Schladming – Aich: Put-ins, take-outs and highlights
On this stage the Enns is still a small alpine touring river with a brisk current, rated as whitewater grade 1 at medium water levels. At low water, look out for rocks and wooden stakes in the riverbed; at higher water levels you will need to avoid branches and trees overhanging the river from the banks.
Special features
There is always something going on along this section, and sporty touring paddlers will be in their element. Whether you opt for a guided tour or set off on your own, it never gets boring.
For beginners, Kajaktiv runs regular guided sit-on-top and SUP Beast tours.
Level: moving water grade 3 with a few whitewater grade 1 spots
Navigable all year round.
Access
On the right bank, under the bridge of the B320 main road.
Exit
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.
Stages
Right after the put-in in Schladming you set off at a sporty pace. Paddle in the middle of the river from the outset to stay clear of the wooden stakes around the sand island. After that you will find attractive eddies on the right that are easy to catch. Depending on the water level, look out for rocks just below the surface here, and on the left branches may overhang the water from the bank.
Take the first bridge to the right of the pier. After 100 m a small but lovely wave train brings sheer joy to every paddler. It is best approached slightly left of centre, as rocks lurk on the right at low water.
Immediately after this wave train there is a large eddy on the left. From here on the river continues calmly and steadily, but you should still stay alert and watch out for rocks and branches. It is best simply to keep to the middle. On both sides there are lovely natural eddies, as well as artificial ones created as part of the river restoration. Approach these with concentration and a good plan, otherwise you could have an unwelcome and rather rough encounter with the wooden stakes.
Next comes the first concrete bridge after the Schladming put-in. Caution: the bridge is partly blocked by rocks. Immediately afterwards, though, things become gentler again and there are plenty of eddies on both banks.
At the wooden bridge in Lehen you can pass the pier on either side. Having negotiated these obstacles, you paddle alongside the golf course to the next bridge in Oberhaus. From here on, concentration and attention are called for again.
Keep to the right now, because just 50 m after the bridge a small wave train with two waves awaits, which is best tamed down the middle. You can also avoid it on the left – that works, but it is nowhere near as much fun.
Straight afterwards comes the first of two islands, both made for a relaxing break. Caution: before the second island the Enns splits into two channels, but the left channel is blocked by a fallen tree. Be sure to stay right here.
Access
On the right bank, under the bridge of the B320 main road.
Exit
At the Enns bridge in Oberhaus. This is where the first section ends and the second section to Aich begins.
After the two islands the channels of the Enns join up again. Now you really need to concentrate, otherwise you could be pushed against the right bank and might even capsize. There is a large eddy on the left bank.
Straight afterwards you can paddle on at your leisure, although depending on the water level the odd wooden stake may protrude from the water, which you should avoid.
Next comes a small footbridge in Haus, which you approach from left of centre, and shortly afterwards you reach the concrete bridge in Weißenbach. Around 100 m before the bridge there are lovely eddies for landing. The small wave train under the bridge is best tackled on the left-hand side.
Now it is a leisurely paddle to Höhenfeld. Here the Enns narrows a little and responds with some lovely waves that make the ride down the middle more exciting.
After the bridge in Höhenfeld stay in the middle of the Enns, as there is a pile of driftwood which you should give a very wide berth. After this obstacle you have almost reached Aich.
As soon as you see houses, concentrate a little harder again, as wooden stakes protrude from the water shortly before the take-out. At normal water levels there is enough room, but at low water this spot is rather tight and you should paddle with care.
Access
At the Enns bridge in Oberhaus.
Exit
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.
