What age group can join WinneTour II?

The program is designed for school groups from class 7 (minimum age 7) and up.

Are sleeping bags and sleeping mats provided?

Tents are supplied but sleeping bags and sleeping mats are not included—participants must bring them.

Is prior paddling experience required?

No—certified guides teach basic stroke technique; however, participants must be able swimmers.

Are transport and train tickets included?

No—boat transfers for equipment are included but personal passenger transfers and train tickets are not.

Can we legally collect fossils in the quarry?

Collecting rules vary—participants attend a museum briefing and follow guide instructions; take photos unless explicit permission to collect is given.

WinneTour II — 5-Day Altmühl Canoe & Fossil Camp for School Groups | Canoe | Water Activities

Q: What is the meeting point for the tour?

Groups meet at the Ausgabeort Aktiv Mühle in Solnhofen before the first paddle.

On the Altmühl River in Bavaria, the WinneTour II offers five days of river paddling, fossil hunting and riverside camping around Solnhofen, Germany. This school-oriented trip runs from Pappenheim through Solnhofen to Dollnstein, with two on-water stages and a fixed campsite at the INSEL CAMP on the riverbank.

Start with a clear image: morning mist over reed beds, oars cutting glassy water, chalk-white cliffs of Solnhofen limestone leaning above the current. The route follows the gentle meanders of the Altmühl — shallow, slow, and ideal for groups learning canoe handling — passing low bluffs, floodplain meadows, and centuries-old lime deposits. The geological highlight is the Solnhofen Plattenkalk: fine-grained Jurassic limestone where exceptionally preserved fossils, including early feathers and fish, have been quarried. The program pairs paddling with a guided geo-excursion: a museum introduction to the Jura fossil beds followed by supervised fossil hunting in the Solnhofer Schiefersteinbruch.

Camp life centers on the INSEL CAMP, a fixed riverside base where organizers pitch 2–4 person canvas tents (sleeping pads and bags not included) so classes avoid daily tents breakdown. Evenings run practical — full meals from the MÜHLENWIRT, fire-circle games, supervised swimming and low-key skill sessions led by certified guides. The outfitter supplies boats, paddles, PFDs, waterproof boxes and boat transfer; teachers retain oversight for meals and dorms. Group logistics are straightforward: no tent-moving between nights, and a 24/7 emergency contact is in place, though program does not include train tickets or passenger transfers.

Safety notes are baked into the offer: participants must be able swimmers and dress for cool, damp nights in the Altmühl valley. The guides emphasize basic stroke technique, river reading in low-flow conditions, and fossil ethics — take photos, leave specimens to experts unless permitted. For school groups, the trip is a practical field lab in geology, ecology and team skills, pairing hands-on learning with accessible paddling.

Why book it? WinneTour II compresses big lessons into a short, supervised adventure: shallow river paddling that builds confidence, a direct encounter with Jurassic stone, and a single-site camp that keeps logistics teacher-friendly. For any class visiting Bavaria curious about fossils and rivers, it’s a compact, well-run way to turn the classroom into the field.

Practical details matter: groups meet at the Ausgabeort Aktiv Mühle in Solnhofen before the first paddle; the program is designed for participants aged 7 and up and runs with groups starting at about 20 students. Gear such as boats, life jackets and waterproof containers are provided, but each student should bring a sleeping bag, sleeping mat and layered clothing for cool nights. Schools should confirm local education authority rules for on-water activities and ensure all participants meet the swim requirement before booking. Contact organizers for booking details.

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.