Wild nature, crystal-clear water, toned arms, and lots of good vibes: canoe trips in Germany are the perfect combination of mini adventures and micro breaks. From a Nordic jungle feeling to Bavarian coziness—here are seven canoe tours in Germany that deserve the label “watery wonder.”
Spreewald, Brandenburg: Paddling in the Nation’s Vegetable Garden
Anyone who thinks the famous cucumbers are the only highlight in the Spreewald has never been canoeing there. Between Leipe, Lübbenau, and Burg, the water branches off in all directions – a veritable labyrinth that looks like it was made for paddlers. And right in the middle of it all: punting boats, frogs, and plenty of idyllic nature.
- Route: Around Lübbenau, Lehde, and Burg, many small canals and locks
- Canoe rental: For example, Bootsverleih Konzack in Leipe (tel. +49 (0)3542 43559)
- Best time to travel: May to September
- Tip: Book early, as holidays and weekends are popular. Allow for patience at the locks and maneuvering around punting boats.
Lahn, Hesse: The Gentle Classic with Tunnel Vision
The Lahn is the relaxed diva among rivers: it takes its time, is wonderfully calm and has a very special highlight – the only navigable tunnel in Germany. If you want, you can paddle from Marburg to Limburg in several days, passing pretty towns, green banks and convenient rest areas.
- Route: Marburg, Gießen, Wetzlar, Weilburg, Limburg (up to 160 km)
- Canoe rental: For example, lahnkanu.com at the Wetzlar canoe station
- Best time to travel: May to October
- Tip: Perfect for families and beginners. Lots of locks, campsites, and the Weilburg tunnel as a highlight.
Schlei, Schleswig-Holstein: Coastal Flair for Landlubbers
Fjord or Förde? It doesn’t matter. The Schlei turns every inland paddler into a fan of Scandinavia. Between Schleswig and Schleimünde, a real coastal feeling washes over the canoe. The wind is usually gentle, and the water remains calm even for beginners – at least when the weather is good.
- Route: From Schleswig to Schleimünde (approx. 40–45 km)
- Canoe rental: For example, at the Louisenbad marina in Schleswig
- Best time to travel: June to September
- Tip: Watch out for wind and boat traffic. Ideal for beginners when it’s not stormy.
Altmühl, Bavaria: A Cozy Canoe Trip Surrounded by Nature
Those who like to take it easy will love the Altmühl. Bavaria’s most leisurely river flows through a lovely picture-book landscape with castles, rocks, and beer gardens. Getting started is child’s play, the water is calm, and there are plenty of places to get out. Paddling like a yoga retreat – only without the mats.
- Route: Gunzenhausen to Kelheim in the Altmühltal Nature Park (up to 160 km)
- Canoe rental: Various providers along the route
- Best time to travel: May to September
- Tip: Ideal for families, beginners, and those who enjoy the finer things in life. Hardly any current, lots of rest areas.
Rur, North Rhine-Westphalia: Small but Mighty
The Rur may not be long, but it is full of character. Between Heimbach and Zerkall, you paddle past sandstone cliffs, castle ruins, and lush greenery. Particularly charming: the route is accessible by train – and the entry point is practically on the tracks.
- Route: Heimbach to Zerkall (approx. 16 km)
- Canoe rental: For example at kanu-petry.de
- Best time to travel: May to October – depending on the water level
- Tip: Great for day trips. Public transport with the Rurtalbahn railway – eco-friendly and practical.
Peene, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Germany’s Amazon
The Peene is wild, peaceful, and wonderful. Here, dragonflies buzz, reeds rustle, and ospreys and kingfishers greet you from the banks. No hustle and bustle, no city noise – just pure nature. If you want to switch off, you’ll be happy here. And if you like bivouacking, you’ll be happy too.
- Route: Neukalen to Anklam (approx. 100 km)
- Canoe rental: Numerous providers, information available from local tourist offices
- Best time to travel: Late spring to early fall
- Tip: Ideal for nature lovers. Untouched landscape, lots of animals, camping possible.
Upper Danube, Baden-Württemberg: The Swabian Grand Canyon
Between Beuron and Sigmaringen, the Danube cuts deep into the rock – a real natural spectacle. Limestone walls, rugged cliffs, castles on the heights: the backdrop is spectacular, the water mostly calm. Only at low tide is it sometimes necessary to push instead of paddle.
- Route: Beuron to Sigmaringen
- Canoe rental: For example, via donautal-touristik.de
- Best time to travel: May to October
- Tip: Check the water level. Great scenery, mostly easy difficulty level, rare restrictions due to nature conservation.
Finally: the Best Tips for your Tour
- Equipment & rental: There are professional providers in all regions with boats, paddles, life jackets, and often return transport.
- Travel time: Spring to early fall (May to September/October) – for pleasant temperatures and reliable water levels.
- Safety: Don’t forget your life jacket, and wear a helmet and rain gear on difficult sections. Always check the weather forecast.
- Food: Pack sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, and snacks. And don’t forget your camera for your Instagram story.
- Planning: Check out the routes in advance and book campsites or overnight accommodations early. Many providers can help you choose a route.
