TREUCHTLINGEN CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Two Days on the Altmühl: Canoeing Treuchtlingen to Dollnstein Past Weirs, Biergartens and the '12 Apostel'
A guided, two-day canoe journey along the Altmühl—navigate three weirs, overnight at INSEL CAMP and pass the striking limestone cliffs known as the '12 Apostel'.
Two Days on the Altmühl: Canoeing Treuchtlingen to Dollnstein Past Weirs, Biergartens and the '12 Apostel'.
Paddle a gentle river threaded with history and limestone: this two-day Altmühl run moves from morning launches through medieval Pappenheim, a succession of three weir portages, an overnight by the water at INSEL CAMP, and a final day past towering rock faces including the famous '12 Apostel'. Along the way there are beer-garden stops and optional boat slides—an active, scenic short expedition.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Three Weirs, Medieval Town Stops, and Easy Portages
The route includes three weir umtragungen (portages) spread across the first day, with a recommended stop in picturesque Pappenheim—home to a medieval castle and an attractive town center—and options for a beer-garden break en route.
Limestone Cliffs and the '12 Apostel'
The second day opens into the Altmühl’s dramatic rock scenery: you paddle past the sculpted limestone pillars known as the '12 Apostel' and the nearby boat slides at Hammermühle and Hagenacker, sights that define this stretch of river.
Riverside Overnight at INSEL CAMP
After the final portage of the day you can make camp right on the water at INSEL CAMP; many groups finish the evening with a meal at the local MÜHLENWIRT, folding paddling into easy riverside hospitality.
What the day feels like
What the Two-Day Canoe Feels Like
The trip unfolds as a measured sequence: a morning launch and a few hours of paddling followed by the first portage and a welcome stroll through Pappenheim, then onward to Zimmern with another portage before the evening’s riverside campsite. Day two is shorter on distance but richer in geology—passing the '12 Apostel' and the river’s boat slides before you finish in Dollnstein. It’s a compact, active outing with room for relaxed stops and an overnight under the river’s cliffs.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two days in total; anticipated paddling time is roughly 5 hours on the longer day and about 3.5 hours on the shorter day.
Bring appropriate paddling clothing, sun protection, and footwear for portages; note that life jackets are required on guided tours and for non-swimmers and children up to 12—pack or expect to be provided with a personal flotation device.
Follow the operator’s meeting instructions at the specified launch: Auf der Lach 10, 91788 Pappenheim (approach via the footpath left of the TSG-Sportheim; 50 m to the entry at the pedestrian bridge).
Overnight spaces at INSEL CAMP can be booked directly; all other lodging must be arranged independently. Glass bottles and alcohol are not permitted in boats on the Altmühl.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What is the minimum age for participants?
Children from age 3 may take part; the operator recommends multiday tours for children aged 5 and older for greater suitability.
Are life jackets required?
Yes. Life jackets are mandatory on guided tours, and specifically required for non-swimmers and for children up to and including 12 years old.
How long is paddling each day?
The tour runs two days with approximately 5 hours of paddling on the longer day and about 3.5 hours on the shorter day.
Can we sleep at INSEL CAMP?
Yes—overnighting at INSEL CAMP on the river is available and can be booked directly; other nights must be booked independently.
Can I bring alcohol or glass bottles in the boat?
No. Glass bottles and alcohol are not allowed in the boats on the Altmühl.
Are there portages or weirs to navigate?
Yes. The itinerary includes three weir portages; some boat slides (Hammermühle and Hagenacker) are present but can also be portaged.