A Kayaking Guide to the River Inn
The Inn is the biggest volume of river in the Alps and has been the training ground for many Himalayan kayaking pioneers, past and present! What is great about the Inn is that there are sections of river for everyone, from touring to beginner whitewater, an abundance of class III for the intermediate kayaker and enough sections for the experienced river runner to stay entertained!
Its headwaters are up on the pass Lunghin near Maloja in Switzerland. On its way to the Danube River the Inn cuts a path of some 500 km in length travelling through Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
This is a general guide to the River Inn and not a move by move description, again be aware that changes in the river can happen throughout the season.
Swiss Inn
The Inn is situated in the Romansch speaking part of Switzerland. Engadine translated to English means, Garden of the Inn.
The Upper Engadine has wide open Alpine meadows and is renowned for the amount of annual sunshine it receives. St Moritz - the notorious ski resort for fur coats and luxury shops is situated up in the Upper Engadine Valley. Once the Inn reaches the village of S-chanf the open meadows give way to deep gorges with steep walls and the river starts to take on a rather wild look all the way to the Austrian border!
The Engadine is geologically an unstable area. It is very similar to the Himalayas but obviously not on such a grand scale. However when it does rain and hail stones come down you can expect some landslides or movement in the area. Over the past few years there have been landslides including pieces of road falling down making new rapids on various sections of the River Inn in Switzerland.
Tip: The sections of the River Inn in the Engadine will take a lot longer than those of its Austrian neighbour. Plan to run a maximum of 2 sections in a day, this gives you plenty of time to scout and run each section safely without any time constraints or pressures!
Section Descriptions for Switzerland (Lower Engadin)
Giarsun Gorge
Put-in: Just below the village of Susch.
Take-out: At the new bridge directly under the village of Ardez. Be aware that rafts also use this take out!
Length: 12 Km
Duration: 2 ½ Hours
Grade: IV
Gauge: Tarasp LW - 1182.6 MW - 1182.9 HW - 1183.3
From May to September is the best season for the Giarsun.
Introduction
There are 10 distinct and major sections of whitewater on the River Inn. By far the best section in terms of Alpine Kayaking is the Giarsun. You never seem to have a bad run, yes you may get the odd surprise but the rest of the Giarsun’s attractions will keep you smiling! John Blake always says that if any river throughout the world is as good as the Giarsun Gorge then it must be a river worth the effort to get to!
Description
Putting on further upstream of the gorge above the village of Lavin gives you not only some nice class III whitewater with the setting and backdrops of the mountains making the views unbelievable. On a hot Summers day it is a great little paddle to get you into the swing of things and if it is a cold Spring day then that extra 45 minutes of kayaking will have you warmed up nicely for the whitewater throughout the gorge!
With the meadows starting to steepen up, the road disappearing and the Valde stream coming into the Inn from river left you know it will not be far before the first drop approaches. However, there is an old bridge to head under (please do not put-in on the river here) and then if it is the Spring or early Summer you kayak past a huge avalanche on river right - if it is still there then just keep an eye out for trees, branches and any bits of wood that could form obstructions or strainers downstream!
The walls really close up now and the first main class IV rapid appears. A quick scout on river right gives you a great view of the line and also a sweet little spot to catch some action and even set up safety!! Once you are in that is it, walking out is not really an option and what this brings is a river just for kayakers, maybe this is why it is so special and unspoilt!?
From here on it is read and run river running at its best. Plenty of eddy’s giving you breathing space and a chance to check out the next line down that part of the rapid, surf waves to have some fun on, holes to play around in (though some maybe a little big and intimidating) and just the perfect section to sharpen up your technique.
The main rapid itself looks a very intimidating class IV and especially with the wood stuck under the gorge wall at the bottom on river right. However it looks harder than it actually is and by now you have had a feel for the river, its power and character.
The rapids keep coming and you will feel your heart racing but with so many eddies there is plenty of time to take note of where you are, what you are doing and lets not forget - enjoying THE best section of river the Inn has to offer!
