SOLNHOFEN BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Four Days on the Altmühl: Solnhofen to Kinding by Paddle
A four-day, approximately 62 km paddling itinerary through the Altmühltal that links rock faces, Roman ruins and hilltop castles — a concise field guide for multi-day paddlers.
Four Days on the Altmühl: Solnhofen to Kinding by Paddle.
This four-day paddling tour through the Altmühltal runs from Solnhofen to Kinding, following some of Bavaria’s most picturesque riverine scenery and passing landmarks from the Römerkastell to Burg Kipfenberg while threading stretches of peaceful water, weirs that must be portaged and riverside inns and campsites.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Four days, river, ruins and castles
The itinerary links Solnhofen and Kinding over roughly four days and about 62 km, moving past the Zwölf Apostel rock formation, the Römerkastell Castra Vetoniana and Burg Kipfenberg, with daily paddling stages that end at campgrounds or town slips.
Boat slides, quiet stretches and village stops
Along the way paddlers encounter two boat slides at Hammermühle and Hagenacker, restful stretches beneath overhanging limestone banks, and riverside inns such as the Gasthof Dreizehnter Apostel and the Gasthof Hirschenwirt for mid‑route breaks.
Roman forts and Bavarian castles
The route passes the Römerkastell above Pfünz, the Bajuwarenmuseum at Burg Kipfenberg and other historical sites, giving paddlers a steady run of archaeological and medieval landmarks to explore from the water and on short walks ashore.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Each day unfolds as a manageable paddling stage with deliberate stops: short portages around weirs and occasional boat slides break up long river stretches, evenings land at small campgrounds or town slips where inns and markets are within reach.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The itinerary runs four days and covers roughly 62 km in total, with daily stages of about 12, 18, 17 and 15 km and on‑water times listed as ca. 3.5 h, 5.5 h, 5.0 h and 4.0 h (each figure without breaks).
The start is at the boot entry point for Kanuuh in Solnhofen: Bootseinstieg Kanuuh, 91807 Solnhofen, Im Kloster (the launch is under the Altmühlbrücke, two minutes from the station).
This is a multi‑day paddling itinerary with overnight stops at campsites and town slips; participants should be prepared to carry personal camping and safety gear and to manage short portages around weirs. The topic and operator indicate boat rental is provided as part of the offering.
Most days end at designated campsites or town exits close to services: Dollnstein campsite 200 m after the bridge, Eichstätt campsite near a supermarket and a short walk to the old town, and the Gungolding and Kinding exits adjacent to local campgrounds or town centers.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour and how many kilometres?
The tour runs four days and covers about 62 km in total, with daily distances of roughly 12 km, 18 km, 17 km and 15 km.
Where do we meet and start paddling?
The start is at the Kanuuh boat entry in Solnhofen: Bootseinstieg Kanuuh, 91807 Solnhofen, Im Kloster — the launch is under the Altmühlbrücke, two minutes on foot from the station.
Are there difficult obstacles on the river?
There are multiple weirs along the route that must be portaged (umtragen) and two recreational boat slides at Hammermühle and Hagenacker; the itinerary notes portaging at named weirs such as Solnhofer Mühle, Bubenrother Mühle, Willibaldbrücke and Aumühle.
Where do I stop each night?
Evening stops are at campgrounds or town exits: Dollnstein campsite (just after the bridge), a campsite near Eichstätt with supermarket access, the campsite at Gungolding and the Kinding exit close to town and the station.
What cultural or historical sites will we pass?
Highlights include the Zwölf Apostel rock formation, the Römerkastell Castra Vetoniana above Pfünz, Schloss Inching, Schloss Arnsberg and Burg Kipfenberg with its Bajuwarenmuseum and Limes information point.
Are there places to eat along the route?
Yes — the route mentions riverside inns and stops such as the Gasthof Dreizehnter Apostel and the Gasthof Hirschenwirt as recommended points for refreshments or meals.