Nature conservation and navigation instructions
For nature conservation reasons, you are only permitted to travel along the river if the water level is high enough. Travelling along the north and south arm within the nature reserves and the Wümme-Hauptlauf (Wümme River Main Route) to the east of Bremen-Borgfeld is only advisable between 1 May and 31 October.
Please observe the conditions for registration and access set out by the district of Rotenburg an der Wümme and the Hammeverordnung (Hamme River Regulation) set out by the district of Oterholz. You can find these in German on the corresponding websites www.wasserwandern-row.de and www.kulturland-teufelsmoor.de.
Here is an excerpt from the regulations:
Reference level
According to the Regulation set out by the district of Rotenburg an der Wümme, which came into effect on 16 June 2015, the reference level of the NLWKN (Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency) shall apply when canoeing in the municipality of Hellwege.
Registering the boat prior to departure
Before departing with your own boat, you need to register it with the district of Rotenburg an der Wümme. Boats must only be registered once by E-Mail
Locks and weirs
Locks and weirs are potentially dangerous. Find out which ones require you to portage the boats before starting your trip.
The specifics of the tour
The Wümme river is approved for canoeing from the municipality Lauenbrück onwards. As you canoe along the Wümme river, you will pass Scheeßel, Rotenburg an der Wümme, Hellwege, Everinghausen, Fischerhude, Borgfeld and Ritterhude. There are plenty of places to take a break and stay overnight along this route.
If you prefer an organised tour, then why not rent a canoe at one of the many canoe rentals along the Wümme river. You are also welcome to switch from a canoe to a bike. The Wümme-Radweg (Wümme Cycling Track) is a perfect trail for experiencing the Wümme river on two wheels.