Stuttgart: Exclusive Raft Boat Rental

If you’re looking for a way to unwind and enjoy the scenic beauty around Stuttgart, this raft boat tour might just be what you need. While I haven’t personally been on this particular trip, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions give a clear picture of what to expect—think leisurely cruising, good eats, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a unique way to see the Neckar River, especially if you’re into relaxed days combined with some tasty food and drink.

Two things stand out about this experience: first, the excellent food options—whether grilled meats or tapas—and second, the spectacular views along the river passing through vineyards and lush landscapes. The fully equipped boats with sun terraces, BBQ grills, and weatherproof seating make it a comfortable spot to lounge for a couple of hours. However, one thing to consider is that the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which might be a limitation if you’re traveling with someone with mobility needs.

This tour is ideal for anyone who enjoys good food, relaxed surroundings, and scenic waterways. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a team outing, or just want a slow, scenic cruise, it offers a cozy and controlled environment with a friendly skipper at the helm. If you’re after a fun, chill day on the water with great food, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Relaxing two-hour cruise along the Neckar River with scenic views of vineyards and landscapes
• Fully equipped boats featuring sun terraces, BBQ grills, weatherproof seating, and onboard toilets
• Delicious food options including self-grilled BBQ and wine with tapas, catering to vegetarians and vegans if notified in advance
• Limited group size, with one or both boats for groups up to 19 people, ensuring a private, intimate experience
• Skipper service included, making navigation easy and worry-free for guests
• Weather goes rain or shine, so come prepared with sunscreen or hats if needed

You can check availability for your dates here:

What the Experience Looks Like

From the moment you arrive at the meeting point (which can vary depending on your booking), you’ll be greeted and assisted in boarding either the Flosse or Finne, the two specially equipped raft boats. Each boat is designed for comfort and convenience, with enough space for groups of up to 12 or 7 guests respectively, along with your skipper. Together, the boats can accommodate up to 19 people, perfect for a small party or family gathering.

As the boat sets out on the river, you’ll start to notice the beauty of the Neckar’s landscape. The most scenic stretch passes between Mühlhausen and Bad Cannstatt, where steep vineyard slopes cling to the hillsides, creating a stunning backdrop for your cruise. For the 2-hour tours, you won’t pass through locks, keeping it a smooth, peaceful experience. For those opting for longer tours, heading toward Remseck and Ludwigsburg, cruising through locks adds a bit of extra interest.

The highlight of the trip, beyond the stunning scenery, is sitting back on the boat’s sun terrace or under the covered seating area, sipping wine or enjoying the freshly grilled food. The food options are quite appealing—self-grilling BBQ with beef, chicken, or vegetarian patties, along with salads, dips, and bread. Alternatively, the wine and tapas package offers a variety of snacks, cheeses, pickled vegetables, and dips, all paired with a good selection of wine. The reviews confirm that the quality of the food and drinks is high, making the experience feel like a cozy, floating picnic.

The Food and Drink Experience

The self-grilling BBQ is a real draw. You get a generous spread with beef steak, chicken, sausage, grilled potatoes, and salads, all prepped and ready for you to cook on the boat’s gas grill. Many reviews praise the deliciousness and generous portions. One reviewer specifically mentioned the “first-class” grill food being a highlight, and others loved the relaxed vibe of grilling and chatting with friends or family onboard.

The wine and tapas option is equally well-received. With an assortment of cheeses, olives, dips, and bread, it makes for a laid-back, snack-heavy experience. Because the salads, dressings, dips, and bread are vegan by default, vegetarians and vegans are well taken care of, provided you notify the organizers in advance. The wine selection complements the snacks nicely, adding a touch of elegance to the leisurely cruise.

The Group and Skipper

The skipper service is a key part of the experience. The skippers are friendly and knowledgeable, guiding you along the river and sharing insights about the scenery and landmarks. One reviewer even mentioned their skipper, Herbert, as being a “top guy,” which highlights how personable the guides tend to be.

Group sizes are kept intimate, making it easy to socialize without feeling crowded. For groups over 12, both boats are used, enabling larger parties to stay together. The private group setup is perfect for special occasions, team outings, or just a relaxed day with friends.

Practical Details: Pricing, Booking, and What’s Included

The price per person covers the boat rental, fuel, skipper service, and all boat amenities—like furniture, toilet, and music speaker. The food for self-grilling is available for an extra fee, but reviews indicate that the included provisions are more than adequate for a satisfying meal. The tour lasts exactly 2 hours, starting and ending at designated docks near Stuttgart, either Max-Eyth-See or Riverhouse.

Booking is flexible—free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—which is a good safety net if your plans change. You can also reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan your trip without immediate commitment.

The experience is rain or shine, so don’t worry about the weather, but do bring sunscreen or a hat if it’s sunny. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, which is important to keep in mind if you’re traveling with someone who has mobility challenges.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip is ideal if you’re after a laid-back, scenic, and food-filled outing. It’s especially suited to small groups, couples, or families (minus those with mobility needs). If you enjoy good wine, tasty snacks, and relaxing river views, you’ll find this tour hits the right notes.

It’s less about adventure and more about unwinding, making it perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply taking a peaceful break from sightseeing. The cozy atmosphere onboard, combined with the beautiful backdrop of the vineyards and hills, offers a charming setting that’s hard to beat.

The Sum Up

If you want a leisurely way to enjoy Stuttgart’s river landscape, this raft boat experience offers a charming combination of scenic views, good food, and relaxed vibes. The fully equipped boats with sun terraces and BBQ facilities make it easy to kick back and enjoy the moment. Plus, the positive reviews about the food, wine, and friendly skippers suggest it’s a well-organized and enjoyable outing.

This tour is best suited for those who prefer a calm, social environment over high-energy activities. It’s great for celebrating, unwinding, or simply escaping the hustle for a couple of hours. While it’s not designed for those with mobility issues, it offers a genuinely cozy and scenic escape for most travelers looking to enjoy Stuttgart’s Neckar River from a different perspective.

If you love good food, scenic river views, and a friendly atmosphere, this experience deserves a spot on your Stuttgart itinerary.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? While the experience is relaxing and family-friendly in terms of atmosphere, it’s best suited for older children due to the nature of the boat and food grilling. Always check with the provider if you’re planning to bring kids.

What’s included in the price? The price covers the boat rental, fuel, skipper service, and all onboard amenities like furniture, toilet, and music speaker. Food for self-grilling can be added for an extra fee.

Can I bring my own drinks? No, you can’t bring your own drinks onboard. All drinks must be purchased on the boat.

What should I bring with me? Sunscreen, a sun hat, and comfortable casual clothing are recommended. Since the tour is rain or shine, consider bringing a rain jacket if the forecast looks uncertain.

How many people can fit on the boats? The Flosse boat can hold up to 7 guests plus a skipper, and Finne up to 12 guests plus a skipper. Both boats together can accommodate up to 19 guests.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? No, this experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

How long is the tour? It lasts 2 hours, starting and ending at designated docks near Stuttgart.

Where do the tours depart from? The meeting point varies but is usually at the Max-Eyth-See or Riverhouse dock in Stuttgart.

What’s the best time to book? Tours run regularly, and booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for larger groups.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour.

If you’re after a relaxing, scenic, and tasty way to explore Stuttgart’s Neckar River, this raft boat rental is worth considering. Just remember to pack sunscreen and get ready to kick back—this is about enjoying the moment, not rushing through sights.

You can check availability for your dates here: