WEIMAR (LAHN) KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Kurztour: Odenhausen–Gießen — A short, scenic 3–4 hour paddle down the Lahn
A guided 13 km canoe/kayak run from Lollar-Odenhausen to Gießen that covers narrow, lively river stretches, a slalom training course and a lakeside beer-garden pause.
Kurztour: Odenhausen–Gießen — A short, scenic 3–4 hour paddle down the Lahn.
This Kurztour on the Lahn is a compact river paddle that runs roughly 13 km from Lollar-Odenhausen into the university town of Gießen; the outing typically takes 3–4 hours and is described as suitable for all ages, making it a straightforward half-day escape from nature into town.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
From narrow, lively Lahn to wide, slow-flowing river into Gießen
The river begins narrow and occasionally brisk near Lollar and gradually widens and calms as you paddle toward Gießen, offering a changing riverscape across a single short trip.
Badenburg slalom course — watch future champions
Midway, at the Badenburg, you pass the well‑known canoe slalom course where aspiring competitors train, a dynamic sight on an otherwise relaxed river day.
Wißmarer See beer garden — an hour in, a classic riverside break
After roughly the first hour you reach the Wißmarer See and its beer garden — a natural rest point on the short tour before the river opens toward the city.
What the day feels like
What the paddle feels like
The day unfolds as a relaxed river journey: you launch from the Lahntours station in Lollar-Odenhausen, negotiate narrow, sometimes brisk stretches early on, move through the Lollarer weir passage and past the lakeside pause at Wißmarer See, watch slalom practice at the Badenburg, then glide into the broader, slower Lahn as you enter Gießen and finish near the Stadtwerke close to the main station.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this short Lahn paddle suits — and who should take other options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Length: 13 km; typical duration 3–4 hours; the short tour begins at 12:30 from the Lahntours canoe station in Lollar-Odenhausen.
Included: instruction in canoe technique, fully equipped canoes or kayaks, life vests, paddles, a barrel, a dry bag, boat delivery and boat pickup.
Rental price: 28 EUR per adult; Saturday and Sunday surcharge 6 EUR per adult; children up to and including 14 years pay 75% of the rental price (minimum age 6); on Family Sundays one child per adult goes free.
The tour ends near the Gießen Stadtwerke close to the Hauptbahnhof, so arrival and departure by public transport is recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Kurztour take?
The trip covers 13 km and typically takes 3–4 hours.
Where and when do we meet?
The tour starts at 12:30 at the Lahntours canoe station / Kanu‑Einstiegsstelle at the former festival ground in 35457 Lollar (Lollar‑Odenhausen).
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes — the trip is described as suitable for all ages; children up to and including 14 years are charged 75% of the rental price with a minimum age of 6 years, and Family Sundays allow one child per adult to join free.
Is equipment provided?
Yes — instruction plus full canoe or kayak equipment is provided, including life vest, paddle, barrel and dry bag; boat delivery and pickup are included.
Are there any river obstacles I should know about?
There are two weirs on the route (in Lollar and in Gießen); they are negotiated via boat passages (bootsgassen) and the Lollarer weir section includes passage through the Treidelgasse and Borsten‑Fischpass.
How much does the tour cost?
The standard rental price is 28 EUR per adult; a weekend surcharge of 6 EUR applies on Saturdays and Sundays.