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Description
Opened in 2014, Parc du Heyritz is a relatively new feature of Strasbourg. In September 2024, it became the first of the city's parks to be awarded "Refuge LPO" status as part of an ongoing collaboration between the local council and France's League for the Protection of Birds. A number of floating islands have been created to provide a habitat for a variety of aquatic birds to build their nests, and a pontoon has been constructed over the water to give visitors great viewing opportunities.
Parc du Heyritz is not only a wonderful place for introducing children to ornithology, it's an underrated birdwatching destination in its own right, close to the heart of Strasbourg. The most notable residents, and owners of some of the most peculiar feet that the avian world has to offer, are lyska černá and Slípka zelenonohá. They're joined by a particularly tame volavka popelavá and a family of husice nilská, as well as both potápka roháč and potápka malá, and a steady passage of kormorán velký. In winter it's worth heading a little further towards Rive Etoile to see the visiting polák chocholačka too.
racek chechtavý and Racek středomořský are permanent guests, as are vrána černá, havran polní, kos černý and špaček obecný. The trees near to the water also provide a home for a number of smaller birds including šoupálek krátkoprstý, sýkora koňadra and sýkora modřinka. With a little luck, it may be possible to see raptors - poštolka obecná, krahujec obecný and káně lesní - at different times of the year.
Details
Access
Parc du Heyritz is located south of the city center of Strasbourg, along the Canal du Rhône au Rhin and near the Hôpital Civil. There are car parks at Rive Etoile and the Hôpital Civil, but it's probably easier to walk or take the tram to Etoile-Bourse (lines A and D).
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , River , Reedbeds , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , Park , City/villageConditions
FlatCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
You can turn this into a longer walk by carrying on past the Mosque and following the River Ill. That's more worthwhile in the springtime when you may be able to find a number of passerines in the trees along the river.