Reuss Kanu

The Reuss, meaning “the mighty one”, is the third longest river in Switzerland. It has its source in the Gotthard Massif before it then forces its way through the Schöllenen Gorge and pours into Lake Lucerne at Flüelen, where it deposits sediment and warms up. It’s a popular spot for water sports, particularly between Bremgarten and Gebenstorf. The river takes up wide courses, flowing through a gloriously unspoilt natural landscape before finally joining the Aare after 158 kilometres.

Before getting started, it’s worth taking a detour to the picturesque old town of Bremgarten. Its history has always been closely linked to the Reuss. For centuries, the river was a heavily used waterway for freight along the south to north transit route. The gentle current after the start gives you time to get into your paddling stride. The first bridge can be passed under through the middle with no problems; from then on, the river becomes livelier and more challenging. Warning signs on the artificial island of the Honnegger weir tell you to proceed along the right-hand river branch. Experienced canoeists can also venture left of the island through the sometimes very high waves and eddies. If the water level is right, you can watch countless wave surfers with their boards.

The course continues at a brisk pace, following the river’s wide bends; it’s best to stay in the middle of the river to keep clear of the wooded banks and the bridge piers. At this point, you have time to enjoy the wonderful landscape. Smaller waves can be circumnavigated. This section is also great for a picnic break; resting areas with fire pits are signposted.

Next you’ll see the Sulz ferries, which only operate on weekends. After the next bend are the technically challenging rapids. Large rocks in the river, eddies and waves call for concentration. To the left of the river’s centre, you can safely navigate the white-water section with strong paddle strokes. At this point, the Reuss calms and you can gently wind around the following islands, which provide birds and amphibians with shelter. With a bit of luck, you can see kingfishers, dippers, cormorants and other water birds here. Accessing the islands is not permitted for nature conservation reasons.

Those looking for a refreshing break after their adrenaline rush can dock on the left after the bridge at Gnadenthal and have a bite to eat or visit the old nunnery, which was built in 1250 in a late baroque style. After the Reuss Valley, the church tower, visible from afar, signals your pending arrival in the town of Mellingen. There’s a convenient landing point right on the left right where the town starts, although the charming old town also proves a spectacle from the water.

Not long after, you find yourself immersed in a deep, enchanted forest gorge, in which only the railway bridge high over the river hints at nearby civilisation. Over roughly three kilometres, the Reuss has carved its way into this primeval, inaccessible landscape. The gorge opens up as you reach the motorway bridge. At the next island after the bridge at Birmenstorf, the right-hand branch of the river is easier to navigate.

Shortly before the end of the tour, near the bridge at Gebenstorf, the signage tells you to keep right, but not through the right-hand bridge arch, as this can get blocked by trees. The signposted landing point is located a few hundred metres further down the right shore before you get to a river loop. It’s forbidden to go any further; the weir that follows is not traversable and is extremely dangerous. On the Rüssguetwiese, you can recall your adventurous journey while relaxing by the barbecue.