A couple more tight lines are needed to be made and will have you stretching your neck to see just what is below or behind the big rocks. However a quick hop out onto the bank on river left gives you a great view of the rapid and the line becomes a lot clearer! There is just one more rapid to go and this is the one that usually snags you. The line is there but one of the holes looks a lot meatier once you drop into it than when you saw it in your boat from the eddy upstream. Take plenty of speed, get your boat angle right and you will be a hero! The new bridge is in sight and so is the take-out.
Ardez Gorge
Put-in: At the take-out of the Giarsun Gorge.
Take-out: At the put-in for the Schuls Gorge. See note in the Schuls description about the put-in/take-out.
Length: 4 Km
Duration: 2 ½ Hours
Grade: IV+ (V/VI)
Gauge: Tarasp LW - 1182.6 MW - 1182.9 HW - 1183.3
The Ardez can be run from May until September. In May be careful for old avalanches and trees, however after the first high water most of the debris gets washed away. In September it is a cold paddle but still runnable!
Introduction
The Ardez is a big step up from the Giarsun Gorge. It can be called a committing canyon run with some big scouts and even bigger portages. Normally gets run more than the Brail due to better water levels, the Ardez is a great test of nerve, teamwork and skill. If running a class V above a nasty class VI is not for you then go and run the Giarsun again!
Description
Right from the put-in you are into class IV whitewater. The first drop is read and run and if you do not really like the character then here is a good time to take-out and leave the Ardez for another day.
If you continue you will be running some great class IV / IV+ rapids but with the knowledge that somewhere downstream is the Bockschlitz, a nasty syphon chock full of wood! The first horizon line reminds you that you are still in class IV territory, the second one means you need to scout on river left as the rapid below is a class V move, avoiding the holes formed by the ledge and gradient of the river. What is more troubling is that this rapid leads right into the Bockschlitz and so safety is paramount.
Portage of the Bockschlitz is on River Left, in extreme high water the Bockschlitz has disappeared but in the back of your mind is the picture from lower levels and this will stop all but the occasional kayaker from running it!
The action keeps on coming with various class IV rapids, horizon lines and moves having to be made on far river left and back over to the middle or right.
A footbridge then appears which signals the next and last major rapid. It can be anything from a ledge drop all the way to a river wide hole! Scout River Right and you will see the move, a great 2 metre boof off the side of the rock and landing on the aerated water below the hole!
The river now calms down and though is still class III+ it feels a lot easier. You will pass a rifle range on River Left, though you may not see this but what you will see are the bright orange clays that were used for the shotgun shoot. There are no more lights to press, you just have to either keep your head down or make a lot of noise so as not to get in the firing line. Of all the years I have been kayaking here I have never had a problem with friendly fire but just keep your whits about you!
It is now not far to the take-out on River Left and the start of the Schuls Gorge.
Schuls Gorge
Put-in: Just before the rifle range and the Tasnan stream. Use the parking space by the side of the road as the local rafting company needs space down by the put-in.
Take-out: At the picnic spot by Pradella Dam, follow the signs that take you downstream of the village Schuls (Scuol).
Length: 10 Km
Duration: 2 Hours
Grade: III (IV)
Gauge: Tarasp LW - 1183 MW - 1182.9 HW - 1183.4
The Schuls Gorge will usually run from May until end of August. By the end of August the water level can be extremely low unless it rains!
Introduction
A great river with fantastic scenery. It gives the intermediate kayaker a great chance to show off their skills and with a few class IV rapids along the way keeping everyone on their toes. This section is usually the first that is run in the Engadin.
Description
As you get close to the put-in on the drive up the valley it would be a good idea to inspect two of the class IV rapids. They can be easily seen and inspected from the road and are just within a kilometre of the put-in.
After these two drops the river keeps flowing but never really above class III. You pass the natural spring in Tarasp on River Right, followed later by a road bridge high above and the village of Schuls on River Left.
The river will start to tighten up and there is a big turn to the left. A big eddy on River Right behind a huge rock will then lead you into a read and run class IV pushy section. After this rapid used to the be the Wall rapid but this has now disappeared due to previous landslides filling up the rapid/river. Below the wall, the rapids tend to change a lot because of digger work associated with the landslides. You can scout these on the way up to the put-in. If you are not too sure you can always take-out at the old wall rapid.
