Böötle is a particularly popular summer activity for families and friends. Böötle is the Swiss German word for floating down Swiss rivers in an inflatable boat, air mattress, inflatable boat or even a floating tire.
What do you do at Böötle? With the Böötle you get in with your floating vehicle at one point of the river and let yourself float. You can get off at any point and take the train or bus back to the starting point. Don't forget your waterproof bag with water, dry clothes, shoes and other things you need for the return.
This is very popular in Zurich, for example, where many friends, families, and couples float down the Limmat River in a small inflatable boat, a pink flamingo, or a floaty tire in the summer.
Aareböötle boat trip (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Aareböötle in front of Bern (Photo: Seraina Zellweger)When choosing the right route and the right river, you are spoiled for choice. We have compiled important information about equipment, safety and specific dangers when Böötle in the FAQ at the bottom. Above all, it is important to start the exit in time before danger spots, power plants and weirs.
The ten most beautiful Böötle tours
There are several popular river tours in Switzerland. Here are first the 10 most beautiful Böötle tours briefly summarized:
Aare: Thun to Bern (3-4 hrs): This is the best known and most popular Aare rafting route, leading from Thun Schwäbis via the legendary Uttigen rapids to Bern. This route can also be shortened (Uttigen-Camping Eichholz)
Ticino (Ticino): Cresciano to Arbedo (1.5 to 2 hours): the river, still wild at the beginning, passes wooded slopes and gravel banks, plus the view of the Ticino Alps
Reuss: Bremgarten to Gebenstorf/Windisch (4 hrs.): a scenic stretch, but requires a lot of attention due to rapids and rocks as well as a weir behind Bremgarten; it can be shortened in Mellingen.
Rhine: Stein am Rhein to Schaffhausen (3.5 to 4.5 hrs.): along forests, weaving mountains and romantic villages, the route is leisurely to Schaffhausen with the gigantic Rhine Falls.
Linth: Being to Schmerikon (3 to 4 hours): The tour connects the Walensee with the Obersee.
Limmat: Zurich to Dietikon (2 to 2.5 hours): the route is much traveled and can for safety's sake also be started after the Höngger weir.
Saane/Aare: Gümmenen to Aarberg (3-4 hours): The trip leads from the Saane into the Aare, in parts it goes through a nature reserve (bathing is prohibited there)
Reuss: Sins to Rottenschwil (3-4 hrs.): the route on the Upper Reuss can already be started from Gisikon, the ride has hardly any dangerous spots
Rhine: Neuhausen am Rheinfall to Rheinau (3-4 hours): The impressive Rhine Falls can be admired at the beginning of a romantic tour to Rheinau Monastery.
Rhone: Geneva, Pont Sous-Terre - Geneva, Le Lignon (2-3 hours): The Böötle takes you through largely unknown parts of the Geneva region with beautiful bridges
Böötle: Boat rental and guided tours
Not everyone wants to buy their own rubber boat right away to pursue this recreational sport. A good alternative are boat rentals, which often even bring and fetch the boats. And for people who don't want to take care of anything themselves, there are guided Böötle.
The organizers have safety certification and public liability insurance. They offer certain routes, guide the rubber boats and watch out for obstacles and dangers. Both boat rentals and providers of guided tours are listed below for each river.
Guided tours are available between May and the end of October, depending on weather conditions.
Aareböötle boat trip (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Aareböötle boat trip (Photo: Marina Travel)Aare-Böötle
On the 27 km long stretch between Thun and Bern, a lot of rubber boats cavort to the Böötle in summer. This is no wonder, as this section is one of the most popular in Switzerland. In 2011, there were 598 boats with 1214 participants. This was the world record and an entry in the Guinness Book.
But also on the Kallnach- and Hagneckkanal you may drift with your rubber dinghy, it contains no danger spots.
You can also use the stretch between Schwellenmätteli and the weir Felsenau for a Böötle, this stretch is pleasantly quiet.
Between Wohlensee and Aargau there is a Böötle route that is considered a sporty alternative. This route is more of a rafting route and not for the lazy. You have to paddle together at full speed to make progress, as the Aare flows very slowly here.
You can find another eight suitable stages for a Böötle on the altogether 288 km long Aare between Biel (Nidau) and Full/Reuenthal:
- On the first part between Nidau to Büren you will travel about 12 km on the canal.
- If that's not enough for you, you can continue paddling 17 km from Büren to Solothurn.
- From Solothurn to Wangen a.A. another 10 km of beautiful natural landscape and at the finish a historical bridge and old town are charming.
- The 17 km stretch from Wangen a.A. to Murgenthal is also easy.
- From Murgentahl to Olten 12 km require a good technique from you.
- For the stretch Olten to Aarau (14 km) a good physical condition is an advantage.
- The stage from Aarau to Brugg (18 km) also challenges you physically.
- Between Brugg and Full-Reuenthal (19 km) you also need a good physical condition. In this section, the Reuss and the Limmat flow into the Aare, which finally joins the Rhine in Full-Reuenthal.
Water level Aare: The recommended discharge in Brügg is: <400 m3/s.
- Böötle from Thun at Swiss Activities
Aareböötle boat trip (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken).
Aareböötle boat trip (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken).Boarding points for the Aare-Böötle
With the Böötle, you should pay attention to the usual entry points. They are particularly well suited for this and have proven their worth.
The entry point for Böötle in Thun is at Allmund-Schwäbis on the right side of the river, behind the Regie bridge at the Bellevue restaurant. Schwäbis train station (Steffisburg) is right next to it and a one-minute ride from Thun train station in the direction of Konolfingen (stop on request). Here is also the stop of bus no. 3. By car you can park in the City-Parkhaus Nord Grabengut and take bus no. 3 from Sternenplatz. (For bigger boats or some rental boats the boarding point is on the left side of the river) At the Restaurant Bellevue you can inflate the rubber boat for two CHF before the tour.
Other entry points are in Uttigen, Kiesen, Thalgut Wichtrach, Münsingen and Rubigen. After the Felsenau weir, there is another embarkation point in Wylergut.
In Bern the embarkation point is at Schwellenmätteli, Dalmaziquai 11, right next to the Schwellenmätteli restaurants. Accessible by streetcar in the direction of Helvetiaplatz station and then by foot down to the Aare in about 5 min.
In the Wohlensee you can basically get on anywhere. One option is to take the bus to Hinterkappeln and get off at the Kappelenring stop. After about half a kilometer along the lake you come to the Wohleibrücke, which is very suitable for boarding.
In Nidau am Bielersee you will find the entrance for Biel below the lock. Parking and WC are in the immediate vicinity. The next entry point is near the information center Altreu at the river bend.
In Wangen a.A. you get in next to the Städtli bridge. Here you will also find the Salzhaus parking lot.
In Aarwangen at the Schlipf in front of the Pontonier-Clubhaus you can enter from the left before the castle and in Murgenthal at the stairs in front of the Aare bridge from the right.
Aareböötle boat trip - (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Aareböötle (Photo: aarelauf.ch)Dangerous spots at Böötle and nature reserves in the Aare River
About five kilometers after the start in Thun, you reach the railroad bridge at Uttigen with the infamous Uttigen wave. Here you have to distribute the weights in the boat evenly and approach the wave in the middle.
Course ships and occasional ships you must regularly avoid and at ferry points a central driving is announced.
