Saale - Water hiking from Jena to Camburg - Stage 9

All water hikers who want to start only in Jena begin this stage in Jena at the Gries or at the foot of the Kunitz Castle. At the weir in Porstendorf, the Saale divides and flows around the Raben Island. Water hikers on through trips can choose the right variant (Old Saale) if water levels are sufficient, thus avoiding the hydropower plant at Porstendorf, while the left variant (river backwater) invites you to stay at a campsite, bathing lake, and beer garden. Behind the Raben Island, the Dornburg Castles can already be seen. Goethe once looked down from here at the Saale, and you can wave to the Rose Queen. But do not forget to portage the Dorndorf hydropower plant. The easiest way is to enter the mill canal on the right and use the exit point (left) before the intake structure.

The Saale valley now becomes significantly narrower. The hydropower plant in Döbritschen, with the latest technology, allows both water hikers and fish to overcome the weir easily: depending on water level, a canoe-fish passage (right) awaits you as an adventurous but harmless water slide. Afterwards, you can relax from your adventure at the picturesque rest area before, a few river bends further, the white keep of Camburg announces the end of this stage.

Life jackets, water shoes

The weirs and hydropower plants in the Saale must be portaged unless otherwise indicated. You should be at least two people to portage canoes; for inflatable boats, at least four people are necessary.

Please note that the flow speed of the Saale depends on the water level. We advise against water hiking if the water level is too high after heavy rainfall.

You can find the current water level at the Rothenstein gauge here

Stroll through the castle garden of the Dornburg Castles. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the fertile green Saale valley.