Rafting & Kayaking in Tirol

For rafting enthusiasts, the section of the Inn river between the Imster Schlucht canyon and the village of Roppen is quite simply the number one wildwater sports location in Tirol. Indeed, this area is considered one of the top rafting destinations anywhere in Europe. Conditions on the water are not for the faint-hearted: thundering rapids, tall waves and plenty of rocks. The fast-flowing nature of the water on this part of the Inn makes it ideal for whitewater sports such as rafting and kayaking. Most of the trips offered by local rafting centres lead along the 14km stretch of river to the village of Haiming, which is accessible from May until mid-October and is also suitable for beginners.

The lower part of the Ötztaler Ache river is without a doubt one of the top spots in Tirol for rafting and kayaking. This section between the villages of Oetz and Haiming in the Inn Valley is considered one of the most challenging in Europe. Between May and September, visitors to Tirol can emulate the pros by taking part in rafting trips featuring sections of whitewater rated up to IV on the six-level international scale. Each group is accompanied by two experienced guides. Visitors wishing to take on this 14km rollercoaster ride should already have some whitewater experience. Passages such as the "Waldschlucht" and the legendary "Boa Constructa" are pretty intense and relentless.

The Sanna is a short river that flows into the larger Inn river in Landeck. With its rocky passages, steep cascades and technical sections it is a challenge for rafters of all abilities. Despite its relatively low water level, this 6km stretch is much more difficult to negotiate than the infamous Imster Schlucht canyon. Complex cruxes with names such as "Schiefes Eck" and "Pianer Schwall" are so tough that guides at the local rafting centres take time to show rafters these sections from the banks of the river before heading out onto the water. The whitewater is rated IV on the six-level international scale and is only suitable for experienced rafters.

Beginners looking for a good place to experience their first rafting adventure will enjoy the section of the Tiroler Ache river between Kirchdorf in Tirol and the village of Schleching over the border in Bavaria. Starting in Kirchdorf in the idyllic Hagertal Valley, rafters pass the village nach Kössen and the rolling hills of the Kaiserwinkl. The river then continues over the German border to Schleching, through the wild Klobensteinschlucht and Entlochklamm canyons with their steep rock walls and smugglers' trail. Every now and then there are sandbanks where rafters can stop for a picnic. Rafting on the Tiroler Ache is a great activity for all the family.

The upper section of the Inn, the main river in Tirol traversing the region from west to east, is ideal for whitewater enthusiasts and presents a wide range of challenges for experienced rafters and kayakers. This 17km stretch begins in the village of Pfunds in the Tirolean Oberland, leads through the Tösener Schlucht canyon and ends in Prutz. Strong rapids, excellent waves and churning whitewater holes with names such as "Helga", "Flipper" and "Dani" demand skill and precision, though there are also some easier sections to relax and enjoy the landscape. For many rafting and kayak enthusiasts the best time to hit the river is when the hydroelectric power station upstream releases a huge barrage of water in the morning, creating higher water levels than during the rest of the day. Rafting trips through the canyon take around three hours and are also open to beginners. Shorter rafting adventures on the Inn river are also available.

Rafting adventures in the Lechtal Nature Park are a special experience in what is the last wild river landscape in Europe. At the heart of the Lechtal Valley lies the Lech river with its ever-changing sections of challenging whitewater and relaxing passages. Rafting trips start in Häselgehr and head down-river for anywhere between 12 and 32 kilometres. The wildwater sections are rated only II on the six-level international scale, making them suitable for beginners and children. Half-day and full-day adventures are available. The day trips include a hearty BBQ lunch on the banks of the river.

Rafting on the Isel river means taking on the power of nature in East Tirol. The Isel is the largest river in the region and is fed by meltwater from glaciers in the Hohe Tauern National Park. The main rafting section begins in Matrei, where the water becomes more challenging as the Tauernbach river meets the Isel. The rafting is anywhere from gentle and easy all the wy up to wildwater level VI. Rafters can make their way down to the Lienz, the largest town in East Tirol, with the season normally lasting from 15 May until 30 September. Thanks to the meltwater from the Tauern glaciers the river always has plenty of water, even in the driest summer months.

Where the Zemm meets the Ziller the action begins! Rafting in the Zillertal Valley is an ideal activity for all ages, including children. The area of water between Mayrhofen and Hippach, around six kilometres in length, is easy to negotiate but has a few challenging sections for those in search of adrenaline. Experienced guides are on hand to make sure everyone stays safe and has fun. No previous experience is required. Guided rafting adventues are on offer from Monday to Friday between May and October.