Tag: Mannheim

Round the Bend

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One look at the map of of Europe confirms that the Rhine is a fairly straightforward river flowing in a pretty straight line through the Upper Rhine Valley between Basel and Mainz although it’s a wide plain that would invite any river to meander.

Well, it used to. Until Johann Gottfried Tulla came along in the early 19th century and presented plans to straighten the riverbed and make it easier for shipping traffic. His plans were executed and industry had a very profitable waterway as a result.

The riverbends of the old river were still there once the straightening was complete although in most cases cut off from the flowing river. And many local recreational areas were thus born, smaller and larger lakes, sometimes with islands, open for swimming, boating and wildlife. In other words – this is definitely a more natural state than the shipping route on the other side.

One such area can be found just north of Mannheim, the Lampertheimer Altrhein.

Bird life feels relatively safe on the stretch of land which forms a barrier between the new and the old Rhine.

A grey heron struts his stuff.

This mandarin duck hen was on her own. These ducks are not indigenous to Europe but it’s not uncommon to see a single one or a pair near native duck varieties. Not being a birder, I would have had an easier time if her mate had been around.

And this swan was definitely feeling right at home and let down his feathers.

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Water found in Nature

Just Before Gentrification

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Mannheim Jungbusch

The history of the Mannheim suburb Jungbusch has changed a few times over the year. It was a large cemetery for victims of the black death during the 17th century and consequently was a neglected area in the times to follow despite its central location. After the straightening of the Rhein and a harbour development it became a an area where ship owners, captains, and merchants settled in the late 19th century. Large parts of Mannheim were destroyed during World War II but this suburb and the buildings from the Wilhelminian time survived – leaving lots of old structures. Then came the decline and the Jungbusch came to be known as the redlight district of Mannheim. The old warehouses closer to the river have deteriorated but some have given way to new buildings, commercial and residential. The old residential houses are being renovated. In short: gentrification is on the horizon with all the good and bad effects of the local inhabitants.

Linked to Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Urban Erosion.