At Münsingen dead wood and shallows have to be taken into account.
For a stretch "around Bern", the Stauwehr Engehalde must be bypassed.
At Büsen, navigation of the Aare side arm "Häftli " is not permitted from spring to autumn.
Between Wangen a.A. and Murgenthal you will pass through two nature reserves where it is forbidden to enter or leave the water. Before the power station Wynau, the Aarestau Wynau and the old gravel pit Schwarzhäusern are such an area. You are allowed to drive through, but you have to keep a distance of ten meters to the shore. The same applies to the "Vogelraupfi" between Berken and Bannwil. You must drive around the island at a distance of at least 50 meters to the south.
After Wangen there are more and more hydroelectric power stations and before the respective weirs you absolutely have to ditch. Shortly before Aarwangen you reach the Bannwill power station (bypass on the left bank), after Aarwangen the Wynau/Schwarzhäusern power station (also bypass on the left bank), after Wolfwil comes the Aare-Cheer. You have to watch out for the waves! After Solothurn you reach the next power station: Ruppoldingen. Here you have to go around to the right.
Further danger spots are those of the Kehrwasser Aare-Waage near Aarburg and the Felsens Chessiloch before the wooden bridge Olten. The Aare is forced to make a sudden left turn at Aarburg by a rock spur. This creates a large sweeping water - called "Woog". The water flows back through the vortex. It is best to go around the Woog on the left side.
After Olten you drive between Trimbach and Winznau into the Kraftwerkskanal (power station Olten-Gösgen). Because of a current towards the weir, you have to drive entirely left along the bank.
The weir in Aarau (Rüchlig power station) must be approached carefully. The disembarkation requires special care. It is best to go right, because of the current towards the weir. Several boats should land one after the other.
In Brugg the rubber boat has to be carried for about 1,200 meters. For safety reasons, the deep and wild gorge should not be navigated.
The estuary of the Aare-Reuss-Limmat is called Water Castle. All islands belonging to it may not be entered
At the Klingnau Reservoir there is a protected area of international importance for waterfowl and migratory birds. You have to drive around all nature protection zones with a distance of 50 m and you have to follow the given access to the disembarkation point. In general, you are allowed to pass through the protected area, but not to stop or land.
Exit points for the Aare-Böötle
The following exit points have been tried and tested and should be adhered to for safety reasons.
- In Bern you get off at the latest 100 meters before the Marzili. This is at the Monbijou bridge. You may not disembark at the Schwimmkanal.
- At the Felsenau/Wyler weir you must get out and can then reenter the water.
- There are other exit points in front of the Muribad and in Eichholz. Between the weir Felsenau and Wohlensee you can disembark at Zehndermätteli, after the Felsenaubrücke, at Neubrügg and at the Halenbrücke as well as after the Hinterkappelenbrücke.
- In Aarberg it is best to disembark about 150 meters before the weir bridge on the left side of the river. From here you can reach the train station in Aarberg in ten minutes.
- In Büren the canal and the Old Aare join together. Shortly after that you can get off on the right after the bridge. There are restaurants, a supermarket and a pharmacy. To the parking lot it is 300 meters, to the train station 500 meters. The regional train takes 19 minutes back to Biel.
- In Solothurn the exit is on the left. Over the bridge you reach the station within a few minutes. The train back to Biel takes 23 minutes.
- In Murgenthal (Fahracker) you get off to the right at the stairs before the Aare bridge, as soon as you see the wooden bridge from a distance. Access to the Fahracker is only allowed up to the driving ban. The train station is only a two minute walk away. Further exits can be found in Aarburg at the Aarepromenade to the right (1 min to the bus) and in Olten at the Badi (lido), just before the wooden bridge, to the left. To the train station you walk over the wooden bridge for about ten minutes.
- The exit in Aarau is in front of the chain bridge on the right at the water sports club, before the Flösserplatz. From here you walk to the train station in about 15 minutes. In Altenburg near Brugg you get off to the right and walk about 18 minutes to the station.
- In Full-Reuenthal you get off at the latest after the confluence with the Rhine on the left side at Jüppenweg. From here you walk to the bus stop (147) 1-2 minutes. The ferry as a feeder is located directly at the landing point. From Full back to Biel by public transport takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Boat rental for the Aare-Böötle
The following boat rental companies rent boats for Aare-Böötle:
- Inflatable boats for six people are offered by Jochen Schweizer from meeting point Uttigen for trips across the Aare. Life jackets, Aare map, one dry bag per boat and luggage transfer to the disembarkation point are included in the price.
- Rubber dinghy rental is offered by the Siesta Oppi Kanu Shop under Canoe Shop in Neuenegg (Wünnewill) from Neubrück/Bremgarten near Bern and on Lake Wohlensee. All boats must go with at least 2 adults, the boat (raft) Avon and Domar (6-9 people) with at least 4 adults. Procedure: You take over the inflatable boat against cash payment in Thun-Schwäbis at the left side of the Aare at the Regiebrücke incl. equipment (paddles, life jackets, dry bag, route plan). In addition, a deposit is due, which will be refunded when the rental equipment is returned in full. Drop off in Bern, where your personal and dry things are already waiting.
- The provider Aareschlauchboot offers rubber boat rentals for 6 people per boat through Liquid Sunshine. Life jacket, paddle and dry bag are included. You pick up the rubber boat in Uttigen and return it in Wabern near Bern at Camping Eichholz. Payment on the spot, also cashless. Minimum age 6 years.
- Rubber dinghies for Aare dinghy rentals also Aare-Erlebnis directly from the train station in Uttigen. The inflatable boats on the Upper Aare are suitable for 2-4 persons or for 4-6 persons. Start and pick-up point: railway station Uttigen, end point: Camping Eichholz in Wabern. Included are a transport bag, 4 paddles and life jackets for all participants. On the Lower Aare there are also inflatable boats for 2-4 persons and for 4-6 persons. Starting point is in Worblaufen at the Tiefenaubrücke, end point at Camping Eymatt in Wohlen. Party tubes for 2 or 4 persons are also rented here.
- Under Aarebootsvermietung a provider in Steffisburg rents directly at the Regiebrücke Thun-Schwäbis inflatable boats incl. life jackets. Delivery is in Bern. You can rent for 2-4, for 5-7 and for 6-8 persons. From 14 persons the trip costs all-inclusive and is done including guide.
- Inflatable boats for up to 6 persons can be rented from Uttigen, delivery is in Bern. Paddles and life jackets are provided for all participants. There is also a dry bag and an Aare card. Children from 6 years, accompanied by adults.
Aareböötle equipment (Photo: aarelauf.ch)
Aare boat rental (Photo: Marina Travel)Guided Böötle tours on the river Aare
Guided tours have the advantage that you don't have to take care of anything yourself. You come with friends or your family to the meeting point and everything is already prepared. Often food and drinks are offered as well.
aarebootsfahrten.ch
The Böötle provider Aarebootsfahrten has its meeting point right next to the "Regiebrücke", the boarding point in Thun.
