Explore the Saar: paddling in the certified canoe paradise

Discover on this approximately 20 km long canoe route the fascinating river landscape of the lower Saar between Serrig and Konz-Könen – a perfect combination of active recreation, impressive natural experiences, and cultural highlights.

The entry point is in Serrig, where the highest river dam in Germany marks the first technical highlight. From here you paddle through the impressive wine and cultural landscape of Saar wine growing. With a gentle current, you pass steep vineyards, primeval-like gorges, and step slopes – ideal for nature-enthusiastic explorers. The historic Klause in Kastel-Staadt towers over the valley.

You continue paddling through the idyllic Saar valley to Saarburg. There you will find the fully functional Hackenberger mill with its nested waterwheels and the impressive 20 m high waterfall in the middle of the old town.

Further on, the route leads through the Wiltinger Saarbogen nature reserve with reed beds, floodplain forests, and rare flora like the white water lily.

The destination is Konz-Könen, where you can end the tour comfortably at a public barbecue area or in one of the restaurants.

At regular intervals of 4–6 km, you will find well-developed exit points with picnic areas and resting opportunities:

– Saarburg (Leuk mouth): gastronomy, ice cream parlor, the picturesque old town with the 20 m high waterfall over rocky cascades and the fully functional Hackenberger mill with nested waterwheels.

– Schoden (before the weir): benches, tables, kiosk directly on the shore.

– Kanzem (at the lock): seasonal wine taverns such as "Schafhausen", the Cantzheim winery, and "Buch und Wein" invite you for a visit directly by the water.

The boats can be securely fastened at all mentioned exit points either from the water side or on land using metal rings.

Preserve and protect nature!

- As canoeists, we love nature, want to protect and preserve it, and be a role model for others.

- To avoid trampling damage, we only start and stop at specially designated entry and exit points.

- We do not paddle our boats in reed belts, reed beds, or pond and water lily areas to avoid damaging plants.

- To avoid disturbing waterfowl and other river inhabitants, we do not get too close to the animals, keep away from nesting sites and retreat areas, and behave as quietly as possible.

- We ensure no plastic bottles or other waste falls into the river.

- For species protection reasons, pets are not allowed in boats in the nature reserve.

What should be observed?

- The Saar is a major shipping channel, and an absolute drug and alcohol prohibition applies here, just like in road traffic!

- For safety, participants of a canoe tour should be able to swim. Children under 12 should gain their first paddling experience accompanied by adults.

- Life jackets provide buoyancy in case of capsizing and protect against cold and injury.

- Large shipping always has the right of way. To avoid being surprised by a large tow, canoeists always paddle at the river edge on the big river.

- Prohibited and life-threatening areas, e.g., in front of weirs, are marked with a red-white-red sign. These areas must be circumnavigated widely.

What to bring?

- Head covering, sunglasses, sunscreen

- Rain protection depending on weather

- Sports clothing and shoes that can get wet

- Change of clothes

- At least 1 liter of drinking water per person

- Waterproof dry bag

- Life jacket

At distances of 4-6 km there are exit options and nice picnic spots.

Canoes can be rented at Saar Mosel Adventure GmbH: www.kanuverleih-saar.de

You reach Serrig via the B 51. You reach Konz and the district Könen via the B 419 or the B 51.

Serrig and Konz are also accessible by train.

Serrig: parking at the lock on the right river bank, public launch site on the left river bank (footpath over the bridge).

Konz: parking near the Saar mouth on the left river bank directly at the exit point. 

By train: Saarbrücken - Trier line to Serrig station.

Return from Konz-Könen by bus line 290 to Saarburg and further by train to Serrig. Or return from Konz main station by train to Serrig.

Information on current public transport timetables is available at www.bahn.de or www.vrt-info.de/busnetz.

You can get the free leisure map for the Saar-Upper Moselle holiday region from Saar-Upper Moselle Tourism at the tourist information offices in Konz (tel. 06501-6018040) and Saarburg (tel. 06581-995980).

Or order the map directly from our online brochure shop.

Canoes can be rented from Saar Mosel Adventure GmbH: Email: info@kanusaarfari.de or phone 0152 34003462.

Return from Konz-Könen by bus line 290 to Saarburg. Or return from Konz main station by train to Serrig.

- Information for rowboats, canoes, sport and leisure shipping on Moselle and Saar: www.wsa-mosel-saar-lahn.wsv.de

- Information for water sports enthusiasts on the Saar: www.elwis.de

Saar-Upper Moselle Tourism, Tourist Information Saarburg, Graf-Siegfried-Str. 32, 54439 Saarburg, Tel. 06581-995980

Saar-Upper Moselle Tourism, Tourist Information Konz, Saarstr. 1, 54329 Konz, Tel. 06501-6018040 Email: info@saar-obermosel.de

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