The final paddle into the lake provides the perfect way to sit back, enjoy the views and the weather all the way down to the take-out.
Austrian Inn
As the Inn arrives into Austria it goes through its final deep gorge. The Finstermünz is the border of Austria and Switzerland and the valley is squeezed by huge vertical walls. Sunlight is short and the area is notorious for landslides and avalanches. The valley then widens out as the Inn passes through the village of Pfunds, making the land ideal for farming. The river has picked up a lot of volume now from all the side creeks making the next 3 sections a river runner and play-boater’s dream! From the city of Landeck there are 3 major rivers flowing into the Inn, the Sanna, Pitzbach and Oetz. Giving the Imst Gorge (the last section of whitewater) volume that cannot be matched anywhere else in Europe.
Section Descriptions for Austria
Finstermünz
Put-in: Try to find a track down below the dam on the Swiss side of the border.
Take-out: Kajetansbrücke just below the Austrian Customs post
Length: 9 Km
Duration: 2 Hours
Grade: III (V)
Gauge: Kajetansbrücke
LW - 180cm
MW - 250cm
HW - 340cm
Introduction
How long we have left to kayak the Finstermuenz section depends on when they are finished with the new dam project. They are making a lake and diverting the water through the mountain all the way to the village of Prutz, yes Prutz! It should still run during Spring melt but after that it will most likely be after prolonged rainfall.
Now because of the dam you could find yourself with the river rapidly rising while you are kayaking or scouting rapids!
Description
The River is pretty much Class III down the middle until you reach the 3 Major Rapids.
The first is a big class V that you should take a look at on river right. Another drop slightly easier should also be inspected on River Left before the final class V drop - again it will need a look at from the bank on River Right.
From here on end the river goes back to a more relaxing class III down the middle. Continue kayaking under the old Finstermünz Bridge then past the Austrian Customs before taking out on river left close to the new campsite above Pfunds or if you are in to drifting then Pfunds is a few kilometres further downstream!
Tösens Gorge
Put-in: Tschuppbach above the village of Tösens on River Left, please leave plenty of space for the rafting companies to bring their vehicles down to the river.
Take-out: Just after the road bridge in Prutz on River Left or the campsite in Prutz.
Length: 9 Km
Duration: 2 Hours
Grade: III / IV
Gauge: Kajetansbrücke LW - 220 MW - 250 HW - above 300
The Tösens section runs from May to September.
Introduction
A fun big volume feel river with the start a long continuous rapid until “The Wall”. From here it is a great run down with easy lines and moves to make. The Tösens Gorge Section is a great warm up run for Veterans and the next move up from the Class III Imst Gorge.
Description
There is not much of a warm up from the put-in so spend some time making a couple of ferry glides and catching a few eddies to get into the flow, as the current of the river brings you into a long rapid.
Broken down the first section sees you run from under the first bridge to just below the second bridge. The waves are big and bouncy with a slightly pushy feel to the river. There is a huge eddy on river right to catch your breath.
Next you have to contend with a bunch of holes, the river then bends to the left with more holes to work through before slamming against a cliff wall. The line is quite tight by the wall and the paddle into the eddy can sometimes prove exhausting!
However the river now calms down and you will find yourself just going with the flow and even catching a few waves to surf on the fly.
The next rapid of note can be seen by the horizon line, if you want to scout get out early on river right, if not you can read and run the whole rapid. You will see some huge holes on River right as you paddle down, then a few more further down on River Left just before the river branches out. The left shoot has overhanging branches right on a couple of holes, the middle channel is fine, though you must keep close to the bank to take the line or you can just stay Middle Right and follow the main current!
After this the river flattens out and becomes a mellow class II-III all the way to the take-out.
Inn Shoot
Put-in: On River Left by the village of Fliess, just below the dam
Take-out: Put-in for the Landeck Gorge or continue down to the Sanna confluence
Length: 2 Km
Duration: 15 minutes
Grade: V
Gauge: None, if the Landeck Gorge is working so is the Shoot.
