TREUCHTLINGEN BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Two Days on the River: Kayak from Treuchtlingen to Dollnstein via Solnhofen and the Zwölf Apostel
A two-day, approximately 27.6 km kayak rental tour from Treuchtlingen that passes Pappenheim, Solnhofen and the Zwölf Apostel rock formations — this guide lays out the route, daily distances and practical details.
Two Days on the River: Kayak from Treuchtlingen to Dollnstein via Solnhofen and the Zwölf Apostel.
Embark on a two-day paddling route that begins at the boat launch in Treuchtlingen and threads through scenic river bends, historic towns and dramatic limestone outcrops. Along the way you’ll pass Pappenheim with its old town and castle, stop for regional food at riverside inns, reach Solnhofen on the first day and encounter the striking Zwölf Apostel rock formations before finishing in Dollnstein.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Zwölf Apostel — Limestone pinnacles on Day Two
Day two brings the Zwölf Apostel formations into view, with the Gasthof Dreizehnter Apostel nearby — a marquee natural feature on the route and a compelling reason to stay attentive to the cliffs and viewpoints from the water.
Pappenheim’s loop: Altstadt, Burg and a riverside stop
Shortly after launch you reach the Pappenheim transfer point where a detour into the historic Altstadt or up to Burg Pappenheim is recommended; riverside inns such as the Gasthof zur Sonne offer a natural midday break before paddling the loop around the town.
Riverside inns and local cuisine
The itinerary is punctuated by traditional Franconian inns — Gasthof Hollerstein near Wehr Zimmern and options in Pappenheim and Dollnstein — making food and village stops integral to the trip’s rhythm.
What the day feels like
What the two-day paddle feels like
The trip opens with a handover of boats at Treuchtlingen and a brief paddle-1x1 before setting off; the first day is the longer leg into Solnhofen, with village loops, weirs and inns defining the pace. Day two is shorter and scenically concentrated — cliffs, two boat-runs and a final stretch into Dollnstein — offering a measured progression from long paddling stretches to more intricate, scenic sections.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Total duration: 2 days. Day 1: Treuchtlingen – Solnhofen ≈ 15 km / ca. 5 h (without breaks). Day 2: Solnhofen – Dollnstein ≈ 12 km / ca. 3.5 h (without breaks).
Meet at the boat launch: Einstieg Bootseinstieg Treuchtlingen for boat handover and the initial briefing.
Boats are handed over at the start and participants receive a short paddle-1x1 instruction covering essential techniques and the tour flow.
The route includes transfer points, weirs and two boat-runs on day two; riverside inns and a campingplatz at Solnhofen provide common food and overnight options.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour and how is it split across the two days?
The tour runs two days covering about 27.6 km total: Day 1 from Treuchtlingen to Solnhofen is roughly 15 km (about 5 hours without breaks); Day 2 from Solnhofen to Dollnstein is about 12 km (about 3.5 hours without breaks).
Where do I meet the operator?
The meeting point is at the boat launch: Einstieg Bootseinstieg Treuchtlingen, where boats are handed over and a short paddling briefing takes place.
Are boats and instruction provided?
Yes — boats are issued at the start and participants receive a brief paddle-1x1 instruction before departing.
What notable sights and stops are on the route?
Highlights include Pappenheim (Altstadt and Burg), riverside inns such as Gasthof zur Sonne and Gasthof Hollerstein, the Wehr Solnhofen camping area, and the Zwölf Apostel rock formations with the Gasthof Dreizehnter Apostel.
Where does the tour end and are there transport links?
The tour finishes in Dollnstein; nearby services include the Gasthof Zum Kirchenschmied, the Altmühlzentrum, and a train station about a 12-minute walk from the landing.
Will I encounter portages or boat slides?
Yes — the itinerary includes weirs and two boat-runs on day two; follow the operator’s guidance for safe passage at these features.