Mörfelden-Walldorf Natura Trail. As for local food, asparagus is a hallmark of Groß-Gerau district. Other regional trails, nature and culinary experiences in Groß-Gerau district add to the impressions of Ginsheim-Gustavsburg.

Discover more destinations: Kelsterbach, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Bischofsheim, Biebesheim Am Rhein, Gernsheim, Büttelborn, Riedstadt, Groß-Gerau.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Groß-Gerau.