Schladming to Oberhaus: Put-ins, take-outs and highlights
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.
