Germany's waterway network is vast, and many federal waterways, rivers, and lakes, which are barely used by cargo ships today, are a true paradise for planned SUP river tours. Recreational use of secondary waterways is becoming increasingly popular, as being on the water offers a completely new perspective on numerous sights and natural phenomena. Whether it's a multi-hour SUP river tour, a day trip, or a full weekend of water hiking, in this article, we'll reveal our favorite routes with some guaranteed highlights, plenty of tranquility on the water, and attractive rest stops on land. Before that, you'll get a checklist to ensure you are well-equipped for your SUP river tour.

Tip: If you're planning a multi-day SUP river tour, a  touring board is your best companion. The generous surface not only offers enough space for you and your luggage, but the SUP also has significantly better gliding properties, so you need less power for paddling. On longer tours, this can make all the difference.

What to take on a SUP river tour

On a SUP river tour, less is always more, but generally, the essentials should always be on board. No matter what you end up taking, make sure the equipment is stored watertight in  dry bags. This keeps everything dry in the rain or when going through rapids and held in place by the bungee cords on the SUP. SUP bags are available in various sizes.

You should take the following on a SUP river tour:

• 30-40 liter dry bag
• Change of clothes
• Shoes
• Headwear
• Tent
• Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
• Pillow
• First-aid kit and repair kit
• Small gas stove and fire starter
• Pot with lid
• Cutlery
• Durable food, snacks like granola bars, and sufficient liquids/sports drinks
• Toiletries
• Tweezers
• Waterproof smartphone case
• Power bank
• Sun and insect protection
• Sunglasses
• Life jacket
• Distress flares or emergency whistle

This list is for your inspiration. If you're only planning a multi-hour SUP river tour, you naturally won't need a tent or a gas stove. So, simply adapt the list to your individual needs.

The most beautiful waters, lakes, and more for SUP river tours

Across Germany, there are many fantastic destinations for SUP river tours. Below, we introduce you to some of the river tours you can try with your SUP. Have fun exploring!

Lake Eibsee in Bavaria

Nine kilometers from Garmisch-Partenkirchen and in the immediate vicinity of the impressive Zugspitze lies Lake Eibsee, known as arguably the most beautiful lake in the Alps. The crystal-clear water combined with the mountain panorama leaves nothing to be desired for a top-class SUP tour. Especially the Untersee is perfect for paddling, and exploring the eight small islands on the north side should also be on your SUP river tour list. If you start your adventure early in the morning, you can look forward to many peaceful hours with your SUP in this unique natural setting.

SUP river tour on the Lahn

The Lahn is a tributary of the well-known Rhine and is considered by many canoeists and SUP paddlers to be Germany's most beautiful recreational river. Around 245 kilometers await you, so you can plan a fantastic SUP river tour here. Also remarkable are the many sights you'll paddle past. A clear recommendation for anyone who wants more highlights besides nature.

SUP tour in the City

How about a SUP river tour through the city? For example, the Müggelspree in Berlin is suitable for this, leading on a tour through the most beautiful areas of the capital and therefore rightly bearing the name "New Venice." Equally interesting is a SUP river tour starting from Leipzig's city harbor via the Karl-Heine-Kanal, past numerous villas, Gründerzeit buildings, and natural oases. The great thing about such city SUP river tours is that afterward, you can truly enjoy yourself in one of the city's restaurants or cafés. In Leipzig, that would probably traditionally be a Leipziger Lerchen – a sweet tart temptation made of shortcrust pastry and marzipan, served with vanilla sauce.

Beautiful SUP excursion to the Bleiloch Dam

We have one last SUP river tour for you. The Bleiloch Dam is the perfect place for SUP paddlers who want to truly unwind, surrounded by beautiful nature. The lake is nestled between hills and forests in Thuringia and is a popular local recreation area. If you want entertainment during your tour, the second weekend in August is ideal. Since 1997, the "SonneMondSterne" festival has traditionally taken place here on the eastern shore.

Last tips for your SUP river tour

Finally, we'll give you a few ideas on where and how to find and plan the best tours.

• On the  SUPscout.de website, you'll find numerous tours posted by paddlers, some described in great detail.
• The book "SUP-Reiseführer Deutschland: Die 50 schönsten Routen für Stand-Up-Paddling" (SUP Travel Guide Germany: The 50 Most Beautiful Routes for Stand-Up Paddling) offers a great overview of the best SUP hotspots, including recommendations for restaurants, cafés, and accommodation.
• The  RiverApp is the multifunctional tool on your smartphone for all types of SUP tours. Check water levels, find suitable sections of rivers, and possible entry and exit points. All in one app.
• If you want to find out in advance how to find and plan the right SUP river tour, you should listen to the SUP Online Academy podcast. Episode 31 deals extensively with this topic.

Now we wish you a lot of fun on your next SUP river tour and are, of course, always available to advise you if you have any questions.