Rafting in the Mountains

Whitewater and adventure sports are very much on trend, not only as a balance to the often sedentary professional life, but also as a way to experience nature and its forces in a very direct way. In the water-rich Tyrol, adventure sports enthusiasts and action fans can expect a great active program with rafting, kayaking, rivertrekking, canyoning or tubing. Inn, Isel, Ötztaler Ache, Ziller, Tiroler and Kitzbüheler Ache, Lech, Sill or Gerlosbach are just a few of the whitewater suitable waters on which international competitions, European and world championships are regularly held. The whitewater season extends - regionally different - from early May to mid-October.

Rafting is one of the most popular whitewater sports, because the wild ride in a group in a raft is definitely a lot of fun. Rafting does not require much prior knowledge or practice. After a short briefing, you will be familiarized with the most important things, and then you are already out on the water. Rafting tours are always conducted under professional guidance and supervision, and the guides know exactly which routes they can navigate with their teams. The equipment - neoprene suit, helmet and life jacket - is provided by the organizer. Rafting is even offered for children and families on calmer stretches.

A new trend sport for all adrenaline-hungry water rats is tubing. Sitting on a rubber tube equipped with a paddle, helmet, neoprene suit and life jacket, you ride down a roaring stream. The tube spins wildly in the currents and whirlpools, providing extreme thrills and a lot of fun.

In addition to rafts, you can also venture onto Tyrol's mountain rivers in a canoe. The most common canoe forms used here are the open canoe, which usually accommodates several people and is suitable for calmer waters; and the closed kayak for one or two people. Kayaks are also suitable for more challenging routes, but it requires a lot of practice and experience. The prerequisites for kayaking are strength, stamina, good reaction time and a bit of courage. It can be learned professionally at one of the many schools that offer courses for beginners and advanced paddlers. With the necessary technique, kayaking is an incomparable and immensely intense experience. Insider tip: The Brandenberger Ache near Kramsach is unspoiled from Mariatal and a gem for elite kayakers in the "3 Klammen". In the lower reaches, it is ideal for teaching beginners how to kayak.