Jardin des Deux Rives, Strasbourg Travel Guide

The Jardin des Deux Rives, or Garten der zwei Ufer in German, is a unique cross-border park that bridges Strasbourg, France, and Kehl, Germany. Opened in 2004 as part of the State Garden Show, this 40-hectare (approximately 99 acres) park symbolizes unity and cooperation between the two nations.The park's history reflects the changing relationship between France and Germany. The Rhine River, once a natural border, was straightened in the mid-19th century to improve navigation. This led to increased interaction between Kehl and Strasbourg, further enhanced by the construction of a railway bridge in 1861. Over time, the riverbanks evolved into recreational areas, culminating in the vision of a cross-border garden conceived in 1995 by Michel Krieger.The Jardin des Deux Rives features diverse attractions on both sides of the Rhine. The French side includes a 250-meter-long water wall with aquatic plants and a Planetenweg, a scaled model of the solar system. On the German side, visitors can enjoy a water playground and the Weisstannenturm, a 44-meter-high observation tower offering panoramic views of the Rhine, the Black Forest, and the Vosges Mountains.The heart of the Jardin des Deux Rives is the Passerelle des Deux Rives, also known as the Mimram Bridge. Designed by French architect Marc Mimram, this elegant cable-stayed bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge connects the two sides of the park with walkways that meet on a central platform, providing scenic views of the river and surrounding landscapes. The park hosts various cultural and musical events, festivals, and recreational activities throughout the year.