How long is the canoeing portion?

Paddling time is approximately two hours within a maximum three-hour outing.

Is this event suitable for children?

Yes—families are welcome; children should be supervised and can participate from age indicated on the booking page.

Do I need prior paddling experience?

No—guides teach basic paddling and safety; the Altmühl stretch used is low-gradient and calm.

Are gloves and litter-collecting tools provided?

Organizers typically supply gloves and grabbers, though participants with sensitivities may prefer to bring their own nitrile gloves.

What happens after the clean-up?

Volunteers meet at the MÜHLENWIRT in Solnhofen for coffee and cake and a debrief with local hosts and students.

How do I get to the put-in?

Regional trains serve nearby towns; expect a short taxi or bike transfer from the station to the river put-in—check schedules in advance.

Altmühltal River Clean-Up Canoe Tour — Paddle, Learn & Relax in Solnhofen

On April 26, 2026, join AKTIV MÜHLE’s Infotag mit Kanutour und Fluss-Clean-Up for a hands-on paddle through the Altmühltal in Bavaria, Germany. The two- to three-hour outing pairs gentle canoeing with environmental education and a community river clean-up organized in cooperation with Naturpark Altmühltal and the Hochschule für angewandtes Management. Experienced AKTIV MÜHLE guides lead short safety briefings, supply gloves and litter grabbers, and coach basic paddling technique so families and first-time canoeists feel confident on the water. The route follows a mellow stretch of the Altmühl river between Pappenheim and Solnhofen, tracing meanders past reedbeds, limestone shelves, and the low cliffs that expose fossil-rich Solnhofen limestone. Those Jurassic carbonate slabs made this area globally famous for finds such as Archaeopteryx, a neat historical touch that deepens the day’s narrative. On the water, watch for kingfishers flashing electric blue, grey herons at river edges, and signs of beaver activity along slow backwaters. Guides coordinate collection points so debris is removed efficiently and sorted for proper disposal, turning a scenic paddle into practical stewardship. The outing’s pace is relaxed—paddling time is about two hours within a maximum three-hour schedule—making it accessible for young children and older adults who can handle short boat rides. After the clean-up, volunteers gather at the MÜHLENWIRT in Solnhofen for coffee and cake in the beer garden, where local hosts and students from the Hochschule share findings and restoration tips. Bring layered, quick-drying clothes, closed-toe water shoes, sun protection, and a refillable bottle; organizers often provide gloves and grabbers, but consider bringing nitrile gloves if you have sensitivities. This Infotag is both an introduction to paddling in the Altmühltal and a local conservation action that connects visitors with the river’s geology, ecology, and community. Travelers often base themselves in Pappenheim or Solnhofen, where simple guesthouses and historic town centers make easy staging points before a morning paddle. Public transport reaches the region by regional trains to nearby towns; check schedules and plan for a short taxi or bike transfer to the put-in. The event is designed to be low-impact: teams work in small groups, follow a leave-no-trace approach, and receive a short briefing on handling lightweight disposables and separating recyclables. Photography is welcome—wide-angle shots of river bends and close-ups of limestone striations photograph best in morning light—and volunteers should secure phones in waterproof cases or dry bags. Children are encouraged to participate under parental supervision, and the gentle current makes reentry from shallow banks straightforward. The Infotag emphasizes community: you’ll paddle alongside locals and students, return with fresh knowledge about the Altmühltal’s natural history, and finish with warm cake and conversation at MÜHLENWIRT. Reserve early—space is limited and spring weather can fill spots fast each year.

About AKTIV MÜHLE

AKTIV MÜHLE is an outdoor adventure and canoe outfitter based in Solnhofen, Bayern. The company specializes in guided and self-guided canoe trips on the Altmühl River, island camping on Altmühlinsel, and adventure programs for families, school groups, and corporate teams. AKTIV MÜHLE runs day tours, multi-day island-camp stays, raft-building teamevents for school classes, and guided NaTour routes that pass the distinctive "Twelve Apostles" rock formations.

On-site services include canoe and equipment access from multiple launch points, supervised boat chutes, organized transfers between paddling sections, and a family-friendly island campsite with fire pits and a covered grill. The business offers specific programs for school trips—multi-day packages with raft building, wild-water kayaking components, and high ropes activities—designed for groups from grade 7 and above, and a separate three-day canoe-and-camp option for grade 8.

AKTIV MÜHLE's program list also includes half-day and full-day paddles such as Pappenheim to Solnhofen, Solnhofen to Dollnstein, and guided 13 km NaTour excursions. Additional services include a Bavarian breakfast option served before canoe trips.

Safety and local knowledge are central: experienced guides lead NaTour and group events, while family activities emphasize shallow, scenic stretches of the Altmühl suitable for swimmers and young children. Located in a protected natural area near Solnhofen, AKTIV MÜHLE combines paddling, camping, and outdoor education to create hands-on, trustworthy river experiences for visitors to Bayern.

Booking and inquiries are handled through the business's reservation channels, with clear information about equipment, transfers, and age recommendations to help with planning. Advance booking is recommended during summer.