Kayak & Canoe

• Upper Put-in: Follow down a path on the left just below Martin-Bush-Hut

• Lower Put-in: 2.5 km above Vent at Diembach Creek. It‘s a difficult put-in because of nearly-impassable terrain

• Take-out: Small wooden bridge above Vent

• Parking lot: Vent village entrance (meadow parking lot)

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: IV - V (X)

• Time: In late summer and fall

Niedertalbach Creek is a very beautiful and worthwhile section, set in a remote landscape and away from busy roads. There are only a few small eddies in the narrow gorges and sometimes portages are impossible.

On the upper section, even in autumn, you can still find remnants of last winter‘s avalanches. Scouting is recommended! The lower part has one portage, but apart from that everything else can be scouted and is runnable. At high levels Niedertalbach Creek becomes very difficult and dangerous.

Tip: Water levels on the Niedertalbach can rise unexpectedly, even in autumn. You should only run it in a small group.

• Put-in: 5 km above Rofen Farm at a bridge below Hochjoch-Hospiz-Hut, 2412 m above sea level (you can also hike a little further up to Hintereisferner, where you can put-in right at the glacier gate)

• Ausstieg: Take-out: At the suspension bridge close to Rofen Farm or - even better - 200 m before that bridge. Scout the take-out before you get on because the following gorge down to Vent is unrunnable!

• Parking lot: Vent village entrance (meadow parking lot)

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: IV – V

• Time: In high & late summer

The Rofener Ache is a beautiful and ice-cold glacial creek in an amazing setting at the very end of the Ötztal Valley. Very narrow lines with quite a steep gradient make this stream a rough ride when there is a lot of water.

In order to reach the put-in you have follow Ötzi’s tracks carrying your boats, but at least you can scout the river on the way up. The advantage of a putin at 2500m above sea level is that there wont be any tree obstacles.

After 1km the Rofener Ache enters a narrow gorge. The following canyon offers unimaginably good white water. Every section is runnable, you can scout and set up a safety cover. Watch out for the take-out! You can either take out on a right curve before a 2m drop or, at the very latest, under the suspension bridge. The following canyon, down to Vent, is absolutely unrunnable due to a landslide and wire cables.

Tip: Don’t run the Rofener Ache in spring, there are too many avalanche debris still in the gorge.

• Put-in: Just below Vent at a wooden bridge. It is difficult to put-in at the village because of private parking. Parking lot at the entrance to Vent (meadow parking lot)

• Take-out: First road bridge 6 km below Vent. Orographic river on the left about 150m before the bridge is the easiest way out. Parking lot: Large gravel parking lot road bridge Winterstall

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: IV – V

• Time: All year round (from the first snowmelt)

Shortly after the put-in in Vent you enter a canyon with no major difficulties. From the road tunnel on, the gradient gets steeper.

Several large boulders directly on the bank mark the entrance to the cataract. From here downwards there are three main rapids with somewhat larger steps (2-3m). As soon as the valley widens again, the route becomes easier again.

Watch out for the take-out! The short canyon under the road bridge is not clean, so it‘s better to get out safely above it.

If the water level isn‘t too high you can paddle a little further to the next small bridge. But again watch out for the take-out: Due to the current you might be washed down into the Heiligkreuz Canyon. The eddies are very small, it‘s for experts only!

Tip: Watch out for the take-out. Due to the current you might be washed into Heiligkreuz Canyon, the eddies are very small.