Highlights:
- Thun to Bern (approx. 5 hours, 3 hours of which on the water)
- Bern- Wohlensee "around Bern" (route to Tiefenaubrücke, Neubrücke near Bremgarten or Stägmatt-Steg in Hinterkappelen to shortly before Kappelenbrücke selectable)
The river landscape to Bern is varied and has numerous bathing possibilities with at the same time impressive views of the Bernese alpine panorama. A stopover with a barbecue makes the tour a day trip. Arrival in the old town of Bern. A comfortable seating position on the boats makes the Böötle an experience for young and old, even with easy entry and exit. The length of the tour around Bern can be chosen from three options.
Extras: barbecue on the way, transport of larger luggage to the end point incl. driver and vehicle
Included: Instruction and accompaniment by trained rafting boat guides on each boat, incl. life jackets, transport bag
Team-Events
Team-Events is a provider of rubber boat trips between Thun and Bern for 5 to 200 guests. Minimum age is 8 years, swimming skills are required.
Highlights:
- Aare trip Thun to Bern (half day trip with 4 hrs. on the water)
The normal trip starts at 09.30 or 14.00 in Thun. The approximately four-hour river trip is usually done with large inflatable boats for a maximum of 8 people (per boat). The largest inflatable boat has room for 16 people, music is played on it and barbecue is provided if needed. The small barbecue consists of a bratwurst, a roll, water and small snacks. A cooler is available for your own drinks.
Extras: barbecue on the road with food you bring yourself, BBQ small
Included: Instruction and accompaniment by trained rafting boat guides on each boat, incl. life jackets, paddles, transport bag, transport of larger luggage to the end point
Aareböötle boat trip - (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)
Aareböötle boat trip - (Photo: Outdoor Interlaken)Outdoor Interlaken
Aare Böötle at Outdoor Interlaken are offered with music and BBQ.
A private boat usually has a minimum of six and a maximum of 14 participants. Rent for life jackets and paddles are included in the price.
Highlights:
- Aare trip Thun to Bern (4 hours, 2.5 to 3 hours of which on the water)
The professional guide is with you on the boat. The minimum age is eight years, the maximum allowed weight per person is 125 kg. You should bring your swimsuit. The barbecue is on the water.
Meeting point is at the Regiebrücke in Thun Schwäbis. The maximum capacity is 42 adults per trip (48 children without BBQ on board). It is suitable for families and team trips. The guide steers the boat with oars, so guests do not have to actively paddle. It is possible to join the trip from Interlaken (allow 2 additional hours)
Extras: If required, various equipment such as helmet, jacket, wetsuit or a throw bag can be rented. BBQ and music for trips for less than 14 people must be booked in addition.
Included: BBQ (only for boat with 14 people), life jackets, paddles, transport of luggage to the end point in Bern, a free drink after the trip.
Marina Travel
Marina Travel offers various tours for closed groups on the Aare.
An inflatable boat holds 10 people. On Sundays and holidays at least two boats must be booked.
Highlights:
- (Around Bern) Bern/Schwellenmätteli - Neubrück/Lake Wohlen (half-day trip 2-2.5 hrs.)
- Thun/Schwäbis to Bern/Marzili (day trip 4-5 hrs.)
- Kiesen to Neubrück (day trip 4-5 hrs.)
- Campagna/Rubigen or Münsingen to Neubrück/Lake Wohlensee (day trip 4-5 hrs.)
- Bern/Schwellenmätteli to Neubrück/Wohlensee (short trip 2-3 hrs.)
- Kiesen to Bern/Marzili (short trip 2-3 hrs.)
- Münsingen to Bern/Marzili (short trip 2-3 hrs.)
- Thun/Schwäbis to Campagna/Rubigen (short trip 2-3 hrs.)
The route can also be chosen freely, depending on the time required and technical possibilities (in and out water points).
Extras: by arrangement
Included: Boat guide, safety material and luggage transport to the end point, without catering
Aargauerwasser
Aargauerwasser is a tour operator in Untersiggenthal.
Highlights:
- Water castle tour (1,5-2 hrs.)
- Raft tour (2-2,5 hrs.)
- from the moated castle to the bird paradise (2-3 hrs.)
The moated castle tour starts at Villnachern power station or at Badi Brugg, Altenburg and ends at the mouth of the Limmat at Stroppel, Untersiggenthal. A shore excursion is planned at the renaturalized Limmatspitz or at the beavers. The impressive Aare gorge passes through Brugg.
The raft tour starts above the moated castle in Brugg, Altenberg, passes the medieval castle ruins of Freudenau and ends in front of the lock of the Beznau hydropower plant öder in Döttingen. The trip to the bird paradise starts at the mouth of the Limmat in Stroppel, Untersiggenthal. On the way you have to pass the lock of the hydroelectric power station Beznau and after the reservoir of international reputation among birdwatchers the trip ends at the power station Klingnau.
Extras: by arrangement
Included: Boat guide, equipment
Garnhaus in the Wasserschloss (confluence of Aare, Reuss and Limmat)
Garnhaus in Untersiggenthal offers, among other things, trips on the Aare.
Highlights:
- Moated castle tour (2-3 hrs.)
- Water castle tour light (1.5 hrs.)
- Raft tour (2.3 hrs.)
- by boat to the bird paradise (3-4 hrs.)
The most popular tour is the water castle tour. It starts at Villnachern power station and ends at the mouth of the Limmat at Stroppel in Untersiggenthal. The light version starts in Schachen/Brugg. The raft tour starts at the end point of the two surge tank tours and ends at PSI Villigen or the Beznau lock. The journey to bird paradise also starts at Stroppel in Untersiggenthal and ends at Klingnau power station.
Extras: barbecue, catering by arrangement
Included: Boat guide, life jackets, paddles
Limmat-Böötle
The most popular route for Limmat-Böötle is the one between Zurich and Dietikon. It is well connected to public transport and is always well frequented due to its proximity to the big city. The interesting mix of urbanity and beautiful nature offers a high recreational value.
The Limmat is very busy on the 10 km between Zurich and Dietikon, but you can also get on at the Höngg weir and save yourself the trouble of changing boats at the weir. The sections of the river bank that have been made natural by beavers begin after the Werdinsel behind the weir. The further stretch beyond Baden ends at Kappelerhof at the latest.
Boarding points for the Limmat-Böötle
A popular boarding point is on the right side of the stairs of Wipkingerpark in Zurich. It can be reached directly by streetcar on line 13.
Bus and streetcar access. Directly after the Höngger Weir there is another boarding point. It is the place that is also reached on the left side after transferring the boats.
Dangerous places for Böötle on the Limmat
The Höngg weir is very dangerous. Time and again, people who have missed the exit have accidents here. The exit point before the Höngger Weir is on the left side.
You pass the Mühli weir on the left. The weir to Kraftwerk Aue must also be bypassed and you must disembark at the latest before the weir at Kraftwerk Kapellerhof.
On the stretch between Wipkingerpark and the Höngg weir (lower Limmat), according to the safety information of the city of Zurich, the Limmat should not be navigated by rubber dinghy when the discharge exceeds 100 m3/s.
Exit points at the Limmat-Böötle: Dietikon and Glanzenberg
The exit points before the Weir Höngg are signalized on the left bank. You can disembark at the concrete ramp. You have to carry the boats 60 meters on foot.
The Allmend Glanzenberg is a good place to get out of the boat, because you have a lot of space, toilets and direct access to the S-Bahn station Glanzenberg.
Aareböötle Heimberg Uetendorf (Photo: aarelauf.ch)
Limmat Böötle (Photo: Seraina Zellweger)Boat rental companies for Böötle on the Limmat River
There are at least three boat rental companies for Böötle on the Limmat.
