Aich – Öblarn: Put-ins, take-outs and highlights
On this stage the Enns carries more water thanks to the many small tributaries from the mountain valleys. At medium water levels it is rated as gentle water grade 2 to 3 with short whitewater grade 1 passages. Always watch out for obstacles in the water and for branches and trees overhanging from the banks.
Special features
This varied stretch is ideal for getting to know paddling, and it is also the beginners’ route of the Kajaktiv kayak school.
In this section the Enns flows past small villages whose cosy inns invite you to stop for a break.
Access
On the left bank of the Enns, directly after the island behind the swimming lake in Aich (kayak school – hire), or after the distinctive wooden bridge in Aich.
Exit
In Öblarn, directly after the road bridge, in the eddy on the left-hand side. Parking is available by the road. The railway station is within walking distance.
Stages
After the put-in you are off straight away on a steady current, drifting easily under the picturesque bridge in Aich. Use the main current in the middle of the Enns, as the right-hand channel is usually not passable.
After this spot, move across to the right towards the middle of the river, where you will find first-class eddies for practising. Be sure to avoid the artificial eddies on the left, however, as driftwood and submerged wooden posts could give you some rather unpleasant surprises.
About 1.5 km downstream the Enns has a beautiful island in store for you, which splits the river into two channels. Ideally, paddle down the middle of the left channel, avoiding the eddies on the left-hand side. If you do opt for the right channel, you must first make sure that it is clear.
Around 150 m after the island, the next challenge awaits in the middle of the river – a tree that serves as a fish shelter. You can easily pass it on either side. Then you continue your river adventure playfully on a steady current towards Pruggern.
Depending on the water level, you will have to steer around a few smaller obstacles here and there. Watch out for branches overhanging the Enns too, and give them as wide a berth as possible. At the wooden bridge in the Au you have a choice – you can pass it on the left or the right. Afterwards, though, stay right of centre to avoid any unwelcome encounters with obstacles. Then move back to the middle and enjoy the lovely eddies on both banks.
Always stay a little cautious, though, so as not to come into contact with branches. Shortly before Pruggern, right in front of the riding stables, two large eddies welcome you with a beautiful sandy beach and an easy put-in and take-out. Alternatively, you can land on the right before the bridge. You will have to climb up an embankment, but you can reward yourself with a visit to the Gasthaus Bierfriedel and a hearty traditional snack.
Access
On the left bank of the Enns, directly after the island behind the swimming lake in Aich (kayak school – hire), or after the distinctive wooden bridge in Aich.
Exit
Shortly before Pruggern at the riding stables, in one of the two large eddies with a sandy beach. Alternatively, land on the right before the bridge in Pruggern by the Gasthaus Bierfriedel.
At the bridge in Pruggern you can safely paddle on either side. The small wave train after the bridge is ideally taken on the right.
Caution: At low water you need to be very careful, as rocks lurk in the Enns. At high water, on the other hand, there is a risk of the current pulling you towards the right bank, where overhanging branches make life difficult for paddlers.
Beyond the wave train the Enns is very relaxed again. Large eddies on both sides invite you to take short breaks. Depending on the water level, two or three small wave trains provide welcome variety; they are ideally tackled down the middle.
Directly after the bridge in Moosheim you can land on either the left or the right bank. From here it is about a 10-minute walk to Schloss Moosheim if you would like to visit. Shortly afterwards there is another landing spot on the left after the wooden bridge in Tunzendorf. This option is not entirely reliable, however, as moored wooden boats usually leave little room.
Access
At the bridge in Pruggern, at the sandy beach by the riding stables, or on the right before the bridge by the Gasthaus Bierfriedel.
Exit
After the wooden bridge in Tunzendorf on the left bank (moored wooden boats often leave little room here). Alternatively, directly after the bridge in Moosheim on the left or right.
In Tunzendorf you start the next section of your river trip. The Enns is easiest to paddle down the middle here, and that way it presents no particular difficulties. After about 15 minutes you reach a rocky island that offers ideal conditions for stress-free eddy practice. After this great training session you paddle comfortably to the mouth of the Sölkbach on the right bank of the Enns.
Here the particularly interesting waves and currents are almost certain to put a big grin on your face. If you keep a little further to the right, things really get going, because the hydropower station releases its water in the afternoon. With a few powerful strokes you can master this without any problem and experience paddling at its best. If you prefer things calmer, the left bank is the place for you.
Around 1,000 m after the mouth of the Sölkbach you have already reached the end of the third stage at the bridge in Gstatt near Öblarn.
Access
In Tunzendorf, after the wooden bridge on the left bank.
Exit
In Gstatt near Öblarn, in the eddy on the left after the bridge. Parking is available next to the bridge. The railway station is within walking distance.
