Aare Canoe
Overview
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Distance 15 km
Intro
Electricity defines the character of the river along this energy-packed stage; where several captures demonstrate monumental engineering achievements. Start and finish of this route are the interesting towns of Olten and Aarau, naturally united through the River Aare.
Description
Olten is a railway town and serves as a major hub in rail transport to this day. This is also evidenced by the zero-kilometre stone embedded in the station, from which Switzerland’s entire rail network was measured. From the river, you’ll notice that there are no fewer than four railway bridges spanning the Aare in Olten. The old town, with its imposing bell tower as well as the wooden bridge, built in its current guise in 1803, are landmarks of the town well worth seeing.
The emergence of railways in the 19th century signalled radical changes in the transport sector. Up until this point, the Aare served as the main transport route and many towns along the river lived on the income from the shipping trade. Even the use of steamboats wasn’t enough to make the waterway competitive with rail transport. As a result, the Aare was no longer relevant as a waterway. However, it soon gained new economic importance: the construction of 20 hydropower plants transformed it into a producer of electricity to meet the demands of advancing industrialisation.
This landscape of this stage is heavily influenced by this development. For the majority of the time, you move along artificial hydropower channels, and the imposing Gösgen cooling tower serves as an orientation aid visible from afar.
Shortly after leaving Olten, you swing leftwards into the first channel following a sharp right bend. Due to the current pulling towards the weir in Winznau, in this section you should paddle along the left bank. In the company of amateur athletes on the riverside path, you pass directly by the impressive Gösgen nuclear power plant.
The route from Niedergösgen to Aarau continues along the canal and, where others enjoy a picnic or a spot of river bathing, you swing back to the left into the feeder channel for the hydropower plant. You then float straight ahead through the countryside on a gentle current. Luckily, in many parts the concrete is covered in greenery. Aarau is the destination for this stage. The old town, with its historic alleyways, beautiful arcades, ornate roof gables as well as its many cafés and restaurants, is a must see.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Olten
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Aarau
|
| Distance |
15 km
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
Along Water
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/canoeing-in-switzerland... |
Quick Facts
Route number
