
The “Istein Cataracts” – Rapids of the River Rhine
Istein, Rhine Valley, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
July 8th 2012, 16:45 CEST
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© 2012 Carsten T. Rees, All Rights Reserved.
Caption
The Istein cataracts are the last remnants of a mountain ridge dating back to the Jura Period, named “Isteiner Klotz” (Istein Block). This area has always been a severe hindrance to ships on the Rhine so, as a consequence, in 1928 the “Grand Canal d'Alsace” was being built, running alongside the ancient bed of the Rhine. Some kilometres upstream of the rapids there is a weir to dam up the water for a hydroelectric powerplant. The forest on both banks is a typical “Auwald” (forest of a flood-plain).Nowadays with the water level normally being very low, the entire area is a beautiful site for swimming or a picnic. On the panorama you can see a visitors platform. It is so high, that it will not be flooded even in case the weir of the power plant should be opened. There is also a warning light for the visitors.
Location
Lat: 47° 38' 49.94" N
Long: 7° 32' 31.5" E
Elevation: 229 m
Precision is: Medium. Nearby, but not to the last decimal.