Germany enjoyed a successful Paris 2024 Olympic Games that saw them win two gold, one silver and one bronze medal in Canoe Sprint.

Among the most successful paddling nations, it has some of the most scenic locations to try out our sport.   

Here is the International Canoe Federation’s official list.

River Rur, North Rhine-Westphalia

The striking red castle of Burg Hengebach towers above the forested banks of the river Rur, near the charming town of Heimbach. It’s a pretty stretch of river, where members of the German Canoe Federation like to train. The Rur, also known as the Roer, flows from Belgium and has some of the only whitewater sections in the region. 

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle on the Rhine, Rhein-Lahn-Kreis

The stretch of the Rhine near Kaub, passes some amazing-looking castles, such as the 14th-century Pfalzgrafenstein, set on its own tiny island in the middle of the river. It was originally used to collect tolls from passing boats and is now a museum. Those on water will get the best view while paddling around it. An easy but quirky trip for families, photographers and beginners, which could be extended for those wanting to put in the mileage, to include as much of the 760-mile Rhine as they can handle.

Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein

Those in on the secret know the low-slung island of Sylt as one of the most attractive and fashionable places in Germany. Its 25-mile long ribbon of white sand wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. On the east side, the Wadden Sea is calm and good for beginners, while the west is rougher and choppier, fun for surfing waves. Six times SUP World Champion Sonni Honscheid, who was born on Sylt, wanted to share her love of this spot.

Leipzig, Saxony

The beautiful city of Leipzig impressed the judges as a super easy destination for even the wobbliest novices to take to the water. Sightseeing by paddle power is always more fun, and tours here along the White Elster river take in parks, stunning architecture and industrial zones, or lead out through forestland to pretty Lake Cospuden. More practised paddlers could hit the artificial whitewater courses at the city’s olympic Kanupark.