In the third year of the crisis and in early January 2022, we finally went on a little hike again. The route was again around 16 km and this time took us along the upper Rhine in Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany. Actually, January is pretty much the worst time of year to be outside, but still better than being inside when the weather is reasonably good, that is when it’s not raining. The temperature was also hovering around freezing and we were again pretty much the only people out on Saturday. In the end we moved around the forests and bats and along the Rhine near Hördt in Germany in Rheinland Pfalz.
In this video, I go on a hike around Hördt and the nearby Rhine River, an area known for its unique mix of wetlands, forests, and meadows. Located in Rhineland-Palatinate, not far from Karlsruhe and Germersheim, Hördt sits at the edge of one of the largest river landscapes in Germany. Hiking here is less about mountains or dramatic cliffs and more about quiet natural beauty, peaceful paths, and the constant presence of the river.
The Hördter Rheinaue, a protected floodplain area, is one of the highlights of this region. The Rhine has always shaped life here, creating a landscape of oxbow lakes, streams, reed beds, and forests. Walking through the floodplain feels like stepping into a different world compared to the surrounding farmland. The paths are often soft underfoot, shaded by tall trees, and accompanied by the sounds of birds and water.
The biodiversity in this area makes it especially rewarding for nature lovers. The wetlands are home to countless bird species, amphibians, and insects. Depending on the season, you might see storks, herons, or flocks of geese, while frogs and dragonflies add to the atmosphere around the smaller ponds and streams. The Rhine itself is constantly present, sometimes as wide open water, sometimes as smaller side channels flowing through the landscape.
Hiking around Hördt also reveals the human connection to the river. Old levees, flood protection works, and fishing huts show how people have lived with and adapted to the Rhine over centuries. The paths sometimes follow dikes or pass by fields where agriculture and river landscapes meet. This mix of natural and cultural impressions gives the hike a unique rhythm.
The flat landscape makes the trails accessible for all levels, but the variety keeps it interesting. Some sections lead through shady forest, others across open meadows, and many along the water’s edge. In spring and summer, the greenery is intense and full of life, while in autumn the floodplain takes on golden colours. Even in winter, the bare trees and quiet water create a calm and atmospheric mood.
The village of Hördt itself is small but charming, with traditional houses and a quiet pace of life. Starting or ending a hike here gives a sense of the rural culture of the Rhine region. Local traditions and food reflect the connection to both the land and the river, making the area feel deeply tied to its surroundings.
This video captures the general impression of hiking around Hördt and the Rhine River: the wetlands, the forest trails, the birdlife, and the calm flow of the river. It is not a detailed guide but a look at the atmosphere and natural beauty that make this area special.
For travelers, hiking in Hördt and the Rhine floodplains is a way to experience a different side of Germany. It is not about castles or mountain peaks, but about quiet landscapes shaped by one of Europe’s great rivers. The Rhine has been central to life, culture, and trade for centuries, and walking along its banks here shows its calmer, more natural face. Whether for a short walk or a longer hike, Hördt and the Rheinaue offer peace, variety, and a close connection to nature.