Brühl between local history and Koller Island

Brühl combines local history with a distinctive river landscape. The local history museum focuses on the history of Brühl and Rohrhof, while the approximately 400-hectare Koller Island offers a chapter in the story of changes to the Rhine. Both themes provide concrete starting points for planning your trip—from the history of the town to the formation of a landscape.

Local history in Brühl

The local history museum displays numerous objects relating to the history of Brühl and Rohrhof. Topics include Schütte-Lanz airship construction and the seven brickworks. In this way, chapters of technological and craft history meet the histories of the two communities. Special guided tours of the museum are available by arrangement. Check the museum’s latest information before your visit if you would like to plan your stay around a tour.

Koller Island and the Rhine

Koller Island was formed near Brühl when a bend in the Rhine was cut through as part of the Rhine straightening works carried out by Tulla (1770–1828). It covers approximately 400 hectares. The intervention in the course of the river is therefore closely connected to the island’s formation and gives it a distinctive geographical and historical point of reference.

The traditional Koller ferry connects the municipal areas on the right and left banks of the Rhine. During its seasonal operation, it runs on demand from spring to late autumn; additional or continuous crossings are also available when needed. Due to low water levels, ferry service has currently been suspended with immediate effect. Before travelling, check the latest notices before planning a crossing.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Brühl, the distinction offers a useful starting point: the town’s history gives your stay a cultural focus, while the island’s history highlights the landscape and the river. If you include the Koller ferry in your plans, also check its latest service notice.

More places to explore in the Rhine-Neckar district

The wider Rhine-Neckar district has other places with their own distinctive attractions. In Schwetzingen, the Electoral Palace has a Rococo theatre and a world-famous park; asparagus has also been grown there for around 350 years. Ladenburg offers a different historical perspective: large parts of its historic centre are still shaped by the Middle Ages and, in some places, by the Roman period.

The landscape and outdoor activities are other distinctive regional themes. The Bergstraße and the eastern part of the Rhine-Neckar district lie within the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park. The “Ab in den Wald” programme offers free guided walks and excursions in the woods throughout the district. Eberbach has 150 kilometres of marked hiking trails.

Other options cater to different interests: the Hockenheimring in Hockenheim is a draw for motorsport fans. Lake Waidsee in Weinheim has areas for paddlers, sailors and windsurfers; at Lake St. Leon-Rot, water skiing and wakeboarding are available on a cable system. Guided tours are offered at Windeck Castle ruins in Weinheim. These examples offer different themes to consider when planning your trip, without suggesting that they are attractions in Brühl itself.

Discover more destinations: Hirschberg An Der Bergstraße, Gaiberg, Bammental, Zuzenhausen, Reichartshausen, Walldorf, Altlußheim, Hilsbach.

Go to the wider travel overview: Rhine-Neckar district.