DIEPHOLZ CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Through a 100‑meter tunnel and three tough portages: paddling Die Aktive on the Lohne
A 13 km canoe route from Diepholz to Drebber that combines river scenery, a tunnel passage and multiple portages—this guide distills the route, hazards and planning essentials.
Through a 100‑meter tunnel and three tough portages: paddling Die Aktive on the Lohne.
Die Aktive is a 13‑kilometre canoe journey along the Lohne and part of the Hunte that threads through a striking river landscape near Diepholz, includes three required portages (one of them notably difficult) and a 100‑metre tunnel before finishing at Gasthaus Halfbrodt in Drebber.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
13 km on the Lohne — tunnel, river and Hunte merge
The route covers 13 km from Diepholz, passes through a 100‑metre tunnel where the Lohne flows into the Hunte, and continues roughly 3.5 km on the Hunte toward the Hengemühle weir before the final portages into Drebber.
Three portages define the trip
The route is nicknamed 'die Aktive' because of its three mandatory umtragen (portages) on 13 km; the second portage is described as not easy and some stretches may require pulling the boat over stones—wet‑friendly footwear is advised.
Town comforts: ice cream and a riverside inn
Paddlers can pause in Diepholz for an ice cream before continuing; the official take‑out at Drebber is directly at Gasthaus Halfbrodt, where weekend groups can also book a grill evening.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Expect a flowing river outing punctuated by short, physical interruptions: carry your canoe around a weir in Diepholz, pick your way over a series of stones, slip through a narrow 100‑metre tunnel into the Hunte, then make two more careful portages around weirs before arriving at a welcoming riverside inn.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The standard route is 13 km with a paddling time of around 3–3.5 hours; published group durations vary (advertised as 5 hours and a listed duration of 6 hours), plan for a full‑day outing.
Wear shoes that can get wet—the route includes stone carries and short pulls that will wet footwear; dress for river conditions and bring any personal essentials.
Meet at the Pausenplatz at Eggers Brücke (An der Bahn 44) in 49356 Diepholz for departure and kit distribution.
Detailed route and information are provided by the operator (Bright Side Tours/Bright Side Gruppenspass) including downloadable route maps and rental conditions; check operator materials before you go.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the route and how long will we be paddling?
The standard route is 13 km with a paddling time of about 3–3.5 hours; overall group duration is listed at roughly 5–6 hours depending on conditions and stops.
How many portages are there and are any difficult?
There are three portages on the 13 km route; the second portage is explicitly noted as not easy and will require physical effort.
Can we paddle the weirs?
No—the weirs (including Hengemühle and Hoopen) must not be paddled over; they are to be carried around for safety (‘Lebensgefahr’ if attempted).
Is the route open year‑round?
The route is listed as navigable year‑round, but seasonal weed growth (notably July to mid‑August) can impair passage and may lead the operator to cancel the tour on this section.
What causes a tour cancellation or re‑routing?
Tours may be cancelled or moved to alternate sections if there is extreme weed growth that impedes navigation or if water levels are too low on stretches such as between the Rathauswehr in Diepholz and the Hunte.
Are there pricing notes or discounts?
The operator notes group surcharges for the standard and extended routes and a membership price reduction (Hansefit members receive a €10 reduction); on‑site QR scanning is used for the discount.