Paddling the Thaya River: A Kayaking Adventure from Raabs to Eibenstein, Austria

If you’re looking for a kayaking trip in Austria that feels far away from everything, the Thaya River might surprise you. We came here expecting a beautiful paddle, but we didn’t expect such a wild and peaceful landscape just a few hours from Vienna. Between castle ruins, forest-covered cliffs, and quiet river bends, paddling the Thaya River from Raabs to Eibenstein turned out to be one of our favourite outdoor adventures in Austria.

Unlike many better-known kayaking routes, the Thaya still feels wonderfully quiet and wild. As you paddle through the valley, you might spot a heron taking off from the riverbank, fish jumping out of the water, or simply enjoy the silence around you. Most of the time, it feels like you have the river almost to yourself.

What Is the Thaya River?

The Thaya River (Dyje in Czech) flows through one of the most scenic landscapes in the Austria-Czech Republic border region. Near Raabs an der Thaya, two source rivers meet before the river continues its journey through forests, valleys, and historic ruins.

The section between Raabs and Eibenstein is considered one of the most beautiful navigable stretches of the river. With castle ruins, rocky cliffs, and untouched nature along the way, paddling the Thaya River feels like stepping into a hidden corner of Austria.

Things to Know Before Paddling the Thaya River

Is the Thaya River suitable for beginners?

Yes, but conditions matter. The section from Raabs to Eibenstein is considered an easy kayaking route, with mostly calm water and a gentle current. We are not advanced kayakers, and we found the trip very manageable.

The most important thing is checking the water level before you go. Low water levels can make some sections difficult, while higher levels can change the river’s character.

Can you paddle the Thaya River with an inflatable kayak?

Yes, you can. We completed the route with our Gumotex inflatable kayak, and it was a great choice for this type of adventure.

The river is calm enough for a stable inflatable kayak, but you should still be prepared for a few shallow sections and places where you may need to get out and carry your kayak.

What water level do you need for paddling the Thaya River?

The Thaya River is only navigable under certain conditions. For the Raabs to Eibenstein section, the recommended water level is between 120 and 180 cm.

Always check the current water level before your trip, as conditions can change and may affect how easily you can complete the route.

How long does it take to paddle the Thaya River?

The Raabs to Eibenstein route is around 14 km (8.7 miles). We spent about 3 hours and 20 minutes on the water, including a few short stops to enjoy the scenery.

If you want to explore places like Kollmitz Castle ruins along the way, plan extra time.

Are there obstacles on the Thaya River?

Yes. Along the route, you will encounter several weirs that require attention. Depending on the water level, some can be paddled through, while others may require you to carry your kayak around.

Always check the current conditions before starting your trip.

Do you need a guide to paddle the Thaya River?

No. The route is suitable for independent paddlers, but planning is essential.

Since this is a more remote river experience, make sure you know your launch point, exit point, water level, and transportation logistics before setting off.

What is the best time to paddle the Thaya River?

The best season is generally from spring to early autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and the days are longer.

However, the water level is the factor that matters most. Always check conditions before your trip, especially after dry periods.

Is the Thaya River busy?

Not at all—and that is one of its biggest advantages.

Unlike more popular kayaking destinations, the Thaya feels peaceful and wild. During our trip, we spent long stretches surrounded only by forest, cliffs, and wildlife.

What should you bring for a Thaya River kayaking trip?

The river is exposed to the sun during parts of the route, so we recommend bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sun protection. In warmer months, insect repellent is also useful, as mosquitoes can be present near the water.

Starting Our Paddling Adventure on the Thaya River

On a beautiful Saturday morning, we drove to northern Austria for a kayaking adventure on the Thaya River. This was the section we had been looking forward to the most—the route from Raabs an der Thaya to Eibenstein, known for its peaceful scenery, castle ruins, and untouched nature.

There was just one thing we were watching closely: the water level.

Early that morning, the river level was only 123 cm, and we weren’t sure whether paddling the Thaya River would still be possible by the time we arrived. Since we still had some driving ahead of us, we worried that the water level might drop even further.

Luckily, by the time we reached the river at around 10 a.m., the water level had risen slightly to 125 cm. It was enough, and our adventure was back on.

Getting Ready in Eibenstein and Raabs

Before starting, we drove to Eibenstein and left our bikes near the finish point. We asked a local family if we could leave them in their courtyard for a few hours, and they kindly agreed. We planned to return for lunch afterwards, but unfortunately, the restaurant was already booked for a private event.

If you’re doing the same route, you can also leave your bike near the bridge in Eibenstein, close to the river.

After sorting out the logistics, we headed back to Raabs an der Thaya, where our paddling adventure would begin.

Launching at Raabs an der Thaya

Just before 10 a.m., we parked near the JUFA Hotel and started inflating our kayak close to the riverbank.

We weren’t the only ones preparing for the trip. Another couple arrived with an inflatable kayak shortly after us, but we never crossed paths again during the day.