- Limmiboot is a boat rental company in Dietikon, who opened his rental shop in the fall of 2020 after completing his Matura thesis. He rents out the boats already pumped up. They are ready at the Werdinsel. You pay an additional deposit in cash or with Twint. The boat must be ordered no later than 8 p.m. the night before. The rental is valid for 2.5 hours. You can also sign up via Instagram.
You can get the boat at the Hardhof parking lot, in front of the Limmat (below the Europabrücke). Directly in front of the parking lot is the streetcar stop Tüffenwies. From the parking lot it is 50 meters to the entrance after the Höngger weir. There is room on the boat for 2-3 people, with a lot of luggage better two. At least one person must be 16 years or older. Included are: Rescue equipment, paddles, life jackets, small waterproof bag for valuables, laminated route map with signaling instructions.
You will get the deposit back when you return the boat. In case of damage, the proportional amount will be deducted. Disembarkation is mandatory in Glanzenberg.
Kayakfun in Mellingen also offers self-guided tours on the Limmat between Zurich and Dietikon, but here exclusively for groups. In addition to boat rental, shuttle service can also be booked. Meeting point is on the meadow near Wipkingerplatz. In Dietikon the tour ends and the participants have to organize the onward journey themselves. There are 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children per inflatable boat. Paddles, life jackets and dry containers for swimwear are included in the rental.
Löö Böötli rents rubber boats since 2019. Contact is made via Instagram. The Böötle on the Limmat starts in Zurich and ends in Dietikon.
Guided Böötle tours on the Limmat
At least these two operators offer guided tours on the Limmat.
Aargauerwasser
Aargauerwasser is a tour operator in Untersiggenthal.
Highlights:
- small Baden tour (1 hour, 22 km long)
- big Baden tour (1,5-2 hrs.)
The small Baden ride starts at Kloster Wettingen at the wooden bridge and ends in Baden, Aue. This ride is the lowest part of the historical Baden ride. Until the Spanischbrötli railroad was put into operation, the Zurich gentry made a pilgrimage along this route to Baden to enjoy the thermal baths here. The great Badenfahrt leads even further to the Baden power station Kappelerhof. Twice it is necessary to cross over on the barge ramp, at the old spinning mill and at the Aue power station.
Extras: by arrangement
Included: Boat guide, equipment
Garnhaus in the Wasserschloss (confluence of Aare, Reuss and Limmat)
Garnhaus in Untersiggenthal offers, among other things, trips on the Limmat.
Highlights:
- small bathing trip (1-1,5 hrs.)
- large Baden trip (2.5 - 3.5 hrs.)
The small Baden tour starts at the Kloster Weddingen and ends in Baden. The big Baden trip continues through Baden to Lake Chappi (Kapellerhof power station).
Extras: barbecue fire, catering by arrangement
Included: Boat guide, life jackets, paddles
Limmat Böötle
Limmat BöötleReuss boat
For river tours with a rubber boat, the slightly curved Reuss is a popular choice. The Reuss is a natural watercourse in many places. It offers much tranquility, but also has adventurous passages.
On the way you will pass some interesting bridges like the beautiful wooden toll bridge at Sins. Artificial obstacles and some weirs you have to watch out for, otherwise you can easily explore the Reuss by rubber dinghy. Besides calm stretches, it also has sections with a strong current.
Especially the Lower Reuss requires your full attention. You should always pay attention to warning signals and clarify possible entry and exit points in advance. Almost on all stretches there are possibilities for an early exit.
The section between Bremgarten and Gebenstorf is a popular Böötle route on the Reuss. It is 24 km long and belongs to the Lower Reuss. There are two other stretches on the Upper Reuss between Sins and Rottenschwil and Gisikon and Rottenschwil.
The Reuss is the fourth largest river in Switzerland. Since it is a glacial river, there are often higher water levels in June and July, especially after additional rainfall. Therefore, navigating the river with a rubber boat is not without danger in these weather conditions.
Reuss-Böötle Lower Reuss:
The Untere Reuss is one of the most beautiful stretches of river.
Boat launching points Bremgarten, Mellingen
- For a Böötle on the Lower Reuss, the usual boarding point is located in Bremgarten. You find it on the right bank of the western edge of the old town (here Unterstadt). This entry point is also used by boat rentals. The best way to get there is via road 1 north of Bremgarten. You turn to the Bremgartener Unterstadt, drive the Friedhofsstrasse over the Reuss and turn right in front of the old town wall to the Reuss.
It is at the intersection of Reussgasse and Augraben near the Hexenturm. Here you can conveniently leave your boats on the river bank while you bring your car to the parking lot at the city wall. Here you have to pay parking fees, but you are only allowed to park for a maximum of 5 hours.
- Mellingen is mostly an exit point, but is also used as an entry point.
Danger points
Honeggerwehr to Bremgarten: about 1.5 km after the start in Bremgarten you come to an island in the river. In the left arm of the river you go through a surf wave that extends over the whole arm of the river and is only used by whitewater paddlers. So you take the right arm of the river. There is a bigger surge here that needs to be watched out for. You need experience for this.
The river moves in curves through wooded areas with little development. Larger boulders, dead wood, but also a few rapids and rollers in the riverbed will meet you on the way. They can be avoided very well if you drive attentively and with foresight. In Gnadenthal there is a fall in the riverbed, which you better bypass far to the right. There are also ** rapids** in the water at Gnadenthal.
If you want to continue beyond Gebenstorf, you will have to go out of the water and get back in after the weir.
Exit points Gnadenthal, Mellingen, Gebenstorf
- Mellingen is an exit point that is reached after about two hours. For disembarking you can moor at Schlössli Iberg.
- The usual take-out point for a Böötle is about 1.5 hours further directly in front of a weir in Gebenstorf. Boat rental companies also use this spot. However, you need an access permit to the Reussbädli. Shortly after the Reussbädli comes the dangerous weir of the Windische Spinnerei, a warning sign points it out.
Next to the sunbathing lawn the boats may be loaded. However, parking is not allowed here or in the residential area. You reach the boat landing stage via road 3, the connecting road from Gebenstorf to Windisch. Before the bridge, turn right into Birmenstorfer Strasse and continue along Badstrasse to the end, where the sunbathing lawn is located.
- For short trips Gnadenthal or Stetten is often used as an exit point. Other Böötle also use this spot for a stopover with a picnic.
- On guided multi-day tours, Stilli or Sulz is also used as a somewhat more distant destination that goes beyond Gebenstorf.
Reuss-Böötle Obere Reuss:
The Upper Reuss encounters the towns of Gisikon, Sins to Rottenschwil.
Points of entry Sins, Gisikon, rarely Perlen, Mühlau
- The point of entry is in Sins not far from the historic Reuss bridge Sins-Hünenberg. The entrance is next to the restaurant Zollbrücke, about 50 m below the bridge. The nearest parking lot as well as a parking garage can be found on the other side of the river at the train station. You can reach the train station from the entry point via Zollweid, road 25 and Bahnhofstrasse.
- In Gisikon-Root behind the Gasthof Tell you will find the entry point Gisikon, which you can easily reach by bus or train. Parking your car at Gasthof Tell will inevitably result in a bus fine. The parking spaces are reserved exclusively for restaurant guests.
