Kayaking Heidelberg: Paddle the Neckar past the Old Bridge

Glide along the Neckar for a fresh view of Heidelberg’s historic heart

Kayak the Neckar river in Heidelberg on a small-group paddle tour with a live guide in English or German, starting from the Old Town. You'll paddle around 4 km past the Marstall, Old Town waterfront, and beneath the Old Bridge, then drift with the current on the opposite bank before returning to the start. All kayaks, paddles, life jackets and instruction are included. No paddling experience is required.

The experience

You start at a central location in Heidelberg's Old Town, where the guide gives a brief instruction on paddling technique and safety before you push off. The kayaks are solo or tandem, stable and built for comfort, and the groups stay small enough that the guide can watch everyone. Once on the water, you paddle upstream along the Marstall and the Old Town waterfront, then glide beneath the Old Bridge. The view from water level is the one most visitors miss. The paddle takes you past the famous Hackteufel rock formation on the Neckar, where the guide will point out what makes it worth the detour.

After crossing the river, you drift with the current on the Neuenheim side, letting the water do some of the work. The whole paddle covers around 4 km depending on the group's pace and the day's conditions. You'll cross back to finish where you started, in the Old Town. The tour runs about two hours, and you'll get wet enough that casual clothing you don't mind dampening is the right call. Bring a hat and sunscreen if the weather is clear.

What’s included

• Top-quality kayaks and paddles.
• a personal buoyancy aid fitted to your body.
• water for the duration.
• live guide instruction in English or German.
• paddling technique and safety briefing before you start.

Options for this experience

2 options

Kayak Tour in HeidelbergGuide in English or German · Available from 4 Apr 2027

Sunset Kayak TourGuide in English or German · Available from 2 Jul 2027

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 4 Apr 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Ludger Benighaus

Is this one for you?Choose the sunset option if you want to paddle Heidelberg's landmarks in the softer light of late afternoon and evening. The standard tour runs at whatever time suits the day's schedule. Either way, small groups mean the guide can adjust the pace and stops to match your group's comfort and interests on the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to know how to kayak before I book this?

No paddling experience is required. The guide teaches all the techniques you need at the start, and the kayaks are stable and forgiving for beginners. The instruction covers what you need to paddle safely and have fun on the water.

What's included in the kayak tour?

Top-quality kayaks, paddles, a personal buoyancy aid that fits your body, and water for the tour are all included. The guide is also included and leads the paddle in English or German, depending on which option you choose at checkout.

How far is the starting point from Heidelberg's main train station?

The Old Town start location is about 800 meters from Heidelberg Main Station on foot, or roughly the same distance from Bismarckplatz in the Altstadt. Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer not to walk.

What's the Hackteufel, and will we really see it up close?

Hackteufel is a famous rock formation on the Neckar that's much easier to spot from the water than from the banks. The guide will paddle you close enough to see why locals point it out, and it's one of the surprises the tour is known for.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs about two hours from start to finish, including the paddling instruction at the beginning and the paddle itself, which covers around 4 km depending on the group's pace.