Aare Canoe
Overview
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Distance 12 km
Intro
The section between Murgenthal and Olten is one of the most rewarding stretches of the Aare for canoeists – with contrasting worlds and a skilful merge between pristine nature and artistic construction arts. Here you experience the Aare in its original form.
Description
Once you leave Murgenthal with its covered wooden bridge that crosses high over the river, you can already sense the reservoir of the Ruppoldingen power station, although the shoreline continues to exhibit wild and rugged nature. On constructing the power plant particular attention was paid to maintaining the natural character of this peaceful river-scape. Not only is the water calmer, hardly more than the sounds of nature are perceptible - except briefly before the weir on the short stretch accompanied by the motorway.
A few sand banks later you reach Aarburg, with its imposing fort. Here, the Aare has carved a narrow passage through the rock barrier, which serves as the foundation of Aarburg Castle. The narrow section was ideal for bridge building and therefore was also of strategic importance. The football pitch-sized eddy in the river bend served as a harbour during the heyday of the shipping industry along the Aare. Aarburg, too, generated revenue from bridge tolls and the busy transit traffic on the Aare.
The Aare is forced into a sharp left turn by a rocky spur. This results in a large eddy – known here as the “Woog” – which flows upstream. To avoid the vortex that forms there, it’s best to follow the left bank around the riverbend.
The onward journey towards Olten is a little calmer. Nevertheless, it’s important to pay attention, as rocks and islands repeatedly obstruct the current. Olten is known for its railway traditions and is an important interchange between the major cities of Zurich, Basel and Bern. The wooden bridge, visible from afar, is evidence of traffic crossing the Aare in Olten since back in the Roman times. You land ashore on the left bank beyond the lido near the pontoons.
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 |
Murgenthal
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Olten
|
| Distance |
12 km
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Easy
|
| Theme |
Along Water
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/canoeing-in-switzerland... |
Quick Facts
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