The Rastatt Rheinaue - the "Baden Jungle"

The 600-hectare Rastatt Rhine floodplain is one of the last intact floodplains in Europe and has been a nature reserve since 1984.

The area almost resembles a jungle, which has earned it the nickname "Baden Jungle". The great diversity of flora and fauna is impressive. At the same time, the alluvial forest protects people and the region from flooding as a natural reservoir.

Unique diversity of species and plants

The Rhine floodplains serve as a habitat for countless animals. In addition to deer, wild boar and foxes, immigrant species and rare mammals such as nutria, raccoons and golden jackals can also be found there.

The almost extinct and extremely shy wildcat has also already left its tracks in the "Baden jungle", and the beaver is currently migrating in.

Over 90 different species of songbirds also build their nests in the Rhine floodplains. There are up to 152 breeding pairs per ten hectares - also thanks to the species-rich mixed forest, which also benefits the insect world.

Floodplain forest protects against flooding

Since 1990, Rastatt Forest has also been planting new trees with hardwoods typical of floodplain forests: English oak, elm, field maple and wild fruit. Black poplar, silver poplar, aspen and silver willow are predominantly found along the watercourses. These tree species have their natural range in the alluvial forests and are able to survive even large and long-lasting flood events.

The floodplain forest itself also serves as a natural floodplain. If the Rhine overflows its banks, the forest is flooded. The water can then gradually run off, seep away and evaporate. Up to 34 million cubic meters of water can flood the floodplain forests in an emergency.

Without the Rhine floodplains, many towns north of Rastatt would be acutely threatened by flooding several times a year.