- Other entry points can be found in Perlen (after the weir) and in Mühlau.
Danger points
There are no particular danger spots on the route. In Ottenbach at the prank weir you should keep to the left. However, special caution is required as soon as course ships approach.
Exit points Rottenschwil, Ottenbach, Bremgarten
The most popular exit point is Rottenschwil, before the Reuss bridge on the left. Both parking lot and bus stop Rottenschwil/Hecht are directly at the exit. But before that you can also get off at Ottenbach. You have to get off at the Bremgarten power plant at the latest because of the barrage.
Reuss (Photo: Intersport Stöckli)
ReussBoat rental Reuss-Böötle
Boats for hire for a Reuss-Böötle are mainly rented from these two providers:
- Intersport Stöckli in Boswil rents out various boats. Life jackets, paddles, pump and pack sack are included. Transport of people and boats can be booked additionally.
- Kayakfun in Mellingen offers self-guided tours for individuals on the Reuss River, with shuttle service and boat rental. Arrival from Zurich HB with the S11 to Mellingen Heitersberg. The journey time is 26 minutes. Kayakfun customers can enter and leave the boat in Mellingen directly at the company on the left bank, recognizable by the yellow Kayakfun flags. Kayakfun also offers a combined self-guided trip with bike tour and rubber boat ride.
Guided Böötle tours on the Reuss river
The following four providers offer guided Böötle tours on the Reuss.
Intersport Stöckli in Boswil
Intersport Stöckli offers guided Böötle tours on the Upper Reuss as well as on the Lower Reuss.
Highlights:
- Gisikon to Rottenschwil (3.5 hrs.)
- Sins to Rottenschwil (2.5 hrs.)
- Bremgarten to Gnadenthal (1.5 hrs.)
- Bremgarten to Mellingen (2 hours)
- Bremgarten to Gebenstorf (3.5 hrs.)
The rubber boat trips are organized for groups up to ten, up to twenty and larger than 21 persons. The Gourmelino barbecue on the idyllic banks of the Reuss in Gnadenthal includes steak, bratwurst, vegetable skewers and salads. An aperitif includes party bread, chips and a small glass of white wine. For own barbecues (e.g. school classes) a big barbecue will be taken along. In Obfelden you can watch the bridge jumping from a height of 6 meters if the water level is suitable.
Extras: Gourmelino barbecue on the banks of the Reuss, aperitif or barbecue stop for your own barbecues (grill + charcoal)
Included: Boat guide, an instruction beforehand, the life jackets, dry bags and the boat transport
Team Events Switzerland in Burgdorf
Guided Böötle offers Team Events Switzerland for a maximum of 150 people.
Half-day tours last 3.5 hours, including 2 hours on the water. Full day tours last a total of 6-7 hrs with 4 hrs on the water.
Highlights:
- Gisikon to Ottenbach (2 hrs.)
- Mellingen to Gebenstorf (2 hrs.)
- Bremgarten to Mellingen (2 hrs.)
- Bremgarten to Gebenstorf (4 hrs.)
The rubber boat trips are carried out in large inflatable boats (rafts) with a boat driver for 8 to 10 people. After a comprehensive safety briefing, the boat is lowered into the water together. The boatman steers the rubber boat. During the full-day tours, lunch is served at a rest area along the way. In the foreground of all Böötle are the common experience and the landscape around.
Extras: transport of persons back to the embarkation point, lunch and drinks on the way, barbecue after the tour, more extensive aperitifs
Included: Boat guide (certified raft guide), one instruction beforehand, inflatable boat (incl. paddle, life jacket, in case of bad weather wetsuits), luggage transport to the disembarkation point, happy landing aperitif (non-alcoholic drinks) after the tour
Swiss River Adventures
Swiss River Adventures conducts short trips, half-day trips (2 hours of water), full-day trips, 2- and 3-day trips on the Reuss River. The multi-day tours are 45 or 62 km long.
Highlights:
- Bremgarten to Gnadental / Stetten (short tour 3 hours, 1.5 hours of which on the water)
- Bremgarten to Mellingen (3.5 hrs, 2 hrs of which on the water)
- Mellingen to Gebenstorf (3.5 hrs, of which 2 hrs on the water)
- Gisikon to Ottenbach (3-4 hrs, of which 2-2.5 hrs on the water)
- Bremgarten to Gebenstorf (6-7 hrs. of which 4-5 hrs. on the water)
- Gisikon to Rottenschwil (6-7 hrs. of which 4-5 hrs. on the water)
- Mühlau to Stilli (2 days)
- Perlen to Stilli (3 days)
The tour offers vary from very short Böötle tours in the evening to 3-day boat tours with camping. On easy white water you will experience a varied tour through the meandering bends of the floodplain. Along the way, on minimum full-day trips (6-7 hrs. or longer), you'll disembark at a picnic area for lunch, which will be taken ashore. You can either bring your own food or (for groups) book an additional lunch. The short trips from Bremgarten to Gnadental are especially for social get-togethers of company groups after work (starting at 6pm).
Extras: transport of persons back to the boarding point, lunch and drinks on the way, barbecue after the tour, more extensive aperitifs
Included: inflatable boat, complete equipment (incl. paddle, life jacket, in case of bad weather wetsuits), instruction and accompaniment by professional guides, luggage transport to the disembarkation point, happy landing aperitif after the tour.
Reuss
TicinoAargauerwasser
Aargauerwasser is a tour operator in Untersiggenthal.
Highlights:
- from Bremgarten to the moated castle (full day, 4.5 hrs. on the water, 25 km)
- Reuss loops and meadows (1.5 hrs., 10.5 km)
- from town to town: Bremgarten-Mellingen (2.5 hrs., 14.5 km)
- Terminal moraine of the Reuss glacier to Wasserschloss (2.5 hrs., 14.5 km)
- from the lower reaches to Wasserschloss ( 2.0 hrs, 8 km)
The trip from Bremgarten to Wasserschloss starts at the Witch Tower in Bremgarten and ends in Gebenstorf Rüssbädli or at the mouth of the Limmat in Stroppel, Untersiggenthal. It leads along the only unobstructed and undammed section of the river in the Swiss midlands.
You also get on at the Hexenturm for the ride through the meadows and loops of the Reus. The scenic ride ends in Gnadenthal. The city-to-city tour starts again at the Hexenturm and ends in Mellingen at the old people's home or at the ARA.
The ride from the terminal moraine to the moated castle starts in Mellingen at the old people's home or at the sewage treatment plant. It ends in Untersiggenthal at the mouth of the Limmat in the Stroppel. At the Birmenstorf-Mülligen bridge, the journey from the lower reaches begins and ends at the moated castle in Untersiggenthal at the mouth of the Limmat in the Stroppel.
Extras: Lunch at the restaurant on the river (Mellingen) for a full-day tour, barbecue or picnic from the backpack; shore excursion to renaturalized floodplain areas under expert guidance
Included: Boat guide, equipment
Yarn house in the moated castle (confluence of Aare, Reuss and Limmat)
Garnhaus in Untersiggenthal offers, among other things, trips on the Reuss.
Highlights:
- Small Reuss tour (2-3 hrs.)
- from the small town of Mellingen to the moated castle (2.5 - 3.5 hrs.)
- from Bremgarten to the moated castle (6 hrs.)
