Kehl, a charming town in the Ortenau district in Germany, offers numerous opportunities for hiking and walking. Kehl's geographical location is particularly charming: it lies directly on the Rhine and borders the Black Forest. This unique combination of river and forest landscapes makes the area an ideal place for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Maps and trails
The 10 most beautiful hikes in Kehl
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
Rheinauenweg Karlsruhe - Kehl: Stage 4 Freistett - Kehl
recommended route
Difficulty
T1
moderate
26.4 km
5:30 h
23 m
10 m
Rheinauenweg Karlsruhe - Kehl, 102 km
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
Rheinauenweg Karlsruhe - Kehl: Stage 4
This stage offers everything the Rhine floodplains have to offer. We experience the Gambsheim dam, various gravel lakes, pass agricultural areas and dive deep into the last floodplain forests on the Upper Rhine, being impressed by the busy Rhine before reaching our destination, Kehl.
The fauna and flora show themselves in a special way depending on the season. The Upper Rhine Plain is seen by many migratory birds as a transit destination. Twice a year we have the opportunity to observe non-resident animals. In winter, the composition is different from summer; many birds overwinter in the lakes of the floodplain forests.
The flora also convinces and adorns itself in spring with many colorful blossoms. Summer impresses with a lush green. Autumn is colorful and displays its craziest hues. And in winter, the floodplain forests are shaped by bizarre images of dead trees.
Experience it for yourself. Every season has its charm.
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
Rheinauenweg between Meißenheim and Kehl
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
27.4 km
6:33 h
2 m
14 m
magnificent Rhine, spectacular old Rhine, quiet riparian forest and beautiful park landscapes
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
10 kilometers around and through Odelshofen and Kork
recommended route
Difficulty
T1
moderate
10.5 km
2:30 h
0 m
0 m
For me, this is a typical winter run starting from home. It goes through the two villages and out into the countryside. If you're lucky, you can see the Black Forest and the Vosges. The route is also great for jogging. You don't have to cross any railroad tracks.
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
From Weitenung to Strasbourg Cathedral—The First Step Toward Santiago
recommended route
Difficulty
T1
difficult
51.3 km
9:00 h
39 m
20 m
This special hike connects Weitenung with Strasbourg Cathedral and marks the start of a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Through the Rhine Valley, across the Rhine, and into the heart of Alsace, the trail leads to one of Europe’s most significant religious buildings.
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
Kehl River Circular Trail
Difficulty
easy
15.8 km
3:50 h
4 m
4 m
Nature on the City’s Doorstep
Explore the various natural landscapes around Kehl and follow the rivers and streams that surround the city.
From the Kinzig dam, hikers always have an unobstructed view of the Black Forest. Along the bank of the Schutter stream, the route continues through the districts of Willstätt and Eckartsweier. Between the different branches of the Old Rhine, in the heart of the nature reserve "Sundheimer Grund," fauna and flora offer a delightful spectacle.
The circular trail finally reaches the Rhine and runs along the river to the Garden of Two Banks. Discover the Passerelle des Deux Rives, which connects both sides of this cross-border park, as well as the White Fir Tower. To return to the city center, walk along the Old Rhine to the Rose Garden.
Start/End: University of Kehl (Intersection of Kinzigallee/Großherzog-Friedrich-Straße)
Shortcut: Option to take a shortcut halfway at the intersection with the state road L75 (Bus stop "Marlen Siedlung", line 301/106).
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
Hiking Trail Kehl – Freistett
Difficulty
easy
18.1 km
4:20 h
4 m
9 m
Through the diversity of the Rhine floodplain landscape
This path leads you along diverse floodplain vegetation through parts of the Rhine floodplain forest and to the banks of the old Rhine branches from Auenheim to Freistett. Along the way, you can admire the extensive flora and fauna that the northern Hanauerland has to offer in abundance.
Start: Auenheim Church, Kehl
Destination: Heidenkirchel Freistett, Rheinau
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
Ortenau legend trails: Dreimarker
12.3 km
3:00 h
7 m
7 m
The legend trail Dreimarker runs along beautiful passages beside the old arms of the Rhine. Outside the forest, you encounter blooming fruit trees. A rewarding walk through the fishing corner in Diersheim with its half-timbered houses.
The legend trail "Dreimarker" is route 1 of the total 32 Ortenau legend trails.
