Do you love the water and are looking for the perfect adventure? Germany is full of fantastic opportunities for water activities! From relaxed paddle tours to exciting water sports - you'll find everything your heart desires here.
Table of contents
What water activities are there in Germany?
How do you get started with stand up paddling (SUP)?
What canoeing adventures can you experience in Germany?
Where can you go sailing and boating in Germany?
What water sports are there for adventure seekers?
The most important things at a glance
What water activities are there in Germany?
What can you do on the water? Many people who want to spend their leisure time actively on the water ask themselves this question. The definition of water activities includes all leisure activities that take place on, in or near water. The importance of water activities goes far beyond pure sport - they combine the experience of nature, physical activity and relaxation.
Germany offers you a huge selection of water activities! From the North Sea to the Alps, you will find perfect conditions for every kind of water adventure. Whether you want to paddle leisurely on a calm lake or let off steam in wild rapids - there's something for everyone here.
| Activity | Difficulty | Best waters | Suitable for whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stand up paddling | Easy | Calm lakes, rivers | Beginners, families |
| Canoeing | Easy-Medium | Spreewald, Elbe | Nature lovers |
| Sailing | Medium-medium | Baltic Sea, Lake Constance | Adventure seekers |
| Windsurfing | Heavy | Coastal waters | Advanced |
| Rafting | Difficult | White water rivers | Adrenaline junkies |
What leisure activities are there in the water? They range from relaxed activities such as camping by the lake to action-packed water sports. What's particularly great is that many water activities are perfect for beginners. You don't have to be a pro to discover the fun of the water!
The different regions of Germany offer different water experiences: The coastal areas entice with sailing and surfing, while the inland waters are ideal for SUP, canoeing and relaxed boat tours. Germany is simply a fantastic destination for anyone who loves the water!
How do you get started with stand up paddling (SUP)?
SUP is the absolute trend sport on the water and perfect for beginners! Stand up paddling involves standing on a large board and moving across the water with a paddle. The great thing about it is that you quickly get a feel for your balance and can glide across the water in a relaxed manner after just a short time.
The right technique is not that difficult to learn. At the beginning, it's best to get down on your knees and paddle in a kneeling position. When you feel confident, slowly straighten up. Dip the paddle deep into the water and pull it backwards parallel to the board - this will help you make good progress.
Germany has fantastic lakes and rivers for SUP tours! The calm waters in Bavaria, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are particularly ideal for your first SUP attempts. Many providers have SUP boards for hire, often even with a short introduction.
If you are still unsure, simply sign up for a guided SUP tour. Not only will you learn the basics, but you will also discover the most beautiful corners of the water. Many rental companies also offer courses for beginners - a great way to get your SUP hobby off to a relaxed start!
What canoeing adventures can you experience in Germany?
Canoeing is one of the most relaxing water experiences of all! Germany offers you incredibly beautiful canoe routes - from the mystical Spreewald to the picturesque river landscapes of the Elbe. Canoeing allows you to experience nature from a very special perspective and take you to places you would never reach on foot.
To get started in the canoeing hobby, you should choose a stable, wide canoe - this will give you more safety on the water. Beginner tips for kayak trips will help you get off to a good start. The basic equipment is straightforward: a good paddle, a life jacket and waterproof bags for your belongings are all you need.
| Top canoe routes in Germany | Difficulty | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Spreewald (Brandenburg) | Easy | Mystical canals, pure nature |
| Elbe (Saxony-Anhalt) | Easy-Medium | Experience historic towns |
| Altmühl (Bavaria) | Easy | Family-friendly, castles |
| Peene (Mecklenburg-VP) | Easy | "Amazon of the north" |
| Lahn (Hesse) | Medium | Varied landscape |
Safety first, of course! Find out about the waters and the weather beforehand. For your first tours, it's best to stay in calm waters and not go alone. Many providers also offer guided canoe tours - perfect for beginners or if you want to explore a new area.
The scenic experience of canoeing is simply indescribable! You glide silently through the water, observe water birds and discover hidden bays. Canoeing is pure relaxation for body and soul, especially on a calm lake in the early morning.
Where can you go sailing and boating in Germany?
Germany is a paradise for anyone who loves sailing or boating! From the rugged Baltic Sea to idyllic inland lakes, you'll find great opportunities for your next boat trip everywhere. The German coast offers you a real deep-sea feeling, while the inland lakes are perfect for relaxed sailing trips.
The best sailing areas in Germany:
- Baltic Sea: Rügen, Usedom and the Mecklenburg Bay
- North Sea: East Frisian Islands and the Wadden Sea
- Inland lakes: Chiemsee, Lake Constance, Müritz and Steinhuder Meer
- Rivers: Elbe, Weser and Rhine for boat tours
As a sailing beginner, you should first take a course or join someone with experience. Many sailing schools offer taster courses - a great opportunity to find out if sailing is for you. The great thing about sailing is that feeling of freedom when the wind carries you across the water!
You can hire a boat anywhere in Germany. Many providers also offer boats without a license - perfect for a spontaneous trip with family or friends. Always pay attention to the safety equipment and find out about the local rules on the water.
What water sports are there for adventure seekers?
Are you looking for a real thrill on the water? Then these water sports are just the thing for you! Germany also offers fantastic opportunities for adrenaline junkies to really let off steam on various bodies of water.
Windsurfing is the classic action-packed water sport. You'll find perfect conditions with constant winds on the Baltic and North Sea. But windsurfing is also great fun on larger inland lakes such as Lake Chiemsee or Lake Constance.
Rafting brings pure action to German rivers! Bavaria in particular has great whitewater routes where you can battle your way through rapids with others. The experience brings people together and is guaranteed to provide unforgettable moments.
Canyoning is the ultimate adventure for anyone who dares! You abseil down gorges, jump into natural pools and slide down rock slides. In Germany, you'll find fantastic canyoning spots in the Allgäu and other mountain regions.
Adventure water sports at a glance:
| Type of sport | Where in Germany | Best time | Costs approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windsurfing | Baltic Sea, North Sea, Lake Constance | May-September | 30-50€/day |
| Rafting | Isar, Lech, Saalach | April-October | 45-80€/tour |
| Canyoning | Allgäu, Berchtesgaden | June-September | 60-120€/tour |
| Wakeboarding | Waterskiing facilities nationwide | May-September | 25-40€/day |
| Kitesurfing | Baltic Sea, large lakes | April-October | 40-70€/day |
Important for all adventure sports: get instruction from professionals and make sure you have the right equipment! Most providers offer courses for beginners. This way, you can start your new water sports hobby safely and still get the full adrenaline rush.
The most important things at a glance
Germany is an absolute paradise for water lovers! Whether you want to spend relaxing hours on the water or experience some real action - you're guaranteed to find the perfect activity here. Stand-up paddling is ideal for beginners, while canoeing will give you a unique experience of nature. Sailors and boaters will find fantastic spots on the coasts and lakes, and adventure seekers can really let off steam with windsurfing, rafting or canyoning. Pack your swimsuit and discover the wide range of water activities in Germany!
