What Is Canyoning? Techniques, Origins, and Getting Started in Canyoning

Following the path of the water through a gorge, from top to bottom, with everything that the rock and river demand: Canyoning can be traced back to this basic idea. Along the way, walking and climbing alternate with swimming, natural rock slides, voluntary jumps, and rappelling down waterfalls, blending alpine mountaineering and water sports into a holistic discipline. Originating from gorge exploration in the Alps and Pyrenees, the sport has established itself worldwide, and the Allgäu region—with gorges like the Starzlachklamm—is among the most accessible areas for beginners in the German-speaking world. We’ll explain the techniques, the appeal, and the best way to get started.

Versatility is at the heart of this sport, because no two sections of a gorge are alike. It usually begins with walking and climbing over water-smoothed rock, interspersed with swimming stretches through clear pools where the wetsuit provides noticeable buoyancy. Natural rock slides, polished by the water over millennia, are among the most popular features; in the Starzlach Gorge near Sonthofen, an 18-meter-long slide forms the much-described finale of the tour, which many guests look forward to all day long. Things get more technically challenging during rappelling, where you descend in a controlled manner along rock steps or directly down waterfalls while secured by a rope; our guides practice this technique in a dry run before every tour until the procedures are mastered. Jumps into deep pools round out the repertoire and are always optional with us, as there’s an alternative for every spot. Those who want to experience these techniques for the first time will find the perfect option in “Canyoning Basic” for beginners, which offers a gentle introduction to all the movements.

Canyoning is fascinating for two reasons that reinforce each other. First, the sport opens up places that lie off any hiking trail—from narrow gorges with sunlight streaming in to pools whose water resembles the colors of the Caribbean; the Starzlach Gorge, classified as a geotope, even reveals fossils and remains of rare crabs in the rock. Second, every group in the gorge grows closer together as they help one another, cheer each other on, and share moments of success. Historically, the sport evolved from canyoning research in the Alps and Pyrenees, where pioneers explored inaccessible canyons using rope techniques; today, internationally established standards set by professional associations serve as the basis for the training and continuing education of our guides. To get started, we recommend a guided tour with a professional provider, as certified guides, a maximum guide-to-participant ratio of 1:8, provided Edelrid equipment, and a safety concept certified to ISO 21101 transform this nature adventure into a predictable experience. Our page on the canyoning program in the Allgäu and surrounding areas provides an overview of all difficulty levels and canyons.