Robertsau Forest

For centuries, the dynamic waters of the Rhine sculpted the landscape north of Strasbourg, creating a rich ecosystem of lush floodplain woods. Human hands eventually tamed the river's wild swings through massive engineering works, yet the forest retained its primeval charm and lush vegetation. During the nineteenth century, following the Franco-Prussian War, the newly dominant German authorities integrated the area into their defensive network, constructing fortifications such as the Ouvrage Neuf-Empert hidden among the trees. The twentieth century brought further dramatic moments to these tranquil woods. On a dark night in July 1944, an English Avro Lancaster bomber crashed deep within the canopy during an air mission over Nazi-occupied territory. Local memory still honours the brave crew of seven aviators who perished here, whose peaceful resting place remains in the military cemetery at Cronenbourg. Today, the forest stands as a proudly protected sanctuary for nature and human reflection alike. Officially designated a National Nature Reserve in 2020, Robertsau Forest is carefully preserved to safeguard its rare alluvial habitat, wild lianas, and five tranquil ponds. It remains an irreplaceable green haven where Strasbourg residents and travellers reconnect with the quiet power of the natural world.