Based in Kehl and accompanied by Professors Eichhorn, Lehmann, and Linke, the group focused on exploring the Vosges Mountains and Alsace. However, on the day of arrival, the group first made two stops at the Wingertsberg vineyard in Sankt Martin and at the inlet and outlet structures of the Wörth/Jockgrim polder, where they learned exciting facts about the use of land consolidation procedures in viticulture and flood protection on the Rhine. During the subsequent tour of Fort Schoenenbourg, part of the Maginot Line, there was an opportunity to learn more about the conflict-ridden history between Germany and France. After these experiences in the oppressive and dark fortifications, the second day of the excursion was spent enjoying the sunny weather outdoors and exploring the Vosges canals around Epinal by bike. In addition to the challenging climbs of the Vosges, the participants were also able to “experience” all kinds of hydraulic engineering. Wednesday morning was also devoted to hydraulic engineering – an expert guided tour of the Kehl cultural weir provided insights into technical flood protection and linked up with the program item in Wörth/Jockgrim. After the excursion to the Maginot Line on Monday provided impressive insights into the conflict-ridden German-French history, on Wednesday afternoon, a visit to the award-winning European Forum and the German-French Theater BAdenALsace located there provided an impressive demonstration of how much the relationship between the two neighbors has changed for the better despite their shared history, and how it is being further cultivated by local actors. An architect involved in the project and the director of the theater also spoke. After visiting the European Forum, the evening was spent exploring the old town of Strasbourg, accompanied as always by informative and entertaining student presentations. On Thursday, the group first went deep underground on a guided tour of the former Tellure mine before the Vosges hike in the afternoon took them high up to the Col du Pré de Raves. Thursday evening was used to bring the excursion to a close and review the day's events. But one highlight still awaited the students: before returning to Darmstadt on Friday, the excursion group visited a very special tunnel construction site in Rastatt. Where the above-ground route had subsided during the construction of the Rhine Valley railway tunnel, the aspiring engineers were able to experience first-hand how unexpected problems during construction can be solved creatively with engineering. Afterwards, it was finally time to return home – tired, but with many exciting experiences and new insights under their belts. We look forward to next year!