Canoe-River Lahn
In autumn and winter - from September 21 to April 30 each year - the first starting point of a canoe trip is shifted to Lollar Odenhausen. This shift serves the special protection of rare bird species, which fortunately still live here. Between Weimar-Roth and Lollar-Odenhausen, the Lahn flows through the European bird sanctuary "Lahn Valley between Marburg and Giessen".
The Lahn fascinates with a changing natural landscape: The wide open spaces and lovely meadows of the middle Lahn valley change further south into steeper slopes. From Diez on, the river has cut deeply into the landscape and offers a wildly romantic experience. Its gentle rapids and many locks, which can be operated by hand as far as Runkel, offer both inexperienced paddlers and experienced canoeists exciting and varied river fun. The shiptpng tunnel in Weilburg is unique. On sunny days, when many canoes are about, you should allow some time for the trip through the shipping tunnel and the subsequent double lock.
Author’s recommendation

Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
The river Lahn may not be navigated during high water! The current Lahn levels can be found here and the explanation is here.You can recognize certified providers of canoe tours and canoe rental companies by the Wasser Tourismus Deutschland seal. It is awarded to companies that stand up for the preservation of nature and water landscapes and offer their guests safe and professional quality. The companies work with trained personnel, have an environmentally friendly management and constantly optimize safety and practical signposts for their guests. These companies will definitely provide you with life jackets for free, because safety should cost nothing!
Always wear life jackets when you are on the water, and make sure that no child is in the canoe without a life jacket.
If you are traveling with a tour operator, get detailed instruction on canoeing. Get a river description to take with you on your river trip. The river description should provide information on all entry and exit points, rest and overnight stops, and special natural areas marked on a map. You should also be briefed on the nature features of the river in question. If you are traveling on your own, obtain maps that contain this necessary information. The regional tourism organizations and the local member companies of the Bundesvereinigung Kanutouristik e. V. (Federal Association of Canoe Tourism) will inform you about the latest regulations of the landscape protection ordinances.
Safety rules apply to the Weilburg boat tunnel, which we have compiled for you here.The motto "Consideration makes ways wide!" is particularly effective.
Tips and hints
www.lahntalliebe.de/wasserwandern www.facebook.com/daslahntal
The free information flyer "Wasserwandern" and further information is available for download at www.lahntalliebe.de/prospekte and from the
Lahntal Tourismus Verband e. V.
Brückenstraße 2, 35576 Wetzlar
Tel. 06441-30998-0
Fax: 03212-1239508
www.lahntalliebe.de/wasserwandern
The opening and lock times of the locks from Limburg to Lahnstein can be found here in the ELWIS of the Waterways and Shipping Administration
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
All designated entry and exit points and rest areas along the river Lahn with the infrastructure available there can be found on the overview map.
In order to preserve their beauty, the floodplain areas of the river Lahn are largely protected as particularly valuable natural areas. By behaving considerately, all canoeists can contribute to preserving this nature and making it possible for everyone to experience it.
Right at the beginning of the paddling route, between Weimar-Roth and Lollar-Odenhausen, you will find yourself in a European bird sanctuary. To protect the rare birds these, easy to follow rules apply.
Public transport
In the area of the RMV, i.e. in the Hessian Lahn valley, the canoe ticket is recommended!Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
"There is no such thing as bad weather, there is only bad clothing!"Paddling is fun in any weather. Protect yourself in cool and damp weather by wearing a waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood. When the sun is shining, people often underestimate the intensity of the sun, as it seems pleasantly cool on the water. Protect yourself with a headgear against too strong sunlight. Shoes do not have to be nice, but above all they have to fit tightly. Lace-up, sports or special paddler shoes are best.
For stowing spare clothes and valuables, we recommend waterproof garbage cans or duffel bags provided by tour operators. Stow your electronic devices only in waterproof containers!
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
- 64 Waypoints
- 64 Waypoints
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