Do you want to rent a canoe or kayak in Heimbach and head out on the water yourself? Then it is worth an honest look at what is possible with us and what is not. Because rental at Kanu Petry comes with a few clear rules, especially on the Rur. Here you will learn what you can rent and when, why we do not let first-time paddlers go on the river alone, and which option is the right one for you.
The short answer
Guided tours are available with us at any time, and for those you need neither your own skill nor your own equipment. A kayak to paddle the Rur on your own, however, we only rent to experienced locals who have already done the guided Rur tour with us. There is no multi-day rental, and we do not provide a shuttle. For beginners and families, the guided tour on the calm Heimbach reservoir or, from mid-July, on the Rur is the better and safer choice.
What you can rent from us, and what you cannot
We have kayaks available for rental, as singles or doubles, and always by the day. What we deliberately do not offer: no multi-day rental and no multi-day tour on the Rur, the river’s nature protection rules do not allow it. If you need boats for your own waters, you can collect them yourself in storage mode, and that works all year round. You will find all prices and conditions on our rental page.
Paddling the Rur yourself: only for experienced locals
The Rur between Heimbach and Zerkall is a beautiful but serious river with current, weirs and nature protection requirements. That is why we have a firm rule: you only get a kayak to paddle the Rur independently if you know the area and have already done the stretch with us on the guided tour. We do not rent to first-time paddlers for the Rur; that is pure safety, not red tape. On top of that, paddling is only allowed in the season from 15 July to 28 February, the number of boats is limited, and you follow the navigation rules. There is no shuttle. Whoever paddles the stretch parks in Zerkall, takes the Rurtalbahn train up to Heimbach and paddles back to the car. Which waters in the region are open at all is summarised in our guide Where can you go canoeing?
Prefer a guided tour: reservoir year-round, Rur from mid-July
If you are new to paddling, come with children or simply want a relaxed time on the water, a guided tour is exactly right. On the Heimbach reservoir this works all year round: calm water without current, stable four-seater canoes, from the age of 7, adults pay 28 euros, children 24 euros. From mid-July the guided Rur tour is added: start 11:15, around 4.5 hours from Heimbach to Zerkall, from the age of 9, for about 55 euros. Boat, paddle, life jacket and briefing are included on both tours, you need neither your own skill nor your own equipment.
Rental or guided tour: which suits you?
The rule of thumb is simple. If you want to paddle independently, know the Rur and have already run it with us, then kayak rental is your way. If you are a beginner, come as a family or group, or simply want everything taken care of, then book a guided tour. Either way you are out in the northern Eifel in the middle of Eifel National Park, the only national park with a canoe provider right on site.
Frequently asked questions about canoe and kayak rental in Heimbach
Can I simply rent a canoe for the Rur at Kanu Petry?
Only under one condition: you know the area and have already done the guided Rur tour with us. We do not rent to first-time paddlers for the Rur, because the river has current, weirs and nature protection rules. For your first time on the water, the guided tour is the right start.
Is there a multi-day rental?
No. There is no multi-day rental and no multi-day tour on the Rur, the river’s nature protection does not allow it. Boats for your own waters can, however, be collected yourself in storage mode.
What can I do without prior experience?
The guided tour. On the Heimbach reservoir this is possible year-round from the age of 7, and from mid-July the Rur tour from the age of 9. Equipment and a briefing are always included.
Do you provide a shuttle?
No, there is no shuttle. On the Rur you park in Zerkall, take the Rurtalbahn train up to Heimbach and paddle back to the car.
How to get on the water
If you are unsure what suits you, just call or message us. For a relaxed start, book your guided tour on the Heimbach reservoir or on the Rur directly on our booking page. And if you already know the Rur and would like to rent a kayak, you will find all the details on the rental page.
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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