River Traun Canyon
Raft, kayak, SUP – your private tour on the Lower Traun.
28.2 km · 4 portages · 1 or 2 days
Ultra Tour: Traunfall → Wels
The ultimate paddling tour on the Traun. From the spectacular Traun Gorge across the vast Welser Heide to the Roman city of Wels – for those who want more.
For paddlers who don't want to stop
Most tours end in Lambach. Not this one. The Ultra Tour continues – past the Lambach power plant, along silent riparian forests and across the Welser Heide, where the Traun once meandered through dozens of gravel channels.
Four portages challenge you, but reward you with ever-changing river landscapes. At the end, Wels awaits – the ancient Roman city of Ovilava – with perfect rail and bus connections.
Doable as a single day for fit paddlers. For everyone else, a perfect 2-day adventure with overnight stay near Lambach.
Your tour, your pace
Single-Day Tour (athletic)
28.2 km in one day. For experienced SUP or kayak paddlers with good stamina. Start at sunrise, arrive late afternoon.
- Pure paddle time: 7–9 hours
- 4 portages (300–500 m each)
- Recommended: May–September
2-Day Tour (relaxed)
Day 1: Traunfall → Stadl-Paura (9 km). Overnight. Day 2: Stadl-Paura → Wels (~19 km). Plenty of time for breaks, photos and exploration.
- Day 1: approx. 3–4h paddle time
- Day 2: approx. 4–5h paddle time
- Accommodation: we help with planning
Your Route – Station by Station
Traunfall – The Start
Your adventure begins at the Traunfall, one of the most impressive natural spectacles in Upper Austria. We start here and dive straight into the Traun Gorge.
Traun Gorge Upper Section – Natura 2000
4 kilometres through steep conglomerate walls, dense riparian forest and crystal-clear water. Kingfishers, damselflies and swans accompany you. The spectacular entrance to the Traun Gorge.
Portage
Kemating/Roitham Power Plant
First portage: exit on the right at a small wooden jetty, approx. 300 m portage. Then continue into the lower section of the Traun Gorge.
Traun Gorge Lower Section – Natura 2000
5 kilometres through the heart of the Traun Gorge. Steep rock walls, untouched riparian forests and crystal-clear water in the Natura 2000 protected area. The absolute highlight of the tour.
Portage
Stadl-Paura Power Plant
Second portage: right bank, approx. 150 m. Please use the designated portage on the right bank only. The fish pass on the left bank is reserved for authorised organisations.
Bathing Island, Paura Church and Lambach Abbey
The bathing island invites you for a break. On the right bank the baroque Paura Church, on the left the Benedictine Abbey of Lambach (founded 1046) – once a waypoint on the Camino de Santiago and centre of the salt trade. A unique perspective from the water.
Portage
Lambach Power Plant
Past Lambach Benedictine Abbey, after about 1 km comes the third portage: portage on the right. After the power plant, the landscape opens up – the gorge is behind you, the Welser Heide ahead.
Riparian Forest & Planateiche
The Traun winds through ancient riparian forests. Remnants of the former braided gravel character are still visible. Along the banks lie the Planateiche – still oxbow ponds full of life. A paradise for nature watchers.
Welser Heide & Roman Roads
You paddle through the historic Welser Heide – ancient Roman trade routes once ran here to their provincial capital Ovilava (today's Wels). The flat, open landscape offers sweeping views and gentle gliding.
Portage
Wels Traunleiten Power Plant
Final portage: left bank, approx. 400 m.
Caution
Photo: Steve der Flusswanderer · flusswandern.at
Hazard – Strong Currents
Expect increased currents here. Rock groynes and formations narrow the river – extra caution is required, especially for SUP and kayak paddlers. Choose the best line in advance and keep your distance from obstacles.
Finish
Wels – The Roman City
Exit at the boathouse near Wels Messe. The zoo, Welios Science Center and planned Central Park are within walking distance. To Wels train station: 1.4 km (~20 min on foot or 6 min taxi). Hourly trains back to Lambach.
In the Footsteps of History
The Traun was the region's lifeline for millennia. The Romans used it as a trade route to their provincial capital Ovilava – today's Wels. In the Middle Ages, salt boatmen transported "white gold" from the Salzkammergut downstream.
Along your route, you'll pass witnesses to this history: the Boat Museum in Stadl-Paura, the Benedictine Abbey of Lambach on the Camino de Santiago, and remnants of Roman roads through the Welser Heide.
In Wels itself, remains of the Roman city walls, Burg Wels city museum and a vibrant old town await – the perfect ending to a river adventure.
What TraunXperience organises for you
Transfer & Boats
Boat transfer to the starting point. Boat pick-up in Wels. SUP, kayak or raft – your choice.
Route Planning
Detailed river map, portage descriptions, GPS coordinates and tips for rest stops.
Route on Google Maps →2-Day Planning
Accommodation near Lambach/Stadl-Paura. We help plan your overnight stay.
Perfect Connections
Getting to the start
Meeting point: entrance to Flavia swimming pool car park, Badgasse 20, 4650 Lambach. Transfer to Traunfall included. By train: Lambach station (Westbahn line).
Return from Wels
Exit near Wels Messe. To Wels train station: 1.4 km on foot (~20 min) or 6 min by taxi. Hourly trains to Lambach (10 min), Linz, Salzburg and Vienna. Personal transfer on request.
Good to Know
Requirements
- Good swimming skills
- Basic paddling experience
- Stamina for 7–9h paddling (day tour) or 2x 4–6h
- Willingness to portage (4x 300–500 m)
- Deposit: valid ID (passport or driving licence)
Included
- Boat of your choice (SUP, kayak, raft)
- Life jacket, paddle, dry bags
- Boat transfer to starting point
- Boat pick-up in Wels
- Detailed river map & route description
€75 per person · Children €69 · from 4 persons. Guide optionally bookable.
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Ready for the Ultra Tour?
Send us your enquiry – we'll plan your 1 or 2-day adventure on the Traun together.