The small Reuss tour takes you from the bridge Birmenstorf, Müllingen through the untamed Reuss river to the moated castle at the mouth of the Limmat in the Stroppel in Untersiggenthal. From Mellingen the ride starts at the old people's home and in Bremgarten at the witches' tower.
Extras: barbecue fire, catering by arrangement
Included: Boat guide, life jackets, paddles
Reuss-Böötle Upper Reuss versus Lower Reuss:
The stretch of the Lower Reuss is particularly scenic, but challenging in places. The stretch between Bremgarten and Mellingen is considered particularly beautiful.
On the Upper Reuss you can ride a bit more relaxed, the stretches are especially suitable for families and larger groups. The route from Gisikon to Rottenschwil is one hour longer than the route from Sins.
Rhine Böötle
The most popular place for a Böötle on the Rhine is the section between Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen. It is about 18 km long. Diessenhofen is about in the middle and can also be used as an exit point. The Hochrhein is so popular mainly because of the romantic scenery.
Schaffhausen with the Rhine Falls is a special highlight. With a height of 23 meters and a width of 150 meters, the Rhine Falls is one of the largest and most water-rich waterfalls in Europe. Neuhausen (behind the power station Schaffhausen) as an entry point for a Böötle leads you to Rheinau (10 km) and Rüdlingen (20 km) and starts directly at the Rhine Falls.
A Böötle between Rheinau and Eglisau is about 16 kilometers long. In the gorge, which is densely forested on both sides, beavers and kingfishers can be observed. After transferring the boat at the Eglisau power station, it is possible to continue to Hohentengen/Kaiserstuhl without any problems. However, paddles must be used on this stretch.
On the further stretch to Koblenz/Waldshut there is a dangerous rapids with the Koblenzer Laufen near Kadelburg. It is therefore not suitable for a self-organized Böötle. However, guided Böötle tours through the Koblenzer Laufen are offered.
The river guide Hochrhein informs well in the overview about entrances and exits as well as the danger spots, also on less known stretches. It is therefore good to use for additional information on selected routes. Since this river guide was written for canoe, kayak, raft, rowing boat or Weidling, however, quite a few of the routes listed are not suitable for the Böötle.
Boarding points for the Böötle on the Rhine
For Böötle tours, it is important to know the suitable boarding points beforehand.
- In Stein am Rhein boarding points are possible at the Rhine bridge or a little further on at the harbor. The city made the south entrance inaccessible in August 2020 in a night and fog action, so that the rubber boats can only enter the water on the north side of the Rhine. Parking spaces are available. The Untertor bus stop is very close to the harbor. From Stein train station it is 500 meters to the Rhine bridge.
- Diessenhofen in the Schlipf am Hafen, about 250 meters after the Rhine bridge on the left. From the train station Diessenhofen you walk about 800 meters.
- The entry point Neuhausen is directly at the Rhine Falls after the Schaffhausen power station. The entry point is at Schlipf below Schlössli Wörth, at the fish farm. You can get to Neuhausen by train (Neuhausen Bad or Neuhausen Rheinfall), then it's a 15 min walk. 2 parking lots are available at the Rhine Falls.
- Rheinau at the 2nd weir left bank of the Rhine
- Eglisau after the power station on the right side
Danger points on Rhine Boats
- On the stretch between Stein am Rhein and Kaiserstuhl, there are no dangerous spots except for course ships and occasional boats. The stretch between Kaiserstuhl and Koblenz or Waldshut contains a dangerous rapid at Kadelburg and is therefore unsuitable for Böötle.
- You have to be careful at the weir of the Rheinau power station: carry the boat around (possibly with a trolley). In Schaffhausen you must in any case ditch in time before the weir of the power station.
- At the Eglisau power station you have to carry the boat around: get out on the right and carry the boat over the footbridge with the boat trolley over the ramp into the underwater (be careful at high water!)
- At the mouth of the Glatt between Eglisau and Herdern there is a strong side current from the left.
Exit points at Böötle on the Rhine
- Diessenhofen (about halfway between Stein and Schaffhausen): Exit either at Strandbad Gailingen on the right side of the river or a little later in Diessenhofen at Schlipf am Hafen, about 250 m after the Rhine bridge on the left.
- In Schaffhausen the exit is at the Salzstadel before the railroad bridge. You will find the bus stops Rosental-, Kegelgässchen and Schifflände nearby, from there to the train station. There is a parking garage at Schifflände.
- In Rheinau the exit is after the Klosterbrücke on the left (at the 2nd weir). You can find public transportation from the Rheinau bus stop in the lower town. From there the bus goes to the train station Marthalen.
- Flaach/Rüdlingen about 2 km after the mouth of the Thur: 200 m before the bridge turn right at the bathing beach, paid parking available
- Eglisau on the right at the power station
- Hohentengen at the camping site on the right
Boat rental for Rhine boats
The following boat rental companies rent boats for Rhein-Böötle:
- The Bolderhof adventure farm in Hemishofen rents out inflatable boats for up to five people. There are a total of four boats available. Life jackets, paddles, safety instructions and directions are available.
- Rentaboat is a boat rental company in Eglisau. Rubber boats are rented, which are brought with the participants to Rheinau to the start of the excursion. In Eglisau the rental company picks up boat and guests again. Meeting point Eglisau train station or Lochmühlestrasse.
Guided Böötle tours on the Rhine
Swiss River Adventures
The tour offers on the Rhine start at Swiss River Adventures at the famous Rhine Falls of Schaffhausen.
Swiss River Adventures conducts half-day tours (2 hrs. water) and full-day tours (4-5 hrs. on the water) on the Rhine.
Highlights:
- Schaffhausen to Rheinau (3.5 hrs., 2 hrs. on the water)
- Schaffhausen to Rüdlingen (22 km day trip 6-7 hrs, of which 3-4 hrs on the water)
Meeting point for the tours from Schaffhausen is the Schlössli Wörth near Neuhausen, which is located below the waterfall. On the day tour you will then go leisurely downstream. Together you have to transfer your rubber dinghy at a weir. You will have lunch at the idyllic monastery on Rheinau Island. On the national border (Germany on the right, Switzerland on the left) you have to bypass two more weirs. Shortly after the confluence of the Thur with the Rhine, the water is drained on the right side. The half-day tour ends at the Rheinau monastery.
Extras: Person return transport to the entry point, lunch and drinks on the way, extensive aperitif after the tour
Included: inflatable boat, complete equipment (incl. paddle, life jacket, in case of bad weather wetsuits), instruction and accompaniment by professional guides, luggage transport to the disembarkation point, happy landing aperitif after the tour
MB-Events and Adventures
The tour provider MB-Events and Adventures runs half-day tours on the Rhine from Stein am Rhein to Schaffhausen.
Highlights:
- Stein am Rhein to Schaffhausen (3-4 hrs.)
The tour ends in front of the famous Rhine Falls of Schaffhausen.
Meeting point is at the Hotel Hirschen in Stein am Rhein. Together the boats will be pumped up here. The necessary material will be handed out by the organizer. After a short briefing, you will paddle leisurely past picturesque houses and wooded banks. On the way there are some small barbecue areas and also a bath in the Rhine is possible.
Extras: by arrangement, return transport of participants to the start.
Included: inflatable boat trip, briefing, certified boat guide, equipment
Garnhaus
Garnhaus in Untersiggenthal offers, among other things, trips on the Rhine.
