For many people in the Rhineland and the Netherlands, the Ardennes are the classic canoeing destination: the Ourthe, Lesse and Amblève sound like adventure. Before you set off, though, an honest look pays off, because access to the Ardennes rivers depends on the daily water level, and the drive is longer than many think. We paddle the Rur in the Eifel and compare fairly here, so you can choose what suits your day.
The short answer
In the Ardennes you can paddle several rivers, but only when the authorities release the section on that particular day. With too little water (common in high summer) or too much water there is a daily ban. The Rur in the Eifel is closer for guests from NRW and the Netherlands, and it is reliable because we organise the tour for you.
Canoeing in the Ardennes: what you need to know
The Walloon authorities control access via the water level (as of the 2026 season, check before you travel):
- Daily release by level: a section is only navigable when the flow is between a minimum and a maximum value. In a hot summer the upper Ourthe often runs dry and is closed.
- Seasonal closures: the sporty upper sections are closed from mid-March to the end of September, while tourist runs such as the Lesse from Anseremme to Dinant operate roughly from April to October.
- Distance: depending on the river, around 90 to 160 kilometres from the northern Eifel, so a longer travel day, and you only know for sure shortly beforehand whether it is open.
The Walloon offices publish the daily status. So plan in a buffer and a plan B in case your chosen section is closed.
The Rur: closer, reliable, right in the national park
Anyone coming from the Rhineland or the Netherlands has the Rur much closer. And it is reliable: on the guided canoe tour on the Rur we handle registration and boat numbers, provide the boat, paddle and life jacket and guide you from Heimbach to Zerkall right through Eifel National Park. The start is at 11:15, lasting around 4.5 hours. You need no prior knowledge. If you prefer it calmer, paddle the Heimbach reservoir, ideal for families from the age of 7, while the guided Rur tour is possible from the age of 9. By the way: the Rur flows from the Eifel into the Netherlands and joins the Meuse at Roermond, a real piece of borderland nature.
Frequently asked questions about the Ardennes and the Rur
Can you canoe in the Ardennes any time?
No. The sections are released day by day based on water level, and some upper sections are closed from mid-March to the end of September. With too little or too much water there is a daily ban.
Which is closer, the Ardennes or the Rur?
For guests from NRW and the Netherlands the Rur in the northern Eifel is usually much closer than the Ardennes rivers, which lie 90 to 160 kilometres away.
Do I need experience for the Rur?
Not for the guided tour. A life jacket and briefing are included and your guide shows you everything. We also handle the registration, so you do not have to worry about a thing.
Fancy a reliable day of paddling?
Instead of hoping for a daily release in the Ardennes, book your guided canoe tour on the Rur or the Heimbach reservoir directly on our booking page. For more on the region’s waters, see the overview Where can you go canoeing?
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The popular guided day tour from Heimbach through Eifel National Park. Places are limited, so book online in good time.
View the Rur tour