Kajak Rosanna - St.Anton bis St.Jakob - WW 3

The Rosanna kayak section from St. Anton to St. Jakob in Tyrol is a continuous wild water run rated III, ideal for advanced paddlers looking for a fast alpine river with very few eddies. Over approximately 4 km, the Rosanna offers sporty, tightly spaced rapids and a consistently steep gradient of around 16 m per kilometer. The section is typically paddled from May to early July; current water levels should be checked in advance via the RiverApp.

Description

Put-in, Take-out & Key Data:

• Start: old Rendl base station
• End: below the sawmill in St. Jakob
• Length: approx. 4 km
• Duration: approx. 40 minutes
• Gradient: 65 m over 4 km
• Difficulty: WW III, continuous
• Minimum water level: approx. 210 cm
• Season: May–early July, and after heavy rainfall
  Water levels:https://www.riverapp.net/de

Character & Key Rapids:

The put-in requires individual entry via a small eddy; directly beneath the ski bridge the whitewater begins without any warm-up section. The first meters are steep, fast, and characterized by waves and holes that should be punched with good momentum.

Under the road bridge it becomes briefly dark before transitioning into fast but slightly flatter passages through the village. After the wooden bridge, the gradient eases at first before the next notable section begins: a narrow S-shaped sequence with holes that should be scouted beforehand.

At the sawmill, the weir must be portaged — running it is life-threatening due to exposed steel beams in the structure. Shortly afterwards, you reach the take-out or the transition to the lower standard section of the Rosanna.

Logistics:

• Parking at the put-in: large parking area at the old Rendl base station (turn left approx. 300 m after the roundabout).
• Parking at the take-out: near the sawmill; keep the access road fully clear and ideally leave only one vehicle.
• Re-entry: possible below the weir.

Safety & Recommendations:

• Paddle in small groups of 3–4 people – better visibility and controlled rescue response.
• Scout in advance: the rapid in the large S-bend between the two road bridges.
• Spring: watch for wood in the river; later in the season monitor for possible debris flows.
• If you are unfamiliar with the Rosanna, start with the lower standard section – the river’s speed is often underestimated.
• Leave no trash and support local businesses.
• If a boat is lost: inform the police immediately → this prevents unnecessary rescue operations and helps them return your equipment if found.