At this stage, the river Enns carries more water due to the many small influxes from the surrounding mountain valleys. At medium water levels, this section of the river is rated as calm-water class 2 to 3 with short stretches of white-water class 1. One should definitely pay heed to obstacles in the water as well as to branches and trees hanging in the water from the banks.
Specific characteristics
This varied section of the tour is perfect for those who want to get to know paddle sports. It is also the beginners tour of the kayak school Kajaktiv.
In this section, the Enns flows past small villages with cosy inns inviting you to stop by for a short break.
Access
On the left river bank, directly after the island behind the swimming lake in Aich (kayak school – rental) or after the distinctive wooden bridge in Aich.
Exit
In Gstatt on the left side just after the Bridge one can get out and get back up to the road
Stage Video
Galerie
Etappen
After the access you start paddling and enjoy the steady flow of the river to casually drift underneath the picturesque bridge in Aich. Use the mainstream in the middle of the river Enns, because the right arm of the river usually isn’t passable.
After this part you change to the middle of the stream on the right side, because here you encounter a great eddy perfect for practising. The artificial eddies on the left side should be avoided, because driftwood and wooden piles in the bottom water could cause very unpleasant surprises.
Approximately 1.5 km downstream, the Enns has a beautiful island in store for you, which also creates two arms. Ideally, you should paddle in the middle of the left arm of the river and thus avoid the eddies on the left side. Should you decide to take the right arm of the river, it is necessary to check beforehand, if you have free passage.
Approximately 150 m after the island, the next challenge awaits you in the middle of the river – a tree which serves as a fish shelter. You can easily pass it both on the left and on the right side. After that you can playfully continue your adventure enjoying the steady flow until Pruggern.
From time to time and depending on the water level, some smaller obstacles have to be circumnavigated here. You should also pay attention to branches hanging in the river Enns and circumnavigate them trying not to get to close to them. At the wooden bridge in Au you can choose, if you want to pass it on the right or on the left side. Afterwards you should keep to the right side of the river to avoid unwanted encounters with obstacles. Now change to the middle of the stream again and enjoy the beautiful eddies on both sides of the banks.
In doing so, you should stay attentive to not get in contact with branches. Shortly before Pruggern, directly in front of the riding stables, two big eddies welcome you with a beautiful sandy beach including a smooth exit and access to the river. Alternatively, you can also land on the right side in front of the bridge. Here, you have to climb up an embankment, but you can then treat yourself to a hearty snack at the Bierfriedel inn.
Access
On the left river bank, directly after the island behind the swimming lake in Aich (kayak school – rental) or after the distinctive wooden bridge in Aich.
Exit
In Stein an der Enns, directly underneath the road bridge in the eddy next to the right bridge pier. There is a parking possibility on the left side, next to the bridge.
Galerie
You can easily pass the bridge in Pruggern on both sides. The small standing wave after the bridge should ideally be taken on the right side.
CAUTION: At low water levels you should be very careful, because there are rocks looming in the river Enns and at high water levels there is a danger of being drawn to the right river bank by the current, where hanging branches complicate a paddler’s life.
After the standing wave, the Enns presents itself in a quite relaxed way again. On the left and on the right side, big eddies invite you to short breaks. Depending on the water level, two to three waves present a welcome diversion, which you should ideally conquer in the middle.
Directly after the bridge in Moosheim you have the possibility to land both on the left and on the right river bank. From here you could reach the castle Moosheim in approximately 10 minutes on foot, should you want to visit it. Shortly afterwards you have another possibility to land on the left side after the wooden bridge in Tunzendorf. However, this alternative is not very reliable, because due to tethered wooden boats there usually is not a lot of space.
Access
On the left river bank, directly after the island behind the swimming lake in Aich (kayak school – rental) or after the distinctive wooden bridge in Aich.
Exit
In Stein an der Enns, directly underneath the road bridge in the eddy next to the right bridge pier. There is a parking possibility on the left side, next to the bridge.
Galerie
In Tunzendorf you start the next river stretch. It is easiest to paddle in the middle of the Enns here, because that way you shouldn’t encounter any special difficulties. After approximately 15 minutes you reach a rocky island, which offers optimum conditions for relaxed exercises in an eddy. After this wonderful training lesson, you comfortably paddle on until you reach the mouth of the Sölkbach stream on the right bank of the river Enns.
Here, the especially interesting waves and currents will surely bring a broad smile to your face. If you keep more to the right, your ride gets really speedy, because in the afternoon the hydropower plant discharges water. With a few powerful paddling strokes you can master this stretch without any problems and you can enjoy paddling at its best. Should you prefer it to be a bit calmer, you should choose the left side of the river.
Approximately 1000 m after the mouth of the Sölkbach stream you already reach the end of the third stage and you can land directly underneath the bridge, on the right side of the right bridge pier.
Access
On the left river bank, directly after the island behind the swimming lake in Aich (kayak school – rental) or after the distinctive wooden bridge in Aich.
Exit
In Öblarn (Gstatt), just past the road bridge in the eddy on the river left. There is a parking possibility on the left side, next to the bridge.