Same as the Landeck Gorge, normally the dam releases during the week or when there is high water. From May to August
Introduction
The Inn Shoot is a gutsy big volume class V section. From the put-in it is flat until it drops straight into class V. Waves and currents push you towards all sorts of big and intimidating holes. You can scout 90% of the river from the road on River Right, the other 10% must be read and run.
Description
If you do not like the look of the first drop then do not run this section. It looks more intimidating than it is but you have to remember there a couple of read and run moves on this section.
Towards the end of the Inn Shoot the last drop should be treated with respect. You think it is all over but one lapse of concentration can cause a big working in the hole!
It takes under 15 minutes to run the Inn Shoot and if you continue on down your heart and even your nerves will have calmed down by the take-out for the Landeck Gorge!
Landeck Gorge
Put-in: An old warehouse and a timber yard on River Right in Nesselgarten. Please park up by the road!
Take-out: Confluence of the River Sanna in Landeck on River Left
Length: 6 Km
Duration: 1 Hour
Grade: IV
Gauge: None, just look on the drive up to see if it is running.
The Landeck Gorge only really runs during the week from May to August, unless there is high water or a hot Summers Day because of the dam at Fliess.
Introduction
The Landeck Gorge has to be one of the best sections of the Inn for big waves and all the fun and games that go with it! In 2020 the Landeck Gorge was closed for kayaking because the government is trying to secure the sides of the mountain and they are using a lot of dynamite! We do not know if we will be able to kayak in 2021, check our Facebook or Instagram accounts as we will post more information as soon as we know.
Description
The ferry glide move to break-out of the eddy will give your first test. Then it is just running big wave trains after the next. The rapids are not continuous but the current of the river will have you moving along just nicely. The character of the river is such that after every rapid there is a calmer piece of moving water.
The next rapid of note follows the shape of a banana staying in the main flow and being prepared to move slightly left or right of middle keeps you right on line. At the end of the rapid is a huge wave, you can easily skirt on River Left (at the end of the banana!) or you can just run it. It will not hold you long if at all but it is a BIG hit!
Another calmer section and a grillplatz can be seen on river left.
Then the walls start to tighten and you now enter the gorge. The river gets compressed and the flow becomes fast, finally you will come to a horizon line where there will be a lot of new material in the river due to the explosions made for building a new road tunnel. The final drop, is a big wave train that drives you down and through the town of Landeck. If you time it right you may get some greetings from the people crossing the bridge or having their lunch overlooking the river.
The take-out is on River Left by the confluence of the Sanna.
Imst Gorge
Put-in: Imst - just follow the rafting signs
Take-out: Haiming on river left above the road bridge crossing the village of Haiming
Length: 13 Km
Duration: 2 Hours
Grade: III
Gauge: Magerbach
LW - 200cm
MW - 300cm
HW - 400cm
This section will run from May until October
Introduction
The last and biggest in terms of volume of whitewater on the River Inn. It is a great piece of class III whitewater that never changes no matter how high it gets.
Description
A gentle piece of current brings you down to the first drop under the smaller road bridge. Either the left or right channel can be taken. The current takes you past the Pitzbach on River Right and then you start to see the next rapid coming into view.
This is a rather long rapid with short spells of quieter whitewater keeping you on your guard. Another bridge and you are at the Village of Roppen, the road bridge is the next feature and you follow the current to the right where plenty of sunbathers can be seen on a hot summers day!
With your intentions firmly on the river it is not far until the main rapid of the river that used to hold the Memminger Hole, it is making a bit of a comeback but nowhere as big as it used to be! The Oetz River joins from the right and move waves and rapids continue.
There are some man made eddies on the river left, followed by a bend to the left and in front is “The Wall”. Then the final bunch of waves before floating down to the take-out on river left.
We hope this gives you some idea of just how much whitewater we have here around Kayak School Arlberg’s base in Tirol, Austria. The River Inn is a firm favourite of ours and this can be seen in Steve’s Blog about his Top 10 Rivers of the World! Our clients enjoy the BIG water and their confidence soars, of course it makes a HUGE difference when our instructors knows the river so well.
Please remember rivers change and we are now more prone to landslides, high-water and floods making rapids change often throughout a season.