Highlights:
- Chli Rhy (1.5 to 2 hrs.)
- through the Koblenzer Laufen (2.5 to 3 hrs.)
The shorter tour takes you from Rekingen, near the train station, to Rietheim, Chli Rhy. The longer tour also starts in Rekingen and ends at the Full ferry.
Extras: barbecue, catering by arrangement
Included: Boat guide, life jackets, paddles
Aargauerwasser
Aargauerwasser is a tour operator in Untersiggenthal.
Highlights:
- on the border river past Bad Zurzach to Chli Rhy (1.5 -2 hrs., 7 km)
- Koblenzer Laufen, Roman watchtower ruins, concrete bunkers (2-2.5 hrs., 11 km)
- from the Chli Rhy floodplain to the Full ferry (1.5 hrs., 6 km)
The trip on the border river starts in Rekingen on the banks of the Rhine below the German power station Reckingen. From the river you will see not only varied scenery but also relics of industrialization and former salt production. After a big loop of the river you will end up in the Chli Rhy Rietheim and water out. Here is one of the largest renaturalized floodplain areas in Aargau.
The tour Koblenzer Laufen starts in Rekingen near the train station and ends at the Zollbrücke in Koblenz. The ride goes between the Rhine Falls Schaffhausen and Basel through the last stretch of the river Rhine. From the river you will see the remains of Roman watchtowers at several locations. After a large river loop, you will land with the boat in the Chli Rhy Rietheim, before the rapids of the Koblenzer Laufen (limestone ribs in the riverbed) follow. After passing under the old railroad bridge with the Koblenz/Waldshut customs, you will reach the impressive estuary basin of the Aare and land.
The tour from the Auenland Chli Rhy to Full starts in Rietheim, Chli Rhy and has the same route from here as the Koblenz run.
Extras: Landing in the renaturalized floodplain Chli Rhy under expert guidance
Included: Boat guide, equipment
Rhine
Stein on the RhineTicino boat
The Ticino is canalized on the last kilometers before its confluence with Lake Maggiore and flows particularly calmly. The banks are fortified and reed belts line the river towards the lake. Here the current also decreases. After disembarking, you can enjoy a sundowner at the beach bar.
The tours are either between Cresciano and Bellinzona or Bellinzona and Magadino and last 1.5 and 2.5 hours for 10 and 16 kilometers respectively. The river Ticino is also called Ticino. The Ticino mountains tower over you during the Böötle.
The water level at Bellinzona is 15-100 m3/s, which is ideal for an inflatable boat trip.
From Cresciano, the Ticino, which is still wild at the beginning, leads past gravel banks and wooded slopes that invite you to barbecue. Navigation is not recommended when the water level is low.
Points of entry for Ticino boats
In Cresciano, below the sports ground, a path leads to the shore at the one-boat place. You can get there from Bellinzona via Castione to the stop Cresciaone, Paese. Then continue on foot.
You can reach the entrance Bellinzona by walking to the bridge at the bus stop "Bellinzona, Via Lepori". From there you can get directly to the water.
Danger points when boating on the Ticino
Shortly after the entrance in Cresciano there are some swales. Between the stones you have to watch out for poisonous vipers, after the Passerella di Claro-Gnosca on the left there is a stone groyne.
On the stretch between Bellinzona and Magadino there are no dangerous places except for some big pieces of rock in the water.
Exit points for Ticino boats
The Bellinzona exit point is not far from a bus stop. It is also possible to get off at Arbedo. In Arbedo the river Moësa flows into the Ticino after the highway bridge, directly after the confluence on the left you can disembark. From the exit you have about 10 minutes on foot to the bus stop Arbedo, Molinazzo.
Magadino is already in the Lago Maggiore. As soon as you cross the Ticino into Lake Maggiore, you will see the white church of Magadino. Below is a small headland where you can disembark. The bus stop "Magadino, Casa Comunale" is a few steps up the main road.
Boat rental for Ticino boats
There is no possibility to rent a rubber boat or similar in the vicinity.
Guided Böötle tours on the Ticino
The Ticino is not yet widely used for Böötle. Therefore, there is currently only one provider for guided Böötle tours here.
Swiss River Adventures
Swiss River Adventures conducts half-day tours of 3.5 hours duration (1.5 hours water).
Highlights:
- Cresciano to Bellinzona / Stetten (3.5 hrs., 1.5 hrs. on the water)
The tour offer includes a leisurely river tour with some waves on the Ticino. You don't have to expect real white water here. The stable inflatable boats are steered by guides. The meeting point is at the former train station at the base Stazione Osogna Cresciano. The river tour leads you, carried by the current, through the impressive Leventina valley. The trip ends in Arbedo, near the confluence of the Ticino and Moesa rivers.
Extras: return transport to the boarding point in Cresciano, lunch and beverages on the way, extensive aperitif after the boat trip
Included: inflatable boat, complete equipment (incl. paddle, life jacket, in case of bad weather wetsuits), instruction and accompaniment by professional guides, luggage transport to the disembarkation point, happy landing aperitif after the tour.
Ticino
TicinoGlatt Böötle
The Glatt is only 38.5 kilometers long, but long enough for a pleasant Böötle through nature. The river drains the Greifensee towards the Rhine. Suitable for a ride on the rubber boat is the approximately eight-kilometer stretch between Rümlang and Oberhöri, but there is also an exit halfway down the river in Oberglatt. In total the trip takes about three hours. You can use an interesting article about this with a small map for preparation.
The ride goes along the Zurich airport and thus offers unique views of arriving and departing airplanes of all kinds. Nature reserve and east-west runway of the airport form a good contrast. The river loops from Oberglatt to Niederglatt are particularly beautiful.
Boarding points for Böötle on the Glatt
In Rümlang you walk from the train station to the Garba bridge, the signs point the way to the Glatt riverside trails. Then you can take the stairs to the right of the Garbabrücke on Klotenerstrasse.
Danger points at the Glatt-Böötle
Under the railway bridge at Niederglatt you have to expect an increased current.
Exit points for Böötle on the Glatt
In Oberglatt after leaving the airport area, turn right after the wooden Hirschenbrücke. Shortly before, the Himmelbach flows in. after the sludge silos of the sewage treatment plant Fischbach-Glatt comes the last exit. You leave the Glatt on the left side under the road bridge at the bicycle path. Because of several weirs and obstructions with stone blocks, it is not possible to continue from Oberhöri.
Boat rental for Glatt boats
There are no rentals of rubber boats near the Glatt yet
Guided Böötle tours on the Glatt
There are no suppliers of guided tours here yet.
Smooth
SmoothLinth-Böötle
A rubber boat ride along the renaturalized canal between Weesen and Schmerikon is pure relaxation. The Linth connects the two lakes Walensee and Obersee/Zürichsee, partly via the Linth canal, which is completely free of special danger spots.
Tours between Weesen or Ziegelbrücke and the island of Benken-Giessen (15 km) or from Benken-Giessen to Schmerikon (7.2 km) can be arranged and combined as desired. Grynau (Uznach) is also a suitable entry and exit point. Between Grynau and Schmerikon you have to paddle for about 35 minutes.
Entry points for Linth-Böötle
- The Ziegelbrücke in Niederurnen is very easy to reach by public transport via regional train and S-Bahn. The train station is only a few steps away. S2, S4, S6 and S8 stop here. A large parking lot is also available.