• Put-in: Wooden bridge close to Winterstall, 200 m below the second road bridge in the Vent direction (Large gravel parking lot road bridge Winterstall)
• Take-out: At Lehen farm, which is the put-in for Lower Venter Ache. (It is advisable to take the hairpin bend 20m above the wooden bridge from the entrance to the Lower Venter Ache (orographic river on the right) as the entrance to the Venter Ache is very steep). Parking lot: bend above
• Water level: info to follow
• Difficulty level: IV - V
• Time: In fall

The Heiligkreuz Canyon should only be run by experienced kayakers and in small groups. You can judge the river by checking from the road bridge. At low water you can reach the river, at the entry to the gorge, by following a small field path. The first section is a good warm-up run (class III+). It is virtually impossible to leave the gorge. You enter the gorge after the big bridge and are now facing a steeper gradient and drops of up to 3m (class IV+ to V). Caution! Underwashing and siphons! There are numerous small eddies to help you master the gorge step by step. As soon as you can see the church of Heiligkreuz you’re, more or less, through and the river gets easier towards the end.

Tip: The difficulties rise with the water level. Spare paddle is recommended!

• Put-in: Small bridge at Lehen Farm. Parking lot at the curve above

• Take-out: In Zwieselstein orographic river left shortly before the confluence with the Gurgler Ache. Parking lot right next to the Venter Bundesstraße

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: IV-V

• Time: All year round (from the first snowmelt)

At low water it’s a class III to IV run over cataracts of medium difficulty in short gorge-like canyons and wide open sections. At summer water levels it‘s a bit more difficult. After about 200m you will approach the first difficult passage, the »Pyramid« (aka „S-Turn“). You should follow the main current to start with and then carve right at the last big rock.

Further highlights are the Bodenegg gorge in the first third (from the left side stream), which is fairly continuous until the next bridge, where the most difficult part comes. The river is briefly divided into two channels before the left-hand bend, a jump in the middle and then the river goes to the right. The wall on the left is undercut and there is a considerable risk of getting stuck. These rapids and the Bodenegg Cataract should all be scouted before putting in – especially at high water level. The Lower Venter is also run in peak summer when the river turns into dangerous class V big water.

Tip: Boats with more volume are recommended at high tide! Swimming is life-threatening.

• Put-in (upper part): Small wooden bridge above Obergurgl (leading to Ramolhaus)

• Take-out (upper part): Top of unrunnable waterfall combination at ski lift parking (or at the Sahnestüberl on the left after the transfer point)

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: IV - V

• Put-in (Breakthrough section): Sahnestüberl (parking lot at the top of the main road to Gurgl)

• Take-out (Breakthrough section): Zwieselstein (mouth of the Venter Ache)

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: V - VI

• Time: In late summer & fall

In the first 2 km the Gurgler Ache offers easy white water, surrounded by amazing mountain ranges and the perpetual ice of the Ötz Valley Alps. Then the gradient increases and a double S-curve with a rock face on the right marks the beginning of the following canyon of 1km class IV to V water. The entry only is 2m wide with a tricky drop. After this there are narrow passages, drops and stoppers and some must-run rapids.

Unfortunately, the Gurgler Ache is canalized from the end of the canyon onwards. Down to the take-out it‘s 2 km of class III. Below the ski lift parking there is an unrunnable waterfall combination.

Tip: If you want to paddle the following 2km to Sahnestüberl you‘ll have to carry your boat around the waterfall combo and take a steep path leaving the road. You can put in again just below the waterfall. Steep cataracts and short gorges follow, class IV to V. The remaining 2.5km to the confluence with the Venter Ache were first mastered by Bernhard Mauracher and friends in summer 2004. This breakthrough section is one of the most difficult white water sections in the Ötz Valley (class VI at 6 m2/s). Experts only!

• Put-in: On the river right at the end of Zwieselstein. Parking lot: Right next to the Ache

• Take-out: Wooden bridge below Sölden ski lift, next to a skate park. Parking lot: Right next to the Ache

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: V – VI (X)

• Time: In fall

After putting in the Ötztaler Ache soon invites you to enter the gorge, as it gets more and more narrow. But be very careful, as all of a sudden the whole river disappears into a siphon! Only at low water can it be run. The section that follows should be scouted too. There are very difficult drops and 300 m further down there is another siphon. We recommend that you to take the hiking trail on the right at the first siphon, and carry your boat until you can climb down a steep slide (Alpine start with a height of approx. 3m). Soon there will be three more siphons (the first siphon can only be passed under at low water levels, the next one on the right and the next but one on the left bank.

