Starzlach Gorge: Beginners Canyoning Tour

If you’re curious about canyoning but unsure where to start, the Starzlach Gorge Beginners Canyoning Tour in Bavaria offers a fantastic introduction. It’s designed for newcomers, combining safety with a real adrenaline kick, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Allgäu region. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way and a manageable 4-hour duration, this trip balances excitement and accessibility.

What really makes this tour stand out is its approachability — it’s tailored for beginners, yet packed with enough action to keep even seasoned adventurers interested. The highlight? The 18-meter slide at the end, which leaves many with a big grin and a sense of accomplishment. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to be comfortable in water and able to handle some physical activity, as jumping and rappelling are part of the fun.

This experience suits those eager to try canyoning for the first time, outdoor enthusiasts looking for a new challenge, or families with children over 6 who want a safe yet exciting activity. If you’re after a well-organized, value-packed adventure with expert guidance and breathtaking scenery, this tour ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Beginner-friendly: Designed specifically for newcomers to canyoning.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Thomas and Dori ensure safety and fun.
• Spectacular scenery: The natural beauty of Starzlach Gorge and Allgäu enhances the experience.
• Thrilling highlights: Rappelling, jumps, and the memorable 18-meter slide.
• Includes equipment: Hypoallergenic wetsuits, neoprene socks, and safety gear.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

A Complete Guide to the Starzlach Gorge Canyoning Experience

What is Canyoning at Starzlach Gorge?

This tour offers a guided introduction to canyoning in the beautiful setting of the Bavarian Alps. It’s perfect if you’re new to the sport—or if you want to see if it’s a hobby you might fall in love with—without the intimidating level of more advanced routes. The natural beauty of the gorge comes into full view as you navigate water passages, rocky climbs, and jumps, all under the watchful eye of your guides.

The main appeal is the variety of activities packed into just four hours: you’ll learn the best techniques for rappelling, jumping, and sliding, all in a controlled environment. The guides, including names like Thomas and Dori, are praised for their professionalism and ability to keep the group safe while making the experience fun.

What to Expect During Your Tour

The journey begins at Winkel 18, where you meet your guide and get a quick safety briefing. After this initial introduction, you’ll head to the gorge’s access point, where the real adventure starts.

The first stretch involves about 30 minutes of safety instructions in the Starzlachklamm, ensuring everyone is comfortable with basic techniques before hitting the water. From there, it’s a short 20-minute walk along the river to reach the canyon itself, where your adventure truly begins.

Throughout the canyon, you’ll encounter climbing passages, jumps from various heights, and rappelling sections. Your guide will support you along the way, offering help and encouragement. The tour’s most talked-about moment is the 18-meter-long slide, which provides a thrilling end to the route—many describe it as the crown jewel of this experience.

The Highlights of the Tour

• Learning the basics: Guides like Thomas and Dori teach you how to rappel and navigate rocky sections, making it suitable for complete beginners.
• Natural beauty: The gorge’s lush, rugged scenery creates a stunning backdrop for every jump, slide, and rappel.
• The slide: An 18-meter-long water slide at the end offers a fun, adrenaline-pumping finale.
• Active and engaging: It pushes you out of your comfort zone with jumps and climbs, but in a safe environment.
• Family-friendly option: Children aged 6 and above can participate, making it a memorable family activity.

The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Winkel 18: Meet your guides and get ready for the adventure.
• Safety briefing at Starzlachklamm: Last instructions and gear check before entering the canyon.
• Walking to the canyon: A brief 20-minute footpath takes you to the start point.
• Access point at Burgberg im Allgäu: A final quick safety review, then it’s time to get suited up.
• Canyoning experience: Rappelling, jumping, climbing, and sliding through the gorge for roughly 3 hours.
• End on the slide: The 18-meter slide caps off the day with a splash.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides all necessary canyoning equipment, including hypoallergenic wetsuits, neoprene socks, and safety gear. You simply need to bring your swimwear, change of clothes, towel, snacks, drinks, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Food and drinks are not supplied, so come prepared for after the tour or to recharge during breaks.

Notably, sandals, flip-flops, or slippers are not allowed, ensuring safety during water passages and rocky terrain.

The Real Value of the Tour

At $135 per person, this tour offers a rich experience for the price. Guided by skilled professionals, you get safety, instruction, and adventure all in one package. The inclusion of high-quality equipment and the small group atmosphere (not specified, but typically limited) make it excellent value for first-timers looking for a memorable outdoor activity.

Insights from Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the guides’ expertise and safety focus. Heike highlights the guidance of Thomas and Dori, noting how they led the group with “great safety” and made it “great fun.” Patricia describes it as “very nice to experience once,” emphasizing the sense of achievement and the fun of trying something new.

The tour’s approachability combined with enthusiastic support makes it a popular choice among beginners and families alike. The guides’ ability to help participants push themselves while maintaining safety appears to be a key factor behind the high ratings—4.9 out of 5 based on 24 reviews.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Arrive prepared with hiking shoes (not sandals or flip-flops) and sunscreen.
• Bring a change of clothes, a towel, snacks, and drinks for after the activity.
• The activity is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
• If you’re not a confident swimmer, this might not be the best activity for you—though guides are attentive to safety.

The Sum Up

The Starzlach Gorge Beginners Canyoning Tour delivers on its promise of a safe, fun, and scenic introduction to canyoning. It’s particularly well-suited for those new to the sport, families with children over 6, or anyone wanting a manageable yet exhilarating outdoor experience in the Bavarian Alps. The knowledgeable guides, including Thomas and Dori, stand out as a significant plus, giving you confidence and support throughout.

The combination of stunning scenery, a variety of activities, and the thrill of the slide makes this tour memorable. While it does require some physical activity and comfort in water, most participants find the balance of challenge and safety just right. For $135, you’re getting not only an adventure but also a well-organized, enjoyable day out with expert guidance.

If you’re craving fresh air, natural beauty, and a taste of adventure in Germany’s picturesque Allgäu region, this canyoning tour is a fantastic choice that won’t disappoint.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners, with guides teaching proper techniques and ensuring safety along the way.

What equipment is provided?
The tour includes canyoning gear, hypoallergenic wetsuits, and neoprene socks, so you don’t need to bring your own.

How long does the tour last?
The activity spans approximately four hours, including safety briefings, walking, and the canyoning experience.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 6 and above can join. It’s a family-friendly option, but very young children or those with mobility issues might find it challenging.

Is prior experience necessary?
No, this is a beginner-friendly canyoning tour, and no prior experience is required.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, towel, food, drinks, hiking shoes (not sandals or flip-flops), sunscreen, and a hat.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and non-swimmers are advised not to participate.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

How challenging is the tour?
It’s suitable for those comfortable in water and with a basic level of fitness, but the guide will help you handle jumps and rappelling.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of expert guidance, scenic gorge setting, and the iconic 18-meter slide makes it a memorable, authentic outdoor adventure.