Many years past the Rhine meandered through the Upper Rhine Valley until it was straightened out between 1817 und 1876 and in the wake of this engineering feat loops were cut off and recreational areas created. Near the town of Ketsch, south of Mannheim, an island was created to the right side of the river Rhine. It is mainly covered by woods with lots of birds and butterflies. It has been granted protected status.

From Ketsch a wooden bridge allows access to the island, restricted for hikers and bicycles except for forestry vehicles. In this first photo you can see that next to the island is the built-up town with roads and buildings.

If you traverse the island – about 2km at its widest – you come to the bank of the Rhine proper.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Landscapes or Waterscapes