Rhein Kanu
Overview
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Distance 18 km
Intro
Experience a multi-pack of culture from crystal-clear waters. From thousand-year-old Stein am Rhein to Schaffhausen’s attractions, interspersed with numerous historic buildings nestling in natural beauty. This is quite rightly called «Europe’s most scenic stretch of water».
Description
As one of Europe’s longest rivers, the Rhine drains almost all of northern Switzerland into the North Sea. For this reason, it’s not surprising that the Rhine is the most used waterway in the continent. For Switzerland, it’s the only navigable route to the sea. However, between Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen, boating is restricted to passenger transport for tourism purposes. This section of the river is also one of the most popular paddling courses in Switzerland. And for good reason: an unseen array of cultural landmarks line the banks, nestled into a tranquil natural landscape. Thanks to the upstream Lake Constance, the water is clear and pleasantly warm.
The starting point of Stein am Rhein is a first-rate attraction in itself. It’s over 1,000 years old and is considered one of the most beautiful small towns in Switzerland. The houses with their colourful painted façades are particularly noteworthy. Once you hit the Rhine, you quickly leave the crowds of tourists behind you. Its water is so clear that you might think you were flying over the gravel bed of the Rhine.
After around two kilometres, you pass under the bridges of Hemishofen. As the river is quite shallow in places, those travelling in motorboats have to perform a complex slalom manoeuvre so they don’t hit the ground. For paddlers, it’s always deep enough, and it’s advisable to go through the right-hand arch. Beyond this are some waves which require caution. If you want to avoid these, keep to the far right. You frequently come across waves for the first few kilometres, but these are quite easy to steer around. Particularly in the Schupfen area, however, they can be quite strong, so a careful line is advisable.
At this point, you are paddling on wide riverbends along densely wooded shores, all the while numerous beaches tempt you to take a break. You soon make it to Diessenhofen with its covered wooden bridge, which it’s best to pass under on the right due to the larger vessels that dock at the town. If you want to have a rest, the small harbour on the left bank is a handy place to stop. It’s worth doing this as Diessenhofen, which has broadly preserved its medieval townscape, is a great place to visit.
As you go further you pass the former St. Katharinental monastery. Nature and culture alternate in a beautiful rhythm along the entire stretch. Lots of eateries are located right next to the water, each with their own jetty, and invite you to stop for a break in comfort. Time seems to pass by effortlessly. To your amazement, you are suddenly met with a view of the Munot, Schaffhausen’s old fortification, which signals the end of this journey.
The exit is located on the right before the local canoe club by the Salzstadel salt warehouse; onward travel is not permitted. Strolling through Schaffhausen with an ice cream in hand or climbing up to the Munot and once again taking in the view over the Rhine – the town provides a worthy finale to the “cultural journey”. On the one hand, the old town is known for its beautiful Renaissance buildings, on the other for its 171 bay windows, which have earned Schaffhausen the nickname Bay Window City (Erkerstadt). If you like, we recommend talking the short walk to the nearby Rhine Falls. The largest waterfall in Europe probably doesn’t need any further description. The spectacle of it remains awe-inspiring.
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 |
Stein am Rhein
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Schaffhausen
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| Distance |
18 km
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Easy
|
| Theme |
Along Water
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in both directions
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Quick Facts
Route number
