SOLNHOFEN CANOE FIELD GUIDE
Two Days on the Altmühl: From Jurassic Limestone Walls to Eichstätt’s Fossils
A two-day guided canoe trip from Solnhofen to Eichstätt that pairs paddling through dramatic rock formations and small rapids with an afternoon of history and museums in the bishop’s town.
Two Days on the Altmühl: From Jurassic Limestone Walls to Eichstätt’s Fossils.
The 2‑day Solnhofen–Eichstätt canoe route threads the Altmühl between steep limestone cliffs and broad river valleys, pairing active paddling with cultural stops at the finish. Day one leaves from AKTIV MÜHLE in Solnhofen and takes you past striking rock formations and two small rapids to the passable weirs at Hammermühle and Hagenacker; day two opens into the wide Ur‑Donau valley after the 45‑metre Burgsteinfelsen and ends that afternoon in Eichstätt, a town worth exploring for its castle and fossil museum.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Jurassic limestone walls and the Burgsteinfelsen
Expect close-up passages beneath towering Solnhofen rock formations and, on the second day, the dramatic, 45‑metre Burgsteinfelsen as the river opens into the Ur‑Donau valley.
Swift moments, small rapids and navigable weirs
The route includes stretches with quick water and two ministromschnellen, plus passage past the befahrbaren Wehre of Hammermühle and Hagenacker—features that give the trip its ‘medium’ difficulty rating.
Eichstätt: castle, cathedral town and fossil museums
The final afternoon arrives in the bishop’s town of Eichstätt, where a town walk, a visit to the castle and time at the fossil museum reward paddlers with regional culture and history.
What the day feels like
What the two days feel like
You push off from AKTIV MÜHLE and spend the first day weaving past limestone outcrops and negotiating two short rapids and passable weirs before camping or staying overnight; the second day opens into the wide Ur‑Donau valley after the Burgsteinfelsen, with two additional portages before reaching Eichstätt in the afternoon for a relaxed finish among historic streets and museums.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Two days total. Paddling time is roughly 3.5 hours on day one and about 4 hours on day two; meet at AKTIV MÜHLE (Eßlinger Str. 3, 91807 Solnhofen).
Bring weather‑appropriate clothing and anything needed for a short river trip; life jackets are mandatory on guided tours and for non‑swimmers and children up to 12—follow operator guidance for additional gear.
You can book overnight stays at INSEL CAMP directly; all other nights must be booked independently—operator provides recommendations in the river maps.
Glass bottles and the consumption of alcohol in the boat are not allowed on the Altmühl; follow safety instructions and the operator’s guidance at weirs and portages.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What ages can participate?
Children from 3 years are allowed to participate; the operator recommends multi‑day tours from about 5 years for greater comfort.
Are life jackets required?
Life jackets are mandatory on guided tours and are compulsory for all non‑swimmers and for children up to and including 12 years.
How much paddling is there each day?
The tour is two days long with approximate paddling times of 3.5 hours on the first day and about 4 hours on the second day.
Where do we meet?
Meeting point and departure are at AKTIV MÜHLE, Eßlinger Str. 3, 91807 Solnhofen.
Are there any items banned on the boats?
Yes—glass bottles and the consumption of alcohol in the boat are not permitted on the Altmühl.
Will we need to portage (carry boats)?
The route includes passable weirs and additional umtragestellen (portage sites) where short carries may be required; follow operator instructions at these locations.