Gleiming to Schladming: Put-ins, take-outs and highlights
Another option for getting onto this section of the Enns is at the Reiteralm car park in Gleiming. It is particularly suitable for inflatables at low summer water levels.
Right after the start the difficulties ease off, and this section of the Enns stays fast all the way to the swimming lake in Pichl.
After the bridge in Pichl the Enns turns right. On the inside of the bend you can paddle more freely than on the opposite (left) side, where branches may overhang the river depending on the water level. Beyond this bend it becomes really smooth, and after about 1.5 km five superb eddies on the right bank make the perfect spot for a short break.
After around 150 m you move into a somewhat more demanding passage. As the Enns is narrower here, depending on the water level you may find some waves waiting for you – you are sure to enjoy them.
Immediately after the waves the Enns widens again and you can land comfortably on the right bank to inspect the next spot. There are three ways to continue:
- Far left, past the stopper (easy option)
- Right of the stopper, over a small drop into the eddy (intermediate option)
- Through the middle, straight into the stopper with plenty of momentum (hardest option)
After this sporty spot you continue at the usual pace for about 2 km until you reach the Hutegger rapid, which promises a very wet ride and is best run down the middle. This rapid certainly has the potential to send your adrenaline levels soaring – so it is great that the next 2 km are completely relaxed, until you reach the large island on the right before the sand island: welcome to the perfect grill & chill spot.
Around the sand island the Enns is very wide and splits into several channels, the left one being the deepest. Straight afterwards you pass under the high road bridge of Schladming’s western approach, and a natural slalom course of around 400 m opens up in front of you. Then you drift on in harmony with the river, past Schladming hospital, to the next road bridge. If you want to avoid the ledge in Schladming itself, you need to land here and continue on foot. But if you have made it this far without any problems, the ledge should not pose an insurmountable challenge. At high water levels it can also be run on the left.
Once you have this whitewater spot behind you, after about 200 m you reach the end of this stage under the large bridge of the B320 on the right-hand side of the river.
Access
In Gleiming at the Reiteralm car park – ideal for inflatables at low summer water levels.
Exit
The take-out in Schladming is on the right bank, under the bridge of the B320 main road.
