Boats navigating the Aare can traverse the barrages at the Flumenthal, Ruppoldingen and Gösgen power stations using the facilities provided by Alpiq Hydro Aare AG.
Users of small portable boats weighing up to approximately 50 kg (canoes, simple rowing boats, inflatable dinghies, etc.) can remove them from the water at the landing stages provided, move them to the other side of the barrage and put them back in the river (again at the landing stage provided) at any time and without having to wait. Alpiq Hydro Aare AG provides the following facilities to help larger, non-portable boats traverse the barrages:
Boat lift opening hours
1 May – 30 September
8:00 am – midday/1:30 – 8:00 pm
1 October – 30 April
8:00 am – midday/1:30 – 5:00 pm
Please follow the information signs at each barrage. Telephones are provided near the landing stages so that you can inform the operator of your arrival.
Please always comply with the navigation signs in the vicinity of the power stations. Failure to do so could cause a hazardous situation. We reserve the right not to lift boats in the event of high water, temperatures close to freezing point, non-compliance with boat dimensions, failure to follow the operator’s safety instructions or gross violation of navigation rules.
Provided you observe the following as well, the Flumenthal, Ruppoldingen and Gösgen hydropower stations should not present any particular obstacle.
Flumenthal power station
Coordinates: 611'502, 230'861
Boat lift located on right bank of the Aare. Funicular boat lift. Maximum boat dimensions: L= 8.0 m, W= 2.30 m, H= 3.0 m. Maximum weight: 2.50 t.
Ruppoldingen power station
Coordinates: 633'181, 240'150
Boat lift located on right bank of the Aare. Funicular boat lift. Maximum boat dimensions: L= 10.0 m, W= 2.5 m, H= 3.0 m. Maximum weight: 4.0 t.
Gösgen power station
Coordinates: 640'832, 246'546
Boat lift located on right bank of the Aare. Transporter boat lift. Maximum boat dimensions: L= 8.0 m, W= 1.9 m, H= 3.0 m. Maximum weight: 2.0 t.
Points to note: A hand cart is provided for small boats.
Disembarkation not permitted. The lifts are inside the power station perimeter fencing. Boats must be returned to the water within the perimeter area and may not transported away by land.