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
Rheinaueweg - Stage 1: Kehl - Meißenheim
Difficulty
easy
22.8 km
5:30 h
20 m
4 m
Always Along the Rhine
Discover the Garden of Two Banks in Kehl. Admire the Passerelle des Deux Rives, which majestically spans the Rhine. The route continues along the river to the small marina of Marlen.
Along the way, you might discover one or another old kilometer marker, which are called "Tulla" markers after the famous engineer Tulla, who straightened the Rhine.
Behind Goldscheuer, the path leads directly into the heart of the floodplain forest and runs along the meanders of the old Rhine.
Stage 1:
Start: Kehl Train Station
Destination: Meißenheim ChurchEntire Route:
Start: Kehl Train Station
Destination: Weil am Rhein Train Station
Distance: 160 km (7 stages)
Note: The Rheinaueweg is often documented as Rheinauenweg. However, the path is signposted with the lettering "Rheinaueweg."
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
Ortenau Legend Trails: Waldbrief
13.8 km
3:15 h
0 m
0 m
The hiking trail leads on well-maintained and walkable paths through deciduous mixed forests in the sun-drenched Korker Forest, with plenty of water in numerous ditches and along the peacefully flowing streams along the route. It is also suitable for a lengthy walk.
The legend trail "Waldbrief" is route 10 of the total 32 Ortenau legend trails.
Hiking Trail
· The Black Forest
Cycle and Hiking Trail Kehl-Freistett
Difficulty
easy
16.8 km
4:06 h
56 m
20 m
Along the Groschenwasser, the route goes from Freistett-Heidekirchle to Kehl-Auenheim through the floodplain forest of the old water. The trail marking is a black triangle on a white background. The path is maintained by the Black Forest Association local group Kehl-Hanauerland (schwarzwaldverein-kehl.de).
There are several beautiful hiking tours in Kehl that are suitable for both experienced hikers and families with children. One popular route is the Rheinuferweg, which runs along the picturesque Rhine and offers breathtaking views of the water. This trail is perfect for a relaxing walk or a longer hike.
Another highlight is the Black Forest North/Centre Nature Park, which stretches south of Kehl. Here visitors will find well-marked hiking trails through dense forests, past clear streams and idyllic lakes. The nature park offers a variety of routes of different lengths and degrees of difficulty - from leisurely circular walks to challenging day hikes.
The European Hiking Trail E2, which runs through Kehl, is also particularly attractive. This long-distance hiking trail stretches across several European countries and allows hikers to experience the beauty of different landscapes.
The best seasons for hiking in Kehl are spring and autumn. During these seasons, the temperatures are pleasantly mild and nature shines in its full splendour. In spring, numerous plants blossom and in autumn the leaves of the trees turn colourful, creating a magical atmosphere.
Kehl also offers suitable hiking trails for families with children. The Rhine Park is a popular destination for young and old. Here, children can romp on playgrounds or watch animals in the animal enclosure while parents take a leisurely stroll.
In summary, Kehl's geographical location on the Rhine and the Black Forest offer ideal conditions for hiking. The various routes along the Rhine, through the Black Forest or along the European hiking trail E2 allow visitors to explore the beauty of the surroundings. Whether experienced hikers or families with children - everyone will find suitable hiking opportunities here. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready for unforgettable experiences in the nature of Kehl!
Another highlight is the Black Forest North/Centre Nature Park, which stretches south of Kehl. Here visitors will find well-marked hiking trails through dense forests, past clear streams and idyllic lakes. The nature park offers a variety of routes of different lengths and degrees of difficulty - from leisurely circular walks to challenging day hikes.
The European Hiking Trail E2, which runs through Kehl, is also particularly attractive. This long-distance hiking trail stretches across several European countries and allows hikers to experience the beauty of different landscapes.
The best seasons for hiking in Kehl are spring and autumn. During these seasons, the temperatures are pleasantly mild and nature shines in its full splendour. In spring, numerous plants blossom and in autumn the leaves of the trees turn colourful, creating a magical atmosphere.
Kehl also offers suitable hiking trails for families with children. The Rhine Park is a popular destination for young and old. Here, children can romp on playgrounds or watch animals in the animal enclosure while parents take a leisurely stroll.
In summary, Kehl's geographical location on the Rhine and the Black Forest offer ideal conditions for hiking. The various routes along the Rhine, through the Black Forest or along the European hiking trail E2 allow visitors to explore the beauty of the surroundings. Whether experienced hikers or families with children - everyone will find suitable hiking opportunities here. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready for unforgettable experiences in the nature of Kehl!
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Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated from German.