- On the Insel Benken, Giessen at the bathing place right below the restaurant Sternen, reachable by bus 365. The restaurant Sternen offers "food to go".
- In Grynau (Uznach) before the bridge and the restaurant Grynau.
Danger points at the Linth-Böötle
There are no critical danger spots.
Exit points for Linth-Böötle
- On the Insel Benken, Giessen at the bathing area on the right below the Sternen restaurant are the docking places for boats. Bus 365 goes back to Ziegelbrücke.
- At Schloss Grynau (Uznach) you can interrupt or stop the trip. The boat is connected at the marked places.
- On the right shore of the Obersee is the village Schmerikon. Here you aim for the lake promenade. The train station is not far away; it is directly above.
Boat rental for Böötle on the Linth
Linth boat
Linth-Boot or inflatable boat rental Ziegelbrücke is the name of the rental in Niederurnen. It is located directly at the Ziegelbrücke. You can rent a boat from Ziegelbrücke, from Stromschnelle or from Zeltplatz Gäsi and keep it for the whole day.
At the watering place you connect the boat and walk about 5 minutes to the train station in Schmerikon. You can also end your tour on the island of Benken or in Grynau (Uznach) and connect your boat there. In addition to the rental fee, a deposit will be charged. Life jackets, paddles as well as a safety instruction are included.
Guided Böötle tours on the Linth river
There are no guided Böötle tours on the Linth yet.
Zurich
Reuss LinthRhone-boat
You can use the Rhone in Geneva between the bridge Pont Sous-Terre and Le Lignon for a Böötle. Besides beautiful and romantic bridges you have here also the special scenery of huge apartment blocks, which form a special contrast.
The trip goes past the Jonction peninsula, at the tip of which the Arve from the Mont Blanc massif and the Rhône from Lake Geneva flow together. After mighty rock faces on the right, you finally pass the Cité du Lignon.
This is a colossal complex whose main wing, at 980 meters long, is the longest residential building in Switzerland. The Böötle takes about two to three hours on the 5.5 km long route.
Rhone-Böötle boarding points
Via a concrete ramp you get on at the Bridge Pont Sous-Terre. From Geneva you get here via Geneva train station, take bus line 7 (direction "Vernier, Lignon-Tour") to "Délices". From here you go straight to the bridge Pont Sous-Terre. down
Danger points when Böötle on the Rhone
On weekdays, three times a week, a large boat with trash travels on the route; in that case, stay close to the shore.
Disembarkation points for Rhone-Böötle
The exit is on the right at the footbridge, the Passerelle du Lignon. From here you can reach the bus stop "Vernier, Lignon-Cité" via the footpath to the settlement Le Lignon in about 10 min. The bus of line 7 leaves every 15 min to Geneva.
Boat rentals for Rhone boats
There are no boat rentals nearby.
Guided Böötle tours on the Rhone
There are no guided tours offered on the Rhone yet.
Reuss
RhoneRhine Valley boat
On the Rheintaler Binnenkanal you sail between Montlingen in Sankt Gallen to Au about 12 km on the shallow canal, without any danger spots. Approximately three to four hours of sailing will let you enjoy the Bregenz Forest Mountains.
You cross a former peat bog, today's Nature Reserve Bannriet. At a staircase on the left bank you have a possibility to moor. There are shady trees and a barbecue area. Up to Au, the current is good enough, so there is hardly any paddling to be done.
If you like, you can extend the Böötle two more kilometers to Sankt Margrethen, or even another six kilometers to the mouth into Lake Constance at Marina Altenrhein. However, these last kilometers are very flat and often blocked with trees. For this, you need flat army inflatable boats, such as those rented from the Steigmatt-Hof in Montlingen.
Boat launching points on the Rhine valley
- on the right below the small power station Montlingen
Danger points for the Rheintal-Böötle
- none, but the water is very cold and hardly suitable for swimming
- the canal can be forded if necessary (80 cm depth)
- Caution with anglers
Disembarkation points for Böötle on the Rhine Valley
- The stairs on the right side in front of the steel arch bridge at Au station are suitable for disembarking.
- At the Bruggerhorn in St. Margrethen
Boat rental for Böötle on the Rhine Valley inland canal
Steigmatt-Hof
The Steigmatt-Hof in Montlingen rents out a total of 12 army rubber boats for 4 -5 persons each and 2 army rubber boats for 10 -15 persons each. Life jackets and paddles as well as luggage transport are included. The boats are driven to the boarding point in Montlingen and picked up again in Au.
You have to help with the launching. Bicycles will be transported up to a maximum of 20 pieces upon request. The Böötle can be combined with an overnight stay on the farm.
Guided Böötle tours on the Rhine Valley Inland Canal
There are no guided Böötle tours on the Rheintal Binnenkanal.
Old Rhine Böötle Rhine Valley (Photo Seraina Zellweger)
Rheintal Böötle (Photo Seraina Zellweger)Thur-Böötle
The Thur is considered a torrent and is also suitable in places for a Böötle. The Thur is particularly scenic on its way to the High Rhine. A very beautiful stretch leads from Gütighausen to Andelfingen. You need about three hours for just under ten km. If you still haven't had enough, the ride simply continues. In Flaach is the last exit before the mouth of the Rhine. After that, there is no further exit point because of the Nature Reserve Thurauen before the Mouth of the High Rhine. Swimming is also not allowed here. The next exit is then possible in Rüdlingen after a total of 17 km and 4.5 hours.
The water level can also rise quickly in the last section of the river after major rainfall in the headwaters. The recommended water flow rate is between 10 and 100 m3/s.
Points of entry for a Thur-Böötle
- Gütighausen left side of river at Asperhof (Thur parking lot)
- before the Thur bridge in Gütighausen on the right side of the river; this place is often used and the parking lot is often very full (if there is no parking space left at the bridge, you go about 80 m further to the right onto a field strip), watering in is easy here
Danger points at the Thur-Böötle
- from Gütighausen the Thur can be navigated without any problems, there are no dangerous spots, only some river bends and slight swells have to be observed
- The cantonal police of Thurgau has published a leaflet on the Thur-Böötle. In this leaflet there is an urgent warning against driving on the stretch between the Altiker bridge near Altikon and the Thurgau border. However, safe navigation is possible from the height of Asperhof / Gütighausen.
- At the Thurspitz, i.e. the confluence with the High Rhine, turbulence is possible.
Disembarkation points for a Thur-Böötle
- Wooden bridge in Andelfingen (with connection to public transport, there are hardly any parking spaces here) you can take out at the campsite on the right or at the slipway
- Andelfingen Pünten left (big parking lot)
- Andelfingen Alten Thurbrücke left (parking lot)
- Flaach Thurbrücke right last watering place before the mouth of the Rhine, parking spaces available, but scattered further away in the forest
Boat rental for Thur-Böötle
There are no boat rentals near the entry points.
Guided Böötle tours on the Thur river
There are no guided Böötle tours across the Thur.
Thur
Thur Sonnenhof near DätwilPhotos Source:
- aarelauf.ch
- marinatravel.ch
- regionale2025.ch
- stoecklisport.ch
- city-zuerich.ch
- Ticino Tourism Agency (ATT SA)
- Bern Welcome
- Stephan Regli