Camburg – Bad Kösen

This tour begins in the city of Camburg where the Saale River winds its way peacefully through the Saale River Valley. Throughout the tour you will experience no “Pass-around Points” for which you will have to exit the river with your canoe, and re-enter a short distance down stream.

As you make your way along the Saale and surrounding forests, you may catch a glimpse of several native animals; the turquoise river kingfisher, various types of heron, cormorants, and nutrias all in their natural habitat. If you are lucky, you may even see turtles and European Otters!

Upon entering Kaatschen, you will notice the first of many vineyards found in this region, as this is the Northern-most wine-growing region in Germany.

At this part of the trip you will pass some small islands in the river. You will also pass two ruins, which are located high above the river on your right side– the Medieval Rudelsburg and Saaleck Forts

It was during his stay at the Rudelsburg in 1826, that poet and historian, Franz Kugler, was inspired to write the song “An der Saale Hellem Strande”.

Finally, you arrive in the quaint therapeutic city of Bad Kösen. Here you can breathe the rejuvenating salty sea air produced from the “Gradierwerk” twig towers, or literally translated, “Graduation Towers”. Here the tour ends; however, feel free to explore the beautiful town centre and it’s picturesque architecture.