Kehl

Kehl is a German town directly on the eastern bank of the Rhine, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, serving as the gateway to the Black Forest, directly across the river from the French city of Strasbourg. == Understand == Kehl is a unique "border-crosser" city. For much of its history, it served as a military fortress, but today it is the prime symbol of Franco-German cooperation. While visitors often use it as a more affordable base to explore Strasbourg, Kehl has developed its own identity as a green, relaxed shopping hub. The city is remarkably bilingual, and the "Garden of Two Shores" (Garten der zwei Ufer) physically connects the two nations, making the border feel non-existent. == Get in == === By train === For long distance travel, see Strasbourg. Besides trains to Strasbourg, there are also train stations in Kehl and Kork, with services from Strasbourg and Offenburg. 1 Kehl station. 2 Kork station. === By tram === Line D of the Strasbourg tram system crosses the Rhine from France and serves Kehl's railway station, university and town hall. Journey time from Homme de Fer in central Strasbourg is 20-25 min. Since Germany and France both belong to the Schengen Area, the crossing is seamless and you don't usually need to take a passport. However in 2025, the German police do random border screenings; the TGV and the tram are subject to passport checks for non-EU citizens. Failure to provide a passport can get you turned back or worse. == Get around == === On foot === The Passerelle des Deux Rives is a pedestrian and cyclist-only bridge that is a must-experience. === By bike === The city center and the riverfront are best explored by bike. === By bus === A local bus network serves the surrounding districts (Ortenau Mobil). == See == 1 Water tower (Wasserturm). A landmark. 2 Town Hall (Rathaus). Weinbrenner style. 3 Two Shores Garden (Garten der zwei Ufer / Jardin des Deux Rives). A park straddling the border with an impressive pedestrian bridge over the Rhine. 4 Passerelle des Deux Rives (Passerelle Mimram). The banks of the Rhine in Kehl and Strasbourg are connected by this cable-stayed bridge designed the French architect Mimram and opened in 2004. It is considered a work of contemporary art. St. Nepomuk Altrhein. Church. 5 Deutsches Epilepsiemuseum (Museum of Epilepsy). (updated May 2020) 6 Weißtannenturm. 24/7. An observation tower with views of the Rhine, the Black Forest, and France. Free of charge. (updated May 2023) 7 Kork (District of Kehl) (Accessible via regional train from Kehl or Offenburg.). Kork is a picturesque suburb of Kehl and was once an independent town. It boasts several beautiful historic buildings and even has its own railway station. (updated Apr 2026) == Do == Water Playground: Within the Garten der zwei Ufer, this is one of the best free water parks for children in the region. Rhine Forest Trail: Walk the "Auenwildnispfad," a nature discovery trail that leads through the protected Rhine floodplains. Kultursommer: During July and August, the city hosts "Kultursommer" with free open-air events at the Seebühne (lake stage). == Buy == Hauptstraße: The pedestrian zone is famous for its German drugstores (DM, Müller) and boutiques, which are highly popular with French shoppers due to lower prices for cosmetics and household goods. == Eat == 1 Alte Zunft, Jahnstraße 16, ☏ +49 7851 71688. Tu-Th 11:00-14:30, 17:30-01:00; F Sa 11:00-14:30; Su 11:00-01:00. A traditional German tavern serving classic Baden cuisine. Known for its rustic atmosphere and hearty Schnitzel. €20-30. (updated Apr 2026) 2 Hafen 17, Am Altrhein 17 (right by the water). M-F 11:30-14:00, Tu-Sa 17:30-23:30. A modern restaurant, offering a mix of Mediterranean dishes and great views of the passing ships. €14-€30. (updated Apr 2026) == Drink == Kehl has a lively café culture, especially around the market square (Marktplatz). Due to its location in the Ortenau wine region, you will find excellent local Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. {{drink 1 Nuair Kehl (Nuair Lounge), Vogesenallee 13a (just south of the city centre), ☏ +49 176 22067568. Daily 16:00–01:00 (F Sa until 03:00). A modern shisha lounge and bar with a wide variety of flavored tobacco, cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere with contemporary music. Popular with a younger local crowd and cross-border visitors. (updated Apr 2026) == Sleep == 1 DJH Jugendherberge Kehl, Altrheinweg 11, ☏ +49 7851 2330. (updated Jan 2016) Accommodation in Kehl is often significantly cheaper than in central Strasbourg, despite being only 15 minutes away by tram. 2 Hotel Calamus, Boschstraße 6 (a bit outside the center), ☏ +49 7851 6430-100, info@hotel-calamus.de. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A modern, stylish hotel with an indoor climbing wall and a trendy restaurant. €115 for single bedroom. (updated Apr 2026) 3 Aparthotel Kehl, Hafenstraße 3 (near the pedestrian zone), ☏ +49 7851 6163350, info@firstaparthotel.de. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Ideal for longer stays or families, offering kitchenettes and a very central location. from €95 for single bedroom. (updated Apr 2026) 4 Europa Hotel, Straßburger Str. 9 (halfway between the train station and the marketplace), ☏ +49 7851 885650, europa@ates-hotel.de. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A classic, reliable choice, very convenient for tram users. from €64 for single bedrooms. (updated Apr 2026) == Cope == === Consulates === Several in neighbouring Strasbourg == Connect == == Go next == Strasbourg (France): 15 minutes by tram to the historic Petite France district. Gengenbach: Often called "Baden's Nice," a picture-perfect half-timbered town about 20 minutes away by train. Europa-Park (Rust): Germany's largest theme park is about a 35-minute drive south.