A woman wearing sunglasses and a green shirt dips a blade of her double paddle into the water from a bright yellow canoe. The canoe passes by the viewer on the right. In the background is a wooded shore.

Image: Getty Images

·1. August 2025

Paddle Your Way to Happiness: the 7 Most Beautiful Canoe Tours in Germany

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.

A river flows away from the camera toward the edge of the image, lined with trees on the left and right. This makes the river appear very green. Seven canoes, each with two people in them, are traveling in single file on the river, with their backs to the viewer. — Image: pixel creator / shutterstock

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.

A bend in the river in the sunshine. On the left bank is a dense forest, on the right bank a man is mooring his canoe at a jetty. In the background, a motorway bridge spans the river. — Image: ms_pics_and_more / shutterstock

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.

The red tip of a canoe, photographed from the boat. Behind it is a harbor with deep blue, calm water. Boats with masts are lined up on the right and left, and a few trees can be seen on the shore in the far background. — Image: Anna K Mueller / shutterstock

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.

Two people wearing life jackets are paddling away from the viewer in a canoe on a bend in the river that curves to the right. On the left bank are forests, with several large rocks visible in the background. The right bank is covered with thick grass. A few clouds are obscuring the sun. — Image: Bayern Tourismus Marketing GmbH / Sebastian Stiphout

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.

Boat sailing across Lake Rursee in the Eifel region — Image: r.classen/shutterstock

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.

The coastal path in Alzey-Weinheim

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.

A wide river stretches to the horizon. The focus is on two people in summer clothes paddling toward the viewer in a canoe. The banks are wooded on both sides, and the water on the right bank is covered with a carpet of duckweed. — Image: TMV / Gross

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.

A wide river disappears behind a bend. There is light vegetation on the banks to the left and right. A small canoe with two people can be seen on the river. In the background, a wooded slope rises above a blue sky. — Image: footageclips / shutterstock

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.

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