Canoeing & Fishing in Fränkische Schweiz Kayaking and Angling in Franconian Switzerland in Bavaria, Germany

Kayaking and Angling in Franconian Switzerland in Bavaria, Germany

The Wiesent River in the Fränkische Schweiz (Franconian Switzerland) in Bavaria, Germany is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and trout fly-fishing.

Canoeing & Kayaking in the Fränkische Schweiz

The only river in the Fränkische Schweiz open for water sports is the Wiesent. It flows through a lovely valley with romantic castles and ruins.

From Waischenfeld to Ebermannstadt is around 30 km/19 miles. Recommended sections for around 90-minute rowing each are:

From Pulvermühle (Waischenfeld)

to Doos (5.2 km/3.2 miles),

to Behringsmühle (Gößweisenstein) (5.2 km/3.2 miles),

to Sachsenmühle (3.2 km/2 miles),

to Muggendorf (5.5 km/3.4 miles),

to Streitberg (3.8 km/2.4 miles), and

to Ebermannstadt (4.6 km/2.9 miles).

The natural beauty of the valley is jealously preserved – stick to the regulations; fines of up to €5,000 can be handed out to people damaging the environment. Rowing is only allowed from May to September and only between 9 am and 5 pm (up to 6 pm downriver from Sachsenmühle). Entering the tributaries is prohibited.

Canoe Rentals in the Fränkische Schweiz

Kayaks and canoes can be rented from the following companies who deliver and collect the boats from any official landing point.

Kajak-Mietservice René Busch, Kapellenplatz 6, 91320 Ebermannstadt, tel 09194-722186, fax 09194-725844, mobile tel 0170-5408165. It also has an office (tel 09196-998423) at the parking lot in Doos, one of the most popular starting points.

Aktiv Reisen, Forchheimer Straße 14, 91346 Muggendorf/Wiesenttal, tel 09196-998566, fax 09196-998590.

Bootsverleih an der Stempfermühle Thomas Mehl, Behringersmühle 19a, 91327 Gößweinstein, tel 0170-7551943, fax 09134-908685.

Fly-Fishing & Angling in the Fränkische Schweiz (Franconian Switzerland), Germany

The Wiesent has the highest concentration of river trout in Europe. The Waischenfeld area is particularly popular for fly-fishing. The Tourist Office in Waischenfeld, tel 09202-19433, can provide details of several fishing schools.

Fishing is generally allowed in the Wiesent from March to November but always require a fishing permit. Permits are often obtainable from the local tourist information office or from a local hotel.