After having put on the river again there are some cataracts ahead, before you come to a flat rock with a 4m drop. Unfortunately, part of the water leads into rocks on the left. There‘s a portage on the right here, but it is very difficult. This waterfall can be scouted from the road high above. The following 500m needs to be scouted and may need to be portaged, which is no fun at all! The last part of the canyon can be run smoothly with one exception. There is a rapid on a left curve, which enters a tricky cataract. Scout before you run it!

Tip: To run the Kühtrain canyon is like an expedition. Only recommended for experts at low water level.

• Put-in: Below Sölden. Turn left at the second main road after Kaisers and cross the bridge until you see the marked put-in. Parking lot right next to the river (markings on the ground)

• Take-out: At a small bridge below Aschbach, or 800 m further down between Camp Site Winkel and a gravel pit. Parking lot directly on the right above the bridge, opposite the Bruggen bus stop in the gravel

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: III – IV

• Time: All year round

Immediately after the put-in you reach the most difficult part of the upper Ötztaler Ache: the Sölden Cataract. The best line is from the middle to the right and then through the middle again to the left. Portage is easy on the river right, put in again at the sewage works.

Again and again there are big rapids, which are difficult to scout from water level. Be careful when rolling, a lot of accidents have happened on this section already. Locals and experts are known to run it at high water levels in summer.

Tip: Always paddle in a group and watch out for each other!

• Put-in: Gravel parking lot just below Au (Längenfeld). Parking lot directly at the entrance

• Take-out: Before the bridge to Köfels. Parking lot: Grantau near the toboggan run

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: IV-V

• Time: In summer & fall

The Middle Ötz is one of the most famous and beautiful white water classics in Austria. At higher water levels, during summer, it is for experts only and big water heroes will have a great time. But in autumn, with dropping levels, this section gets easier and can also be run by normal paddlers.

Shortly after the putin there comes the »Schräge Platte« drop. Then you run some easier cataracts down to the gravel pit. The drop below this is run on the right. When you reach the first road bridge you will have arrived at »Zwischenbrückenstrecke« – the »between-bridges« section. The former chute under the second bridge was massively changed during the flood of 2023, the Ache is about 3m deeper here and a shoot formed with a rather strong impact cushion orographically to the left. Caution is advised here as the bank is shored up with steel girders and steel cables.

Next are two more cataracts, before you reach »Hühnerleiter«. This section should be scouted thoroughly before running it. After Hühnerleiter you reach a final heavyduty class V cataract. The take out is at the next road bridge.

Tip: For your first descent go for a low water level. Swims at high water levels can be fatal!

Official prohibition of access!

After the flood in August 2023, this section was literally buried by a massive mudslide! There are currently several excavators in the river to carry out bank reinforcement and clean-up work.

There is therefore currently an official ban on navigation and absolute danger to life! We ask you to take other routes and will keep you up to date.

• Put-in: Wooden bridge below road bridge Habichen. Parking lot orographic river to the right of the wooden bridge

• Put-in (race track): Below Wellerbrücke orographic river on the right

• Take-out: Wooden bridge at upper end of Oetz. Parking lot directly at the exit orographic river right

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: V – VI

• Time: Spring (first snowmelt), fall

Until a couple of years ago the infamous Wellerbrücke section did not see a lot of kayakers. But now, when water levels go down in autumn, more and more kayakers come to run this section.

There is a very wide siphon at the beginning of the route. You can go around it on the far right, but it is essential for scouting or even carrying around. The next crux is immediately afterwards. Start on the right in a narrow slot and turn left after the big boulder. Over the next 100m before the bridge, the lines become very narrow and you come directly to the crux. Once you have passed this, you are already on the Oetz Trophy race course. The race course starts with two smaller boofs and a nice ramp. Just a small pool in between and the course continues with a steep gradient. At the end of the Wellerbrücke section there are three somewhat larger steps, immediately after which the slalom section begins.

