Sonthofen, in the Bavarian Alps, is more than just a charming town with scenic mountain views. It’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure-packed tours that combine natural beauty with adrenaline. Whether you’re floating through narrow gorges, sliding into cool pools, or rappelling down waterfalls, Sonthofen offers a variety of canyoning experiences for all levels. Among the options, we particularly like the Starzlachklamm Canyoning tours for their mix of accessibility and excitement — ideal for anyone wanting a taste of wild nature with some expert guidance.
If you’re after a straightforward introduction, the Starzlach Gorge: Beginners Canyoning Tour is perfect. For those wanting a quick, exhilarating experience, the Starzlachklamm Canyoning for Beginners & Advanced offers a compact but memorable outing. And if you’re feeling more confident and want to explore beyond Germany, the Schwarzwasserbach Canyoning in Austria’s Kleinwalsertal presents a longer, more diverse adventure. To help you decide, here’s a quick overview of the top options.
1. Canyoning in the Allgäu: Starzlachklamm Canyoning for beginners & advanced
At number 1, this canyoning tour is a short, action-packed experience that captures everything that makes canyoning exciting. It’s priced at $129 per person and lasts about 3.5 hours. What makes this tour stand out is its appeal to both beginners and more experienced thrill-seekers. You’ll explore the Starzlachklamm gorge with a state-certified guide, ensuring safety and expert tips.
This tour is designed to be manageable in any weather, thanks to high-quality neoprene gear. It includes special canyoning shoes to give you good grip on wet rocks. The highlight is the chance to slide, jump, and rappel through the gorge, experiencing the wild beauty of the Allgäu region firsthand. Photos are included so you can relive the adventure later.
Bottom line: This tour combines the thrill of canyoning with ease of access, making it perfect if you want a quick but memorable adventure. It’s especially good for those who want to try canyoning in a safe, guided environment.
2. Starzlach Gorge: Beginners Canyoning Tour
Ranking second, this beginners’ canyoning trip costs $135 per person and lasts around 4 hours. It’s designed specifically for newcomers, focusing on teaching basic techniques while exploring the stunning Starzlach Gorge. You’ll learn skills like jumping into pools, sliding over rocks, and rappelling from waterfalls.
The tour offers a step-by-step introduction with plenty of support from the guide, making it ideal for those new to canyoning or outdoor adventure sports. The experience culminates with a thrilling 18-meter-long slide, which often becomes the highlight for first-timers. The natural beauty of the gorge combined with manageable jumps and descents makes this a popular choice.
Many reviewers highlight the friendly guidance and safety, with one saying, “Many thanks to the guides Thomas and Dori, who led us through this adventure with great safety! It was great fun!!!” This tour suits active travelers looking for a guided introduction to canyoning in a safe setting.
Bottom line: Best suited for beginners who want to learn as they go, this tour balances safety, education, and excitement. It’s a great first step into canyoning.
3. Starzlachklamm Allgäu: Canyoning beginner tour
At number 3, this fully guided beginner canyoning tour offers a 3-hour journey through the Starzlachklamm Gorge for $124 per person. It’s praised for its intimate group size and focus on safety and technique. The tour includes abseiling through waterfalls, jumping into pools up to 4 meters, and sliding over rocks into cool waters.
What sets this tour apart is the detailed instruction from guides with proven experience, allowing even the most cautious participants to feel confident. The itinerary covers a gorge walk, guided canyoning, and river exploration. Reviewers mention how much fun they had, with one saying, “It was a ton of fun. We loved every minute of it.”
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, beginner-friendly experience that emphasizes learning and fun. The inclusion of waterfall abseiling and water jumps gives a good taste of real canyoning.
Bottom line: If you’re new to canyoning but want to experience multiple techniques in one trip, this tour offers excellent value and a well-rounded introduction.
4. Schwarzwasserbach: Canyoning in Austria’s Kleinwalsertal
Finally, for those who want a longer, more diverse adventure, the Schwarzwasserbach canyoning tour in Austria’s Kleinwalsertal is a standout at $147 per person for about 5 hours. This tour showcases spectacular mountain scenery and combines rappelling into canyons, hiking along trails, and jumping into pools.
What makes this tour special is the ability to choose your level, whether sporty or scenic, and the opportunity to rappel into waterfalls up to 12 meters high. It’s suitable for those with some canyoning experience or adventurous spirits eager to test their skills in a beautiful, alpine environment.
Reviews note the friendly guides and the flexibility of the course, making it a good option for those wanting a more personalized experience. If you’re looking for a true multi-hour expedition that combines natural splendor with physical challenge, this is the one.
Bottom line: Well-suited for those with some prior experience or a strong desire to explore Austria’s stunning landscapes in a full-day outing.
$147 per person
How to Choose the Best Canyoning Tour in Sonthofen
When selecting your canyoning adventure, consider your fitness level, experience, and what kind of thrill you seek. Beginners should lean toward the Starzlach Gorge: Beginners Canyoning Tour or the Allgäu beginner tour, which emphasize learning and safety. If you’re more confident or pressed for time, the canyon in the Allgäu offers a quick, fun fix.
For those craving a longer, more varied experience, the Schwarzwasserbach tour in Austria provides a full-day adventure with scenic views and technical challenges. Budget-wise, the prices range from $124 to $147, but the value includes professional guides and all necessary gear.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best times. Check availability directly on the links provided, and think about the level of physical activity involved—some tours involve jumping, rappelling, and hiking, so choose one that matches your comfort and fitness level.
Final Thoughts
Sonthofen and its nearby regions offer a wide array of canyoning adventures suitable for all levels. If you’re new to canyoning, the Starzlachklamm beginner or the comprehensive allgäu tour are excellent starts. More experienced thrill-seekers will appreciate longer, more challenging options like the Schwarzwasserbach tour in Austria.
No matter your choice, booking early and preparing for wet, active fun will ensure you get the most out of your trip. Whether you want to stay close to Sonthofen or venture into Austria, these tours promise unforgettable outdoor moments in the stunning Bavarian Alps and beyond.