Paddle calm Bavarian waters on a family-friendly canoe tour from Eßlingen to Dollnstein with Gegg‘s Bootsverleih. Enjoy boat slides, picnic spots, and a visit to the Altmühlzentrum amid stunning natural surroundings.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic paddling stamina recommended
Wildlife
History
The Altmühl valley is famous for its fossil-rich Solnhofen limestone, dating back around 150 million years, offering a unique geological backdrop.
Conservation
Gegg‘s Bootsverleih promotes low-impact boating practices and supports local initiatives to protect river ecosystems and maintain water quality.
Gegg‘s Bootsverleih
Paddle calm Bavarian waters on a family-friendly canoe tour from Eßlingen to Dollnstein with Gegg‘s Bootsverleih. Enjoy boat slides, picnic spots, and a visit to the Altmühlzentrum amid stunning natural surroundings.
Gegg‘s Bootsverleih is a boat rental and canoe tour provider based in Dollnstein, Bayern. The company lists a set of canoe and family-friendly paddling itineraries along the Altmühl River, offering multi-day routes and shorter point-to-point sections between local towns. Available trips include named itineraries such as Treuchtlingen–Eichstätt, Pappenheim–Eichstätt, Pappenheim–Kinding, Treuchtlingen–Kinding and shorter sections landing in Dollnstein and Wasserzell.
Each trip summary outlines natural highlights and practical stops: rock formations like the Zwölf Apostel, boat slides at Hammermühle and Hagenacker, sunny juniper slopes and scenic cliffs, picnic and coffee-and-cake stops at local beer gardens, and overnight options at campsites and inns such as Gasthof Hirschenwirt. Two specific route distances are provided for Dollnstein–Wasserzell (13.3 km) and Dollnstein–Eichstätt (15.7 km). Tour descriptions emphasize family paddling, leisure stretches, and clear day-by-day summaries that support planning for multi-day journeys.
Operating from Dollnstein in the Altmühltal, Gegg‘s Bootsverleih focuses on mapped river sections and practical pick-up and drop-off locations. The published trip names and summaries help paddlers select appropriate routes, understand suggested stops, and plan travel between Treuchtlingen, Pappenheim, Kinding, Zimmern-Pappenheim, Solnhofen-Eßlingen, Dollnstein, Wasserzell and Eichstätt.
Tours Offered
8 Tours
Multi-day and day sections
Base Location
Dollnstein, Bayern
Central Altmühltal location
Family Friendly
Family trips
Designed for parents and kids
Sample Distances
13.3 km / 15.7 km
Common route lengths listed
Select a route, check distances and stops, and reserve boat rentals from Dollnstein for a family-friendly paddling adventure.
Arrive Early to Get Comfortable
Arrive at Eßlingen before your start time to get a thorough briefing and practice your paddle technique on calm water.
Prepare for Self-Transport
There is no organized return transfer, so plan logistics in advance for getting back to your vehicle or accommodations.
Wear Water-Resistant Footwear
Secure shoes that can get wet will keep you comfortable during boat launches and stops along the shore.
Pack Picnic Essentials
Bring food and water, as the picnic spots at Hammermühle and Hagenacker are perfect for breaks but lack services.
Life Jacket
Critical for safety on the water, available from the outfitter.
Waterproof Bag
Keeps personal items dry while on the river.
Sun Hat
Protects your face and neck during sunny paddling stretches.
summer
Quick-Dry Clothing
Comfortable and practical for getting wet and drying fast after splashes or slides.