
Binnenkanal Lustenau
Drift leisurely down the Rhine Valley's inland canal in an inflatable boat for a relaxing, scenic, and family-friendly adventure.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect weather for boating

Binnenkanal Lustenau
Best Time
Perfect weather for boating

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Drift leisurely down the Rhine Valley's inland canal in an inflatable boat for a relaxing, scenic, and family-friendly adventure.
"This feel-good experience is suitable for children ages 5 and up and can be enjoyed by all ages."
inflatable boat needed
Bring your own inflatable boat for the ultimate canal experience. :boat:
Pack snacks & drinks
Purchase gourmet items beforehand for a delightful picnic on the water. :baguette_bread:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inland Canal Drift
Montlingen Wastewater Treatment Plant to Au Train Station
Float leisurely along the Rhine Valley inland canal, enjoying the scenery for 3-4 hours.
Gourmet Boat Trip
Agrola Altstätten
Stock up on delicious items for a gourmet experience during your relaxing boat journey.

Scenic Rhine Valley Views
Rhine Valley
Experience the beauty of the Rhine Valley from a unique perspective on the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Boat Trip Essentials
Timing Your Float
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
inflatable boat needed
Bring your own inflatable boat for the ultimate canal experience. :boat:
Pack snacks & drinks
Purchase gourmet items beforehand for a delightful picnic on the water. :baguette_bread:
Plan your endpoint
The canal offers various docking points, including Au Train Station for easy departure. :train2:
Family-friendly fun
Suitable for children aged 5 and up, making it a great outing for all ages. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
inflatable boat needed
Bring your own inflatable boat for the ultimate canal experience. :boat:
Pack snacks & drinks
Purchase gourmet items beforehand for a delightful picnic on the water. :baguette_bread:
Plan your endpoint
The canal offers various docking points, including Au Train Station for easy departure. :train2:
Family-friendly fun
Suitable for children aged 5 and up, making it a great outing for all ages. :child:
Consider longer routes
Start in Oberriet or Rüthi for a longer, more adventurous float. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the Binnenkanal Lustenau boat trip, calling it a 'supreme activity' and a 'highlight' in Eastern Switzerland. The leisurely drift, scenic Rhine Valley views, and family-friendly nature make it a highly recommended, feel-good experience. Some note that the old Rhine might be more scenic in certain sections.
"On a beautiful, sunny Saturday with 30-degree weather, we had the brilliant idea of boating on the Rhine Valley's inland canal. Boating is a supreme activity in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley.
The only requirements are an inflatable boat, swimming trunks, a beach towel, and reasonably good weather.
As an expert in this discipline, I would like to describe the itinerary of the trip to the public and recommend the same implementation:
- 1:00 PM Home: Departure by car from Altstätten
- 1:05 PM Agrola Altstätten: Purchase of gourmet items for the boat trip
- 1:15 PM Montlingen Wastewater Treatment Plant: Mental and physical preparation for the experience, including inflating the boats
- 2:00 PM Montlingen Wastewater Treatment Plant: Docking beneath the wastewater treatment plant and subsequent launch of the boats onto the inland canal
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Inland canal: Drift along and enjoy the Rhine Valley to the fullest
6:00 PM: Au Train Station: The boat docks directly beneath Au Train Station. The stairs there take you directly to the station.
6:30 PM: Au train station: Dismantle the boats and dispose of empty beverages
6:30 PM: Au train station: Departure by train to Altstätten or:
6:30 PM: Isebähnli Restaurant: If you don't want to go home yet, you can stop at the Isebähnli Restaurant for a nightcap, right next to the train station.
7:00 PM: Altstätten train station: Arrive in Altstätten and walk home.
7:15 PM: Back home: Fire up the grill and end the evening.
Those who want to stay on the boat for longer than 3-4 hours can also board in Oberriet (approx. 4-5 hours) or Rüthi (approx. 5-7 hours). However, those who board in Rüthi should be aware that rowing and navigation are required, which is no longer the case from Oberriet onwards.
The inland canal is safe and flows slowly; the oars are only needed to push off the land and correct the tack.
This feel-good experience is suitable for children ages 5 and up and can be enjoyed by all ages.
As an enthusiastic and passionate inflatable boat captain, floating on the Rhine Valley Inland Canal is still a highlight for me, even after all these years.
My number 1 excursion tip in Eastern Switzerland. 10/10"
Nico Buschor
"A leisurely boat ride from Oberriet to Gaissau (Rheineck). There are some shallow spots between St. Margrethen and Rheineck, but otherwise everything is very relaxed. The closer you get to Rheineck, the more the current slows down... However, the old Rhine is more scenic than the inland canal above..."
Simeon Wüger
"Beautiful canoe trip."
René
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point mentioned is the Montlingen Wastewater Treatment Plant, accessible by car. From there, you can launch your inflatable boat onto the inland canal. For those ending their trip, Au Train Station is conveniently located for train departures.
Yes, you can extend your journey by starting in Oberriet (approx. 4-5 hours) or Rüthi (approx. 5-7 hours). Be aware that longer trips from Rüthi may require more active rowing and navigation.
Au Train Station is right by the docking point, making it easy to catch a train back to your starting point or onward destination. Alternatively, the Isebähnli Restaurant is nearby for a post-trip drink.
