Rafting on the Isar

The Isar is the river most people associate with Munich, but its upper reaches, in the Alpine foothills south of the city, are wilder and greener. A guided rafting trip puts you in an inflatable boat with a helmet, a life jacket and a guide who steers and explains the stretches ahead. The upper Isar is not extreme whitewater, but it has enough rapids, current and splashing to keep the trip lively, and enough calm stretches for pictures and for admiring the forested banks. Rafting is a team activity: you paddle together on the guide's commands, shout when the boat hits a wave, and usually get wetter than expected. It works especially well for families with older children, friends and groups, and it gives a different flavour of Bavaria from castles and churches. Because the route lies in the foothills between the mountains and the plain, the scenery is gentle but pretty, with gravel banks, riverside woods and distant peaks on a clear day.

Age and weight limits apply, and the minimum age often depends on the water level, so check with the operator before you plan around young children. The water is cold even in summer because it comes from the mountains, so the wetsuit is not optional comfort but a necessity.

Afterwards, a hearty Bavarian lunch is the natural reward. If you want a gentler time on the water, consider the canoe outing in the Allgäu instead, and if you want maximum adrenaline, choose canyoning, which is steeper and colder than this.

If you are travelling with a mixed group, ask the operator about the options for different levels. Some outfitters run a calm family trip and a livelier version on the same stretch, and the guide can adjust the paddling so that younger or less confident passengers feel secure. Pack a waterproof bag for car keys and phones, or leave them with the operator, because even careful rafters get splashed. After the trip, hot showers and changing facilities are normally available, and the riverbank is a pleasant place for a snack before you drive back.