Canoeing on the Ems
Discover nature - stroke by stroke
If you want to experience Emsdetten from a completely different perspective, get into a canoe. The Ems shows its most beautiful side from the water: unspoiled, calm and surprisingly varied. Between gentle river bends, green riverside landscapes and wide Ems floodplains, an experience of nature awaits that is both relaxing and exciting.
The best thing about it: the Ems is considered a very beginner-friendly river for paddling. Thanks to its gentle current, even inexperienced canoeists can make rapid progress. Instead of top sporting performance, the focus here is on enjoying nature, community and the joy of discovery.
From May to mid-October, the varied stretches between Greven, Emsdetten and Rheine invite you to enjoy relaxed half-day and day trips. Idyllic meadow landscapes, meadows, fields and small sections of forest alternate along the way. Time and again, new perspectives open up on the renaturalized river landscape, which provides a valuable habitat for numerous animal and plant species.
Designated rest areas along the route invite you to take a break in the midst of nature. If you prefer to stop for a bite to eat, there are restaurants and cafés along many sections of the route in the immediate vicinity of the Ems.
The Ems in pictures
Three entry points in Emsdetten
Particularly appealing to paddlers: Emsdetten offers three entry and exit points between Hembergen and Sinningen. This allows for flexible planning of tours of varying lengths—depending on your preferences, available time, and fitness level.
To protect the sensitive areas of the Ems floodplains, the number of canoeists on the Ems is limited. Registrations can be made with the Emsdetten Tourist Association. Please note: The ST 7 entry/exit point in Saerbeck is currently unavailable!
Experience nature - protect nature
Large parts of the Ems floodplains are protected. To ensure that this unique river landscape is preserved, a few simple rules apply:
- Only enter and exit at designated points
- Do not enter oxbow lakes and sensitive bank areas
- Avoid litter and take it back with you
- Be considerate of animals and other recreational users
- Respect sandbanks and bank breaks as important breeding grounds and retreats
- Do not camp or spend the night on the banks
With a little care, every canoe trip can be a sustainable nature experience.
Canoe rental & guided tours
Guided tours as well as half-day and day tours on the Ems are offered by various regional providers. High-quality canoes are provided for the tours, which offer sufficient space for provisions, picnic equipment and luggage. The offers range from relaxed family tours to group and company outings.