While specific parking details aren't extensively covered, starting near the Montlingen Wastewater Treatment Plant or train stations suggests that parking is likely available in those general areas.
For longer trips, consider using public transport to reach your starting point or arranging for a pick-up at your endpoint. The train network in the Rhine Valley is quite efficient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets or entry fees mentioned for using the inland canal itself. The primary requirement is bringing your own inflatable boat.
The canal is a natural waterway, so there are no set operating hours. You can enjoy the boat trip during daylight hours, with sunny afternoons being particularly popular.
The experience is described as suitable for children aged 5 and up, indicating it's a family-friendly activity with no strict age restrictions for participation.
No advance booking is required for the canal itself. However, if you plan to purchase snacks or drinks, it's advisable to do so before heading to the launch point.
No permits are mentioned as being necessary for personal inflatable boats on the Binnenkanal Lustenau.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular way is to drift along in an inflatable boat, enjoying the leisurely pace and scenic Rhine Valley views. It's a relaxed, feel-good experience.
A standard trip from Montlingen Wastewater Treatment Plant to Au Train Station typically lasts 3-4 hours. Longer durations are possible by starting further upstream.
Yes, the canal is described as safe and flowing slowly, making it suitable for children aged 5 and up. Oars are mainly needed for minor adjustments.
You'll drift through the beautiful Rhine Valley, enjoying the natural landscapes. The old Rhine is noted as being more scenic than the inland canal above a certain point.
While not explicitly detailed, the mention of docking near Au Train Station and the Isebähnli Restaurant suggests some amenities are available at the end points.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! It's highly recommended to purchase 'gourmet items' beforehand for a delightful picnic experience on the water.
The Isebähnli Restaurant is mentioned as a place to stop for a nightcap near Au Train Station, suggesting dining options are available at the end of the journey.
Agrola Altstätten is specifically mentioned as a place to purchase provisions for the boat trip, indicating local shops are a good source.
The review mentions 'gourmet items,' implying a preference for enjoyable, perhaps picnic-style food that's easy to consume on the water.
It's advised to dismantle boats and dispose of empty beverages at the Au Train Station, suggesting that waste disposal points are available there.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene beauty of the Rhine Valley from your boat, focusing on the water, surrounding landscapes, and the leisurely pace of the journey.
Yes, the slow current and gentle drift make it easy to hold your phone or camera and snap pictures without much effort.
Sunny afternoons offer the best light for vibrant photos of the Rhine Valley. Golden hour light could also be beautiful if your trip extends into the late afternoon.
The journey itself, the gentle curves of the canal, and the picturesque Rhine Valley scenery are the main subjects. The wastewater treatment plant at the start is a unique landmark.
A waterproof phone case or a durable camera is advisable, especially if you're prone to dropping things near water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as this is a great opportunity for a floating picnic. Ensure everyone has swimwear and a towel. The ease of access to train stations at the end of the trip also makes logistics simpler for families traveling with children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing public transport like the train from Au Train Station for your return journey is also an economical way to complete the trip. By packing your own provisions, you avoid the expense of restaurant meals, making the Binnenkanal Lustenau a fantastic option for an affordable day out.
☀️ Nature Lovers
While the old Rhine is noted as being more scenic in parts, the inland canal still offers a peaceful journey through a beautiful region. It's an opportunity to slow down, observe the environment, and enjoy a quiet day surrounded by nature's beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Binnenkanal Lustenau Boat Trip Experience
The typical itinerary begins with preparations, including inflating boats and gathering provisions, often starting near the Montlingen Wastewater Treatment Plant. From there, you launch into the slow-flowing canal, allowing the gentle current to carry you through the scenic Rhine Valley. The need for oars is minimal, primarily for pushing off from the banks or making minor course corrections.
Upon reaching your destination, such as Au Train Station, you can dismantle your boat and dispose of any waste. For those looking to extend the adventure, starting further upstream in Oberriet or Rüthi offers longer routes, though these may require more active navigation. The experience is so enjoyable that it's consistently rated as a top excursion, with many travelers giving it a perfect 10/10.
Planning Your Perfect Float
Food and drinks are an integral part of the experience, with one reviewer specifically mentioning purchasing 'gourmet items' from places like Agrola Altstätten for a more enjoyable journey. This suggests packing a picnic is highly encouraged. The journey concludes at various points, with Au Train Station being a popular and convenient disembarkation spot, offering direct access to public transport for your return.
For those seeking a longer adventure, starting further upstream in Oberriet or Rüthi is an option, but be prepared for more active rowing and navigation on these extended routes. The canal is generally safe and slow-moving, making it accessible for families, but it's always wise to be mindful of your surroundings and any potential shallow spots, especially closer to Rheineck.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit