Water Levels and Weather in the Starzlachklamm: How We Decide on Your Tour

Many guests ask us before the tour whether rain automatically means the tour is canceled. The answer is a bit more nuanced, because it’s not just the weather that matters, but the water level in the gorge. The Starzlach originates on the Grünten and, like any mountain stream, responds to precipitation in its watershed, while light summer rain has little effect on conditions in the gorge. Before each tour, our guides assess the situation based on weather forecasts, precipitation data, and in-depth knowledge of the area gained from over 25 years of canyoning experience. Here, we explain how this decision is made, what happens under unfavorable conditions, and why an overcast sky is no cause for concern.

You’re going to get wet anyway when canyoning, and when you’re wearing a wetsuit, rain from above hardly matters at all. Precipitation only becomes a factor when it changes the water level and, consequently, the current in the canyon. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, or prolonged periods of rain cause a mountain stream like the Starzlach to swell, making certain sections behave very differently than they do under normal water conditions. Light drizzle, on the other hand, often changes conditions only slightly; with their peaceful atmosphere and lush greenery, such tours are actually among the most atmospheric of the season. The water level also influences the character of the tour, as the Starzlach Gorge can be explored in different ways depending on the conditions. We take full advantage of this flexibility when planning tours for beginners and families, with our guides adapting the route and sections to the day’s conditions as well as the composition of the group. Our tour page on canyoning in the Starzlachklamm provides an overview of the gorge, its highlights—such as the 18-meter-long rock slide—and the available tour options.

Safety is one of our company’s core values, and our safety concept is certified under ISO 21101 for adventure tourism. Before every tour begins, our association-certified guides assess weather conditions, current water levels, and forecasts for the Starzlach watershed. If the assessment is negative, the tour will not take place; we communicate this policy openly, as weather, water levels, and canyons are beyond our control. In practice, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and work with you to find a solution, such as a rescheduled date or a suitable alternative. Summer afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Allgäu and do not automatically lead to cancellations, as our guides continuously monitor conditions and adjust start times as needed. This assessment is carried out on each tour day by a professional who knows the Starzlachklamm from firsthand experience at every water level. We’ve summarized reliable information on cancellations, rescheduling, and the process in the event of a cancellation in the booking information on purelements so that you’re familiar with all the rules before the tour.