SOLNHOFEN BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
Altmühltal on the Move: Solnhofen to Dollnstein — 12.5 km of Rock Faces, Rides and River Flow
A guided day canoe that threads the Altmühl past the Zwölf Apostel, boat slides and scenic rest stops — this guide outlines the route, on‑river choices and finish at historic Dollnstein.
Altmühltal on the Move: Solnhofen to Dollnstein — 12.5 km of Rock Faces, Rides and River Flow.
This canoe day trip runs the heart of the Altmühltal, a 12.5‑kilometre paddle from the Solnhofen launch to Dollnstein that stitches together limestone cliffs, short technical challenges and steady river panoramas. Expect playful elements — boat slides at two rest points and small portages around weirs — balanced with scenic pauses at iconic spots such as the Zwölf Apostel and village inns on the final approach to Dollnstein.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Zwölf Apostel: the limestone focal point
One of the route’s standout moments is paddling past the dramatic Zwölf Apostel rock group; nearby the Gaststätte Dreizehnter Apostel offers a natural spot to pull in for a break and take in the cliffs.
Boat slides and optional challenges
The tour includes two athletic highlights — boat slides at the Hammermühle and Hagenacker rest spots — that add fun momentum; participants who prefer to avoid the slides can portage the weirs instead.
Dollnstein: exit, hospitality and heritage
The trip finishes at Dollnstein where you land 300 metres after the railway bridge on the left bank. Boats and any borrowed equipment are laid down at the exit; nearby the Gasthof Zum Kirchenschmied and the Altmühlzentrum Burg Dollnstein await exploration.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Launched from Solnhofen, the route begins with a short practice stretch before negotiating the Solnhofer Mühle weir (a portage). From there the river unfurls—broad, slow in parts, edged by steep limestone—punctuated by the Zwölf Apostel panorama and two lively boat‑slide sections where the group can choose to ride or carry around the weirs. The run takes roughly three and a half hours without pauses and concludes at Dollnstein with an orderly equipment drop and local amenities close at hand.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits — and who should check with the operator first.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The running time for the river portion is about 3.5 hours without pauses; the schedule allows for stops at scenic points and picnic breaks.
Any borrowed (geliehenes) equipment is to be left at the exit site (right of the boat landing); the operator will take care of the rest.
Please dispose of your rubbish at the destination — the operator handles remaining waste removal.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the on‑river portion of the tour?
The paddle takes approximately 3.5 hours without pauses.
Where do we meet and launch?
The meeting and put‑in point is the Bootseinstieg in Solnhofen.
Are the boat slides mandatory?
No — the boat slides at Hammermühle and Hagenacker are optional; anyone wishing to avoid them can portage the weirs.
Where is the take‑out in Dollnstein and what happens to rented gear?
The kanuuh exit is 300 metres after the railway bridge on the left bank; boats and any borrowed equipment are to be placed to the right of the landing.
Are there places to eat along the route?
Yes — near the Zwölf Apostel you can stop at the Gaststätte Dreizehnter Apostel; at the finish in Dollnstein the Gasthof Zum Kirchenschmied is close by.