Ginsheim-Gustavsburg between the Old Rhine and the Mainspitze

Old Rhine landscape and Mainspitze

Ginsheim-Gustavsburg brings together a waterside landscape and local history. Along the Old Rhine, alluvial forests, meadows and agriculturally shaped areas define the recreational area; the island of Nonnenau lies just offshore. At the Mainspitze, the Main and Rhine meet. From there, you have direct access to the water and wide views of the Mainz skyline. The Mainspitze is suitable for short walks and brief breaks on a cycling tour. It also makes a good destination for an outdoor excursion during a stay in nearby towns in the Rhine-Main region.

Ferry and cycle routes

The “Johanna” Old Rhine ferry connects the Ginsheim Old Rhine bank with the island of Nonnenau. The operator maintains schedules and fares separately, so check both before your trip. This lets you take the ferry connection into account when planning without assuming a particular timetable.

There are two distinct cycling routes to consider. The Rhine Veloroute runs directly through Ginsheim-Gustavsburg. The Regionalpark Circular Route offers a cycling option via Nonnenau. On the other side of the Old Rhine, this route runs through meadows and along the dyke before heading back north; shortly before Bauschheim, it rejoins the Regionalpark route. The Veloroute runs through the town, while the cycling option also covers the island and the remainder of the return route. Check ferry services before planning the island route.

Technical monument and traces of the fortress

The Ginsheim gravel dredger stands on Ginsheim-Gustavsburg’s central promenade, a prominent landmark on the Old Rhine. It was extensively restored in 2002 and 2003 and preserved as a technical monument. The gravel dredger is in a public outdoor area and is freely accessible year-round. Here, a walk along the riverbank combines with a look at a technical monument whose restoration history includes specific dates.

The Burgpark in Gustavsburg offers a different historical perspective. Its distinctive wooden gate tower recalls the former Swedish fortress of Gustavsburg, dating from the 17th century; the outlines of the former star-shaped fortress can still be made out on the site. The Burgpark is ideal for walks and, together with the nearby Mainspitze, forms an excursion destination in the Regionalpark RheinMain. The gravel dredger and Burgpark thus represent different historical themes: the preservation of a technical monument on the Old Rhine and the traces of a former fortress.

In the wider destination of Groß-Gerau

The wider destination of Groß-Gerau also offers its own regional natural setting. The Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue European Reserve lies in the west of Groß-Gerau district along the Rhine. It is Hesse’s largest contiguous nature reserve and serves numerous breeding and migratory birds as a breeding and resting place. The Mönchbruch nature reserve lies between Rüsselsheim and Mörfelden-Walldorf in Groß-Gerau district and is Hesse’s second-largest nature reserve. For hiking, the Luther Trail 1521 runs for around 31.5 kilometres through Groß-Gerau district; check current route conditions before planning.

Discover more destinations: Kelsterbach, Bischofsheim, Stockstadt am Rhein, Nauheim, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Trebur, Gernsheim, Büttelborn.

Back to the overview of destinations: Groß-Gerau.