Eiblen and Illfeld Nature Reserve

The Eiblen and Illfeld regional nature reserve covers more than 81 hectares near the main bed of the Ill River, after the confluence with the Thur, in the commune of Réguisheim, between Colmar and Mulhouse. This site preserves diverse natural habitats, including a free-flowing section of the Ill, where gravel banks, mudflats, and steep banks support specific wildlife and plant species in a relatively wild setting. There are also man-shaped riparian environments, such as an oak-ash woodland and old flood meadows irrigated by a network of canals. A conservation orchard along the Quatelbach hosts 47 ancient fruit varieties. The reserve's flora is remarkable, featuring species like the drooping star-of-Bethlehem, intermediate barberry, and meadowsweet. As for fauna, visitors can observe beavers, common goldeneyes, woodchat shrikes, and the European kingfisher. Open to the public, the reserve offers a 4.7 km loop walk starting from Ensisheim, ideal for family outings or sports activities. The route has a positive elevation gain of 60 meters and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.