Höchst: Nature and History at the Rhine Delta

Höchst brings together natural landscapes, waterways and local history, with a strong connection to the Rhine Delta. The Rhine Delta Nature Reserve is home to unique lakeshore and reed-bed landscapes; a canoe route on the Old Rhine also starts in Höchst. This gives you the option to focus your stay in different ways: explore the landscapes, experience the river as a route, or learn more about the history of the town.

Landscapes in the Rhine Delta Nature Reserve

The lakeshore and reed-bed landscapes in the Rhine Delta Nature Reserve define Höchst’s connection to nature. Since 1995, the nature reserve in Höchst has been part of the EU-wide Natura 2000 network. Its landscapes and protected status form a distinct focus, different from the waterways and cultural themes of the town. If you would like to combine nature and local history during your stay, Höchst offers ways to explore both.

Canoeing on the Old Rhine

The canoe route on the Old Rhine runs downstream from Höchst to Gaißau and the Rheinspitz. The course of the river gives your trip a clear direction: the starting point is in Höchst, and the destinations mentioned are downstream. A launch point with parking is located near Luisl’s Farm on Gartenstraße. Water conditions and navigation can vary, so check the river conditions and access arrangements at the launch point before setting off.

For planning purposes, the route on the water is what matters here. Take river conditions into account rather than assuming a fixed trip duration or a particular pace.

Am Eselschwanz: a route for cyclists and walkers

The Am Eselschwanz route passes through a former riverbed of the Rhine. Until 1900, the Rhine flowed here between gravel and sandbanks; this area is known as Eselschwanz. The historic river landscape gives the route a distinctive background. As you follow it, you can pay attention not only to how the path is used today but also to the former shape of the riverbed.

The route is paved throughout, with a width suitable for vehicles, and designated as a cycle path. Some sections are also marked as a yellow-and-white hiking trail. This clearly distinguishes the options described from the canoe route: on Am Eselschwanz, the road surface and designated use take precedence; on the Old Rhine, the river’s course and changing water conditions are the focus. If you are choosing between an excursion on land and a trip on the water, these specific features can guide your planning.

History and everyday culture in Höchst

A document from 980 refers to Höchst as “the villages of Höchst on both banks” of the Rhine. The historical wording explicitly identifies Höchst as being on both sides of the river. Another landmark in time is Höchst’s neo-Baroque parish church, built between 1908 and 1910. The document and the construction period belong to different eras and offer two distinct ways to explore local history.

The Höchst Schaudepot displays work and everyday objects, most of which date from the early 20th century. They illustrate daily life in the Rhine Delta community and complement the focus on landscapes and architectural history with tangible objects from everyday life. Visits are possible on open days; guided tours for school classes and adult groups are available by appointment. Check the published dates in advance if you are planning a visit.

Höchst as a starting point for finding accommodation

If the canoe route is part of your plans, Höchst is a practical starting point to consider when choosing where to stay. The nature reserve’s landscapes, the Am Eselschwanz route and local history may also influence your decision. First consider whether the river, the landscape or the town’s history matters most to you, then include Höchst in your search for a holiday apartment accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Buch, Au, Kennelbach, Wolfurt, Hirschegg, Bregenz, Hohenweiler, Möggers.

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