What age is suitable for this course?

The course is recommended for participants aged eight and up, with instructor discretion for younger paddlers based on ability and confidence.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes—confident swimming ability is required since the course includes capsize and recovery practice in cold water.

What equipment is provided?

Organizers supply Wildwasserkajak, Paddel, Schwimmweste, wasserdichtes Behältnis, Neoprenanzug, and Helm, plus boat retrieval; personal items like snacks and towels are not included.

Is food or lodging included?

No; food and overnight accommodation are not included, though local campsites and guesthouses can be booked separately.

How big are the groups?

Groups are generally limited—typically no more than six participants per instructor—to ensure focused coaching.

How do I get to the meeting point?

Meeting is at Aktiv Mühle (Eßlinger Str. 3, 91807 Solnhofen); transport is commonly arranged by carpool or via nearby rail and road links.

One-Day Wildwater Kayak Course in Solnhofen — Perfect for Beginners

On a cool morning in Solnhofen, Bavaria, the sound of rushing water takes center stage. Kajak-Kurs (1 Tag) / Perfekt für Anfänger is a one-day wildwater kayak course offered with meeting point at Aktiv Mühle (Eßlinger Str. 3, 91807 Solnhofen). Over 7.5 hours of instruction, you'll learn to read currents, punch eddies, and recover from capsize under the guidance of certified canoe instructors. The course splits theory and practice: a classroom block covers kit, safety, and Strömungslehre, then you move to the river for intensive on-water drills. Trainers work with small groups—typically no more than six paddlers per instructor—so feedback is constant. Expect a wild-water kayak rather than a touring boat: short, nimble craft that respond quickly to flow dynamics. The provider supplies Wildwasserkajak, Paddel, Schwimmweste, wasserdichtes Behältnis, Neoprenanzug, Helm, and handles boat retrieval; person transfer is arranged by carpool. What makes this course special is the setting. The Solnhofen region sits on famous Upper Jurassic limestone—the same strata that produced the Archaeopteryx fossils—and the area’s exposed karst and limestone shelves frame shallow, fast-moving river sections ideal for learning eddy lines and boofs. You’ll practice maneuvers beneath sheer rock faces and near old quarry ponds, learning to spot seams, boils, and downstream holes that define whitewater reading. Wildlife is close: keep an eye out for kingfishers darting along riffles and otters hunting near cobbled banks. This is not a comfort cruise. Intense water contact, cold immersion, and a steady dose of physical work are part of the curriculum—comparable to an all-day surf or whitewater clinic. The course suits those in moderate fitness with confident swimming ability; it’s designed to build core river skills: forward and sweep strokes, eddy turns, bracing, ferrying, and basic self- and buddy-rescue. By day’s end you’ll have the foundation to progress to multi-day guided river trips or local club runs. Practical notes: food and lodging are not included; bring a towel, spare warm layers, and waterproof snacks. Meeting location and start time are confirmed at Aktiv Mühle (Eßlinger Str. 3, 91807 Solnhofen). Small groups, certified trainers, and fossil-rich limestone scenery make this one-day course a standout for paddlers visiting Bavaria who want a hands-on introduction to wildwater kayaking. The program is recommended for participants aged eight and up and favors those willing to commit to learning through repeat practice. Lessons include guided capsize recovery, assisted re-entry techniques, and basic river-rescue drills that build competence and confidence quickly. Weather and river conditions determine exact runs; instructors adapt progressions so paddlers gain successful repetitions. Transport logistics are simple from nearby rail or road links; Solnhofen makes practical base if you’re combining the day with a visit to the Solnhofen quarries or the Jura Museum in Eichstätt.

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.