Kayak trips in Styria

Salza Wildalpen - Fachwerk From the Wildalpen campsite, everything is reachable by shuttle.

Salza Reservoir - Wildalpen Everything accessible by shuttle from the Wildalpen campsite.

A beautiful and relaxed, partly brisk tour with a breathtaking view of the Grimming

First, let's arrive! On Wednesday afternoon, we find the key spots along the river, entry and exit points, bus schedules, and a campsite in the jungle above the Enns near Wörschach (very close to the military airfield, well guarded...). On Thursday, we want to do some mountaineering in the Gesäuse, but clouds move around the Ödstein early, so we prefer a leisurely alpine hike in Johnsbach. Horses want to join us on the picnic blanket - what delicious food did we bring again?? Better pack it. In Admont, there is the largest monastery library in the world, we absolutely have to check that out. A quick freshen up at the natural swimming pool beforehand would be nice. But it’s closed. Although "open until August 28"! Oh well. There is a big hole in the fence (so it’s open after all!!), through which we easily step. And how refreshing the cool water is! There's even a shower just for us. We enjoy it in its natural state until a young man approaches who can’t take his eyes off us while almost apologizing that the door wasn’t open. He doesn’t even want to charge us an entrance fee. Quite surprised, we only reach for our towels once he has moved away. The day ends very cultured with a visit to the monastery. The library is impressive, we spend hours with old manuscripts, the Gothic museum, natural history museum, and contemporary art; the abbey church is sublime, and the garden is a poem. Friday morning - finally to the river! Oh no, first waiting for the bus. Which never came. Ask the bus driver. Back by car to Admont, we still catch a bus, and from Liezen by train to the boat entry point in Schladming. The first part of the route is varied, with small riffles and stones that keep boredom away. At some point, we see the Grimming rising, and trees hang low over the shore, mistletoes grow on them. The water is tame but flows quickly, which we notice when Vroni wants to pick a mistletoe branch, and our boat is pushed against the tree and almost capsizes. Of course. In the tame water! - When you have nothing else to do! Without further incident, we land at the campsite in front of the bridge. Living under the bridge is quite nice when it rains! On Saturday, only tame water awaits us until the Gesäuse entrance. Broad and green and smooth, the water flows with us. But what is swimming there? Tennis balls? No. Apples! They are easier to fish out than prosecco cans. The river not only carries us, it also nourishes us! When we land at the Lauferbauer bridge, it begins to rain. Hitchhiking, Vroni can reach the car, and the tour ends in the guest garden under the awning during an apocalyptic thunderstorm. The next morning, our beautiful river is milky coffee brown.