The only thing trying to slow us down was the mosquitoes. They were everywhere around the shore, so we quickly finished preparing and were happy to push away from the riverbank finally.

The launch point near the JUFA Hotel was easy to access, although the shore was a little muddy. Once on the water, everything became peaceful almost immediately.

The Thaya River welcomed us with calm water, almost no current, and a landscape that felt completely removed from everyday life. Tall rocks rose on one side of the river, while dense vegetation covered the banks around us.

It didn’t take long before we understood why this section of the river is so special.

The smooth but muddy entrance into the water near the JUFA Hotel and parking lot.

Into the Quiet Wilderness of the Thaya River

The first 6 kilometres were incredibly peaceful. The river was surrounded by forest, cliffs, and complete silence, interrupted only by a few raindrops falling onto the water.

The weather actually added to the atmosphere. A light mist settled over the landscape, dragonflies flew around our kayak, and the river had a beautiful café au lait colour after the rain.

We even passed a few tourists in blue rental canoes coming from the opposite direction. They didn’t seem bothered by the mist either, and neither were we. Since we weren’t in a hurry, we slowed down and simply enjoyed the scenery.

Eventually, we reached Kollmitzgraben, where we pulled our kayak out on the left side of the river at the designated landing area. It was time for our first obstacle of the day.

Exploring Kollmitz Castle Ruins While Paddling the Thaya River

By the time we reached the first weir at Kollmitzgraben, the weather had completely changed. The clouds had cleared, the temperatures were pleasant, and we knew this was the perfect moment to take a break from paddling and explore one of the highlights of the route.

We pulled our Gumotex kayak out of the water, secured it on our beach trolley, and started the short walk uphill toward the Kollmitz Castle ruins.

And what a decision that was.

Perched above the Thaya Valley, Kollmitz Castle is one of the largest castle ruins in Lower Austria. Once an important border fortress that protected the region, it is today a fascinating place to explore freely.

We wandered through the old stone walls, climbed the steep steps to the towers, and searched for the small details that bring the ruins back to life. Inside, there is also a small museum where you can learn more about the castle’s history.

But the highlight for us was the view.

From the top of the tower, we could see the Thaya River winding through the valley below—the same river we had just been paddling. Seeing the route from above gave us a completely different perspective and made us appreciate this landscape even more.

Before returning to the water, we stopped for a quick snack and coffee at the small café inside the castle grounds. It was the perfect break before continuing our paddling adventure on the Thaya River.

Kollmitz Castle Ruins Practical Information

Opening hours:

• May to October: daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting)
• July and August: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting)

Entrance fee:

Free entry. Donations are welcome and help preserve the ruins.

Navigating the Weirs: The Challenging Part of Paddling the Thaya River

After we visited Kollmitz Castle, we returned to the river and continued our paddling adventure. Getting back on the water was a little trickier than expected, though. The landing area at Kollmitzgraben was muddy and unstable, so we had to be careful not to bring half the riverbank inside our kayak.

Muddy kayak entry point along the Thaya River

Once we were floating again, the challenges were quickly forgotten. The scenery around us was incredible, and the Thaya River continued to surprise us.

This was also the moment when the wildlife started to appear. A beautiful black stork flew nearby, fish kept jumping out of the water, and a curious rabbit suddenly appeared from the bushes along the riverbank. It felt like we were paddling through a hidden nature reserve rather than a river in Austria.

Soon after, we reached the second weir near Dorfwiesgraben. We landed on the left side of the river and started looking for the exit path. The river itself wasn’t the problem—the tricky part was getting around the obstacle.

The path was overgrown, muddy, and not exactly designed for carrying a kayak. With our inflatable kayak on the trolley, every step required a little extra attention. Still, we managed to make it through and were soon back on the water.

Only about 500 meters later, we reached another marked exit point. We stopped and got out to look for the way around, but after a few meters, the path disappeared into the vegetation. Since there was no obvious way forward, we decided to get back in the kayak and keep paddling.

The current was slightly stronger here, but nothing felt dangerous, so we enjoyed the ride and moved on.

The third weir, near Brunngrabenbach, brought another small adventure. We tried the marked exit point on the left side of the river, but the path seemed to lead nowhere. After a few attempts, we realized we had to get creative.

We moved closer to the weir and searched for a better place to get out. Eventually, we found a way, but not before crossing an area full of nettles. Carrying a kayak through stinging plants was definitely not the highlight of the day!

Sweaty and slightly annoyed, we finally reached a proper entry point and left the challenging section behind.

Looking back, these moments became part of the adventure. The Thaya River is beautiful because it still feels wild—and sometimes that means you have to work a little harder to explore it.

A Small Island

A few minutes after leaving the third weir, we reached one of the most unexpected moments of our paddling adventure on the Thaya River—a small island splitting the river into two channels.

