Technical information
You can find important information here for planning your canoe tour.
All details regarding the individual entry and exit points/rest stops can be found in the river route section in the individual map sections. It must be noted that the start and end of a boat tour is only possible in entry and exit points. Pure rest stops are not accessible by car.
An extensive summary of the regulations that apply on the Lahn is provided by the Leaflet for Water Sports Enthusiasts on the Lahn Federal Waterway.
A brief summary of the codes of conduct for water touring on the Lahn is provided by the Golden Rules for Water Travellers.
Locks
On the Lahn, there are a total of 23 locks, which are operated in different ways.
On the route that is not fully developed, from Gießen to Steeden, there are 11 locks, with a length of 34 m and a width of 4.40 m to 5.15 m. The lift heights are between 1.24 m and 3.52 m, with average water discharge. The locks must be operated by the users themselves. For this, you must ensure that you fill the chamber again after a valley locking (downstream), as mostly only valley traffic exists in this section of the Lahn. For this, the lower gate and the protector need to be closed and the fill protector opened on the upper gate.
On the fully developed route from Steeden (Lahn km 70) to Lahnstein, there are 12 locks, from 34 m to 47 m long and 5.34 m to 6.30 m wide. The lift heights are between 2.68 m and 6.29 m, with average water discharge. These lock procedures are carried out by the operating personnel.
Timetabled passenger ships and other "large" vehicles take priority of sport boats.
Operating hours of the locks from Limburg to Lahnstein
You can find current lock closures and other restrictions for water travellers here.
The Lahn cannot be navigated during high water. You can query the current level here.
Water level telephone
Leun
Water level telephone: +49 (0)6473 19429
(Badenburg km -11 to Steeden km 70)
Current water level
Kalkofen
Water level telephone: +49 (0)6439 19429 (km 70 to mouth in the Rhine)
Current water level
For the Leun and Kalkofen water level, a maximum navigation water level of 360 cm applies.