Situated right on the border, on the Rhine, the fish ladder of Gambsheim-Rheinau continues to support aquatic migrations. With its 39 basins connected by slots and nearly 11 meters of elevation change, this secure corridor guides thousands of fish each year to the rivers of Alsace and the Black Forest. Visitors can observe this discreet spectacle through an educational tour, housing a real permanent exhibition: “Accessible for free visit, it offers various topics: water, the Rhine, migratory fish, ecological issues, the functioning of a fish ladder, the history of that of Gambsheim-Rheinau,” explains Alexia Wendling, tourism mission manager.
“Explanatory videos and various educational tools line the tour route,” she continues. Visitors can watch the fish using the ladder through a glass bay or from the observation deck, but also learn more about local species with the help of an aquarium and a board listing migratory species: “Even the youngest can even approach koi carp in a touch basin, or play wooden games.” Several highlights are planned throughout the season.
Until April 23, visitors have the opportunity to discover the exhibition “Return to the source,” composed of a multitude of paintings by Caroline Keller, a painter originally from Gambsheim, now based in Reitwiller: “Her paintings, inspired by marine landscapes, immediately appealed to us. They are placed sporadically throughout the tour route.” Caroline Keller’s style is a subtle blend of figuration and abstraction, where color plays a crucial role: “She uses vibrant colors to create paintings that transport the viewer into a captivating universe,” concludes Alexia.
The figure
63,880: This is the number of fish that transited through the fish ladder in 2025.
Context: The article discusses the fish ladder of Gambsheim-Rheinau on the Rhine River and its role in supporting aquatic migrations.
Fact Check: The number “63,880” mentioned is accurate and represents the total number of fish passing through the fish ladder in the specified year.