Tip: Scouting is absolutely necessary. Don‘t forget your safety equipment.

• Put-in: Wooden bridge at upper end of Oetz. Parking lot directly at the entrance

• Take-out: In Haiming (Magerbach) at the bridge, the exit of the Imster Schlucht (Inn). Public parking spaces in Magerbach

• Water level: info to follow

• Difficulty level: III - IV

• Time: All year round

The first kilometre is characterised by long, big rapids of medium difficulty. At the next bridge there is a short but difficult cataract. After that you can have a short break before reaching the next wooden bridge. This bridge marks the entry into a canyon, which is 500m long with lots of holes and waves, and difficult to scout from water level. The end of the forest gorge can be easily recognized by the high concrete Roppener bridge and it becomes flatter at first, but there are a few cool surf waves on this part of the section.

As soon as you can see the gauge house on the right bank in Brunau, a cataract with large holding rollers follows behind a left-hand bend - the "Konstrukta". One kilometer further on, the Ötz flows into the Inn, now it's a few more kilometers to the exit in Haiming.

Tip: If the Ötztaler Ache and the Inn have very different water levels, it can happen that the intersection line of the estuary becomes quite strong!

When steering a kayak or canoe, it is crucial to maintain control of the boat. The ultimate key to success is coordinated movements. In order to make the kayak or canoe glide as straight as possible on the water surface, the paddleboard should be brought forward by immersing it completely in the water. From this position, the paddle in the water is pulled up towards the body.

This sequence of movements should take place alternately, once on the left side of the boat, followed by the right side of the boat. It is important to coordinate both rhythm and muscle power as steadily as possible. Additionally, you should make sure that you lead the paddle close to the boat while sitting in an upright position in order to save energy. Ötztal offers myriad challenges in the wet element for experienced whitewater kayakers.

Kayaking can surely be described as very strenuous, as you actually have to move your upper body all the time. Be it your chest, back, shoulders or arms - all of these body parts must work together in the most coordinated manner so that you can move the kayak rightly. If you are not used to such movements or if you suffer from heart complaints or shoulder pain, you should better consult your doctor in advance to make sure that kayaking is the right thing for you. But if you are very fit and also a real kayak expert, Ötztal offers myriad challenges in the wet element for experienced whitewater kayakers.

Kayaking is no more or no less dangerous than other outdoor sports like river rafting or canyoning. Thorough preparation and tour planning as well as suitable equipment (life jacket, etc.) are decisive when it comes to safety. The most important fact, however, is to know your limits and choose the kayak tour according to your skill level. Ötztal is absolutely not suitable for beginners while experts will find challenging whitewater sections here.

The main difference lies in the type of paddle: while a double paddle is used for kayaking, a so-called single bladed paddle is used for canoeing - it has only one paddle on the shaft. Further differences are: the shape of a canoe is wider and the top is open. Additionally, you can load a lot of luggage on a canoe, but less on a kayak. Kayaks are much faster than canoes and therefore ideal for sporty tours, while canoes are used for leisurely outings. Last but not least: you always sit in a kayak, while you can also kneel in a canoe.

Ötztal offers myriad challenges in the wet element for experienced whitewater kayakers. Those who enjoy a more leisurely pace can rent a rowing boat at lake Piburger See.

It can of course happen if using a small kayak, but not with a larger and heavier canoe. In contrast to kayak experts, who use a splash guard and therefore have to master the so-called eskimo roll, beginners and hobby paddlers do not use it. Therefore, you can simply slide upside down out of the kayak and into the water.

There are also many different models of kayaks, ranging from very narrow and streamlined to wide and heavy that can hardly tip over. Basically, beginners should always sit in a canoe first before venturing out on the kayak. Ötztal offers myriad challenges in the wet element for experienced whitewater kayakers. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can rent a rowing boat at lake Piburger See and enjoy a lovely tour.