Örtze

The Örtze is a real gem for canoers. Its source can be found to the north of Munster, and it flows into the Aller river 54 km downstream at Winsen.

Experience a little of the “Amazon in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony)”. The river meanders through varied landscapes, meaning a canoe trip along the Örtze is an adventure but also somewhat challenging! There are several places along the Örtze where visitors can stop for a picnic as well as two camp sites and a youth hostel with a field for pitching tents.

Between 16 May and 14 October from 9 am to 6 pm, canoeists can only access the Örtze from the village of Müden to its confluence with the Aller river. The water level must be within the green area of the gauge for canoes to be allowed on the Örtze. You can check this information online or take a reading at your boarding point. There are only two weirs along the Örtze, one can be crossed in a canoe and the other requires portage. In order to protect the delicate wildlife along the Örtze, the banks may only be accessed at designated jetties.

Information

Nature conservation and navigation instructions

From Müden to the confluence/Aller: boats up to 6 m in length and 1 m in width are permitted on the water between 16 May and 14 October from 9 am to 6 pm and when the gauge is in the green zone. (Members of the Deutscher Kanu-Verband (German Canoe Federation) are allowed access all year round, but must have a permit.) If the gauge is in the green zone, canoers can access the water during the designated times. If it is red, canoe trips along the river are completely forbidden. According to the new navigation rules for the Örtze, the current water levels, measured on the jetties, determine whether or not you can put your kayak or canoe on river. For more information, see the Celle district regulation on protecting heath streams, dated 18/03/2005.