We slowed down and tried to figure out which way to go. From the kayak, it wasn’t easy to see what was waiting around the bend. The water looked slightly more active, and since we couldn’t clearly see either route, we decided to take the safest option and cross over the island on foot.

Looking back, we probably could have paddled around either side without any problems, but in that moment, carrying the kayak over the island felt like the better decision.

It was just another little reminder that paddling the Thaya River is not a perfectly predictable experience—and that’s exactly what makes it fun.

Once back on the water, the river quickly returned to its peaceful character. The current slowed again, the vegetation thickened, and the landscape around us felt untouched.

Herons flew along the riverbanks, and another one suddenly appeared from the bushes, almost as if it had been waiting for us to pass.

Reaching the island. Left or right? We will figure it out next time. But, for now, we crossed the Kayak and paddled further to Eibenstein.

The Final Weir Before Eibenstein

Around kilometer 13, we reached the last weir of the route, just before Eibenstein.

We landed on the left side of the river at the marked exit point and started searching for the entry point below the weir. It was not immediately obvious, and we had to look around carefully to find the way back onto the water.

While we were figuring things out, we met three young paddlers coming upstream in a canoe. They were also searching for the correct entry point, which made us feel a little better. We weren’t the only ones trying to solve the river’s little puzzles.

After finding our way around the final obstacle, we were back on the Thaya River for the last stretch toward Eibenstein.

Reaching Eibenstein: The End of Our Thaya River Adventure

The final kilometer came much sooner than we expected. After hours of paddling through forests, cliffs, and quiet sections of the Thaya River, our adventure was slowly coming to an end.

When we spotted the bridge in Eibenstein, we knew we had reached our destination.

This time, the landing was easy. No muddy banks, no searching for hidden paths—just a simple exit near the shore. We pulled our kayak out of the water, placed it on the grass, and took a few minutes to relax on one of the nearby benches before packing everything away.

It was a perfect ending to a beautiful day on the river.

Important note: Paddling the Thaya River beyond Eibenstein toward Drosendorf is not allowed, so this is the official end point for this route.

If you are following the same trip, you can exit on either side of the bridge depending on your transportation plans. Once you see the bridge, you will know your paddling adventure on the Thaya River is complete.

When you spot this bridge, you will know that your adventure on the Thaya River is over. You can stop on the left or the right-hand side, depending on where you are going from here.

Cycling Back to Raabs an der Thaya

After packing our kayak, we collected our bikes and set off on the ride back to Raabs an der Thaya, where we had left our car.

The cycling route was about 6.5 km and proved to be a pleasant way to finish the day. The temperatures were cooler, the roads were quiet, and after spending hours on the water, it felt good to slowly make our way back through the countryside.

It was the perfect final chapter to our paddling adventure on the Thaya River.

Another Option: Paddling the Thaya River from Břeclav to Hohenau an der March

If you enjoyed the idea of paddling the Thaya River but are looking for a different kind of adventure, there is another beautiful section further east.

The scenery changes completely on this section of the Thaya River. Instead of castle ruins and rocky cliffs, you’ll find quiet wetlands, fishing cabins along the banks, and a much more open landscape. Keep your eyes open, because this is where we spotted many white storks and herons.

This section is more straightforward than the Raabs to Eibenstein route. The current is stronger, there are no weirs to navigate, and the route is a great option for beginners and families.

Quick facts:

• Distance: 24 km
• Moving time: around 3 hours 40 minutes
• Average speed: 7 km/h

We covered this route in a separate article if you want to explore another side of the Thaya River: KAYAKING THE THAYA & MARCH FROM BRECLAV(CZ) TO MARCHEGG(AT) 

Paddling the Thaya River from Raabs to Eibenstein, Austria. Interactive Map

Underneath, you’ll find a customized map that includes all the locations mentioned in this article. Just open this article on your phone and click on the frame in the upper right corner of the map. The Google Maps app will open, and you can check all the details. I hope it helps!

Final Thoughts

Paddling the Thaya River from Raabs to Eibenstein turned out to be one of those adventures that stays with you long after you leave the water.

It wasn’t the easiest kayaking trip we’ve done—not because of the paddling itself, but because of the small challenges along the way. The muddy exits, the weirs, and the occasional struggle to find the right path around obstacles made the journey feel more like a real adventure.

And honestly, that’s what made it special.

The Thaya River doesn’t feel like a typical tourist destination. Instead, it takes you through a quiet corner of Austria where forests, cliffs, castle ruins, and wildlife create a landscape that feels almost untouched.

If you’re looking for a peaceful outdoor experience away from the crowds, paddling the Thaya River is absolutely worth adding to your Austria itinerary. Bring a bit of patience, check the water level before you go, and prepare to enjoy one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Lower Austria.

Kayak related articles

If you’re planning a trip to Austria, you might want to read my other kayak articles:

KAYAKING THE DANUBE CANAL IN VIENNA

KAYAKING THE THAYA & MARCH FROM BRECLAV(CZ) TO MARCHEGG(AT) 

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