Camburg – Naumburg
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 2 “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”.
If you like, you can take a small rest 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”.
Continuing down the Saale you will pass picturesque vineyards of Bad Kösen and Kloster Pforta Monastery. The views here are breath taking, as towering cliffs seem to appear directly out of the water.
Shortly before arriving in Naumburg the river quickens, creating a rapid. At this point in the tour you will experience a “pass-around point”. Here you must exit the river with your canoe, and re-enter a short walk down stream. As you continue on your way down the Saale you will be able to experience the joining of the Unstrut River and the Saale.
It is important to note that in the last stretch of the river, motorboats are permitted and could cross your path.
Finally, the city of Naumburg will appear on the right side of the river, with its famous Cathedral and Wenzel-Church, designed in the late gothic style. Here the Saale spreads into a wide riverbed as it continues its journey through the Saale River Valley.
At our station in Naumburg-Henne the tour ends; however, feel free to explore the quintessential German city of Naumburg and it’s picturesque architecture.
