Canoeing

Aare Canoe
Stage 5, Murgenthal–Olten

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Aare Canoe
Stage 5, Murgenthal–Olten
The section between Murgenthal and Olten is one of the most rewarding stretches of the Aare for canoeists – with contrasting worlds and a skilful merge between pristine nature and artistic construction arts. Here you experience the Aare in its original form.
Shortly after Murgenthal you feel the presence of the Ruppooldingen power station dam, although the shoreline continues to exhibit wild and rugged nature. On constructing the power plant particular attention was paid to maintaining the natural character of this peaceful river-scape.
Not only is the water calmer, hardly more than the sounds of nature are perceptible - except briefly before the weir on the short stretch accompanied by the motorway.
A few sand banks later you reach Aarburg, with its imposing fort. Making a forced sharp left turn through the rock, the waters create a large eddy known here as “Woog” – which you’re wise to bypass from the left.
Somewhat quieter, although requiring great attention owing to rocks and islands in the flow, you now find your self well on the way to Olten, well-known for its considerable railway history.
Not only is the water calmer, hardly more than the sounds of nature are perceptible - except briefly before the weir on the short stretch accompanied by the motorway.
A few sand banks later you reach Aarburg, with its imposing fort. Making a forced sharp left turn through the rock, the waters create a large eddy known here as “Woog” – which you’re wise to bypass from the left.
Somewhat quieter, although requiring great attention owing to rocks and islands in the flow, you now find your self well on the way to Olten, well-known for its considerable railway history.
The section between Murgenthal and Olten is one of the most rewarding stretches of the Aare for canoeists – with contrasting worlds and a skilful merge between pristine nature and artistic construction arts. Here you experience the Aare in its original form.
Shortly after Murgenthal you feel the presence of the Ruppooldingen power station dam, although the shoreline continues to exhibit wild and rugged nature. On constructing the power plant particular attention was paid to maintaining the natural character of this peaceful river-scape.
Not only is the water calmer, hardly more than the sounds of nature are perceptible - except briefly before the weir on the short stretch accompanied by the motorway.
A few sand banks later you reach Aarburg, with its imposing fort. Making a forced sharp left turn through the rock, the waters create a large eddy known here as “Woog” – which you’re wise to bypass from the left.
Somewhat quieter, although requiring great attention owing to rocks and islands in the flow, you now find your self well on the way to Olten, well-known for its considerable railway history.
Not only is the water calmer, hardly more than the sounds of nature are perceptible - except briefly before the weir on the short stretch accompanied by the motorway.
A few sand banks later you reach Aarburg, with its imposing fort. Making a forced sharp left turn through the rock, the waters create a large eddy known here as “Woog” – which you’re wise to bypass from the left.
Somewhat quieter, although requiring great attention owing to rocks and islands in the flow, you now find your self well on the way to Olten, well-known for its considerable railway history.
Length
12 km
Grade | Fitness level
medium
|
easy
Arrival | return travel
More …
Boat exit point Murgenthal (Fahracker)
Access Fahracker only up until where fahrverbot/no access stands.
Dangerous spot
Rapids in the river bend at Wynau. Keep to the left of the river.
Boat exit point Olten
Left-hand bank by the “Pontoniersportverein“.
Arrival | return travel
810
Transfer Olten–Murgenthal
Rail, bus, boat recommendation
Olten–Murgenthal, Bahnhof
Olten–Murgenthal, Bahnhof
Reason: access to Route.
SBB Timetable
812
Transfer Full–Biel/Bienne
Rail, bus, boat recommendation
Full, Fähre–Biel/Bienne
Full, Fähre–Biel/Bienne
Reason: access to Route.
SBB Timetable
More …
Hint
Power plants and weirs can be passed effortlessly with a folding boat trolley.
General safety
Water level Aare
Recommended outward flow: Murgenthal <500 m3/s.
SMS Code (send to number 9234, resp. +41 76 414 12 34): Q 2063.
Daily measurement of outward flow
SMS Code (send to number 9234, resp. +41 76 414 12 34): Q 2063.