Guide to Austria rafting holidays

Tackling big rapids on crystal clear glacial melt-waters in the Alps is what makes Austria rafting holidays so spectacular. The main rafting regions, including the Tyrolean Alps and Salzburgerland, are each home to beautiful alpine rivers with exciting rapids.

There is everything from class II to class V+ rapids to tackle, all on clean clear water that just a few hours ago formed part of mighty alpine glaciers. It’s easy to be impressed by the stunning Austrian alpine scenery but the rivers have enough surprises to keep you concentrating. So try not to take your eyes off the river for too long.

Austria rafting in Tyrol

The Tyrolean Alps from a large part of the Austrian mountains. In the summer the vast glaciers shed water, which quickly increases the size of the mountain rivers. With a number to choose from, including the Inn, Lech and Otztaler Ache, Tyrol offers some of the most rugged and intense rafting in the country. The Tyrol is surrounded by Germany, Italy and Switzerland, and is a land of immense beauty, with green valleys and ancient towns to explore after your rafting trip.

The Inn is a classic high-volume river with two distinct sections for white water rafting. The upper of the two is generally more challenging but both are enclosed in steep gorges. The Lech is an exceptionally beautiful river that meanders through a high glacial valley, and Otztaler Ache is one of Austria’s most rugged regions. The Sanna offers the Tyrol’s most challenging white water run, with some big class V rapids to navigate.

Austria rafting in Salzburgerland

Salzburgerland offers rafting close to the city of Salzburg and the Zell am See. With snow-capped mountains in the background and rivers flowing through canyons and dense forests, there is rafting here for everyone from beginners to more advanced paddlers. The Saalach and Salzach are the main rafting rivers, although the Lammer is well worth exploring too.

In Salzburgerland, the Saalach has three separate sections, ranging from beginner to advanced level ability. Winding through alpine valleys, dense forests and very steep gorges. The Salzach is mainly a class III to V river, with small and intense gorge sections flowing between the twin mountains of Monchsberg and Kapuzinerberg. The towering granite formations of the Lammer also have some class IV+ runs through deep gorges.

Austria rafting holidays: What you need to know

Austria rafting holidays offer some of the most varied white water in Europe, in terms of both difficulty and terrain. The rugged and spectacular mountain landscapes, and glacial melt means the summer months are high season, with some sections becoming very intense in high volume periods.

Further down stream, you’ll have the chance to explore some traditional Austrian towns and villages, sampling traditional cuisine and culture. The cities of Innsbruck, Landeck and Haiming are also well worth a visit at the end of your trip.

It’s the combination of pristine environments and unique rural charm that give Austria rafting holidays such broad appeal.