Traditional Boatbuilding for Uncommon Adventures
What do you get when you mix heritage skills, a love of the outdoors, and a landlocked Swiss mountainside?
Castorp is unexpected in so many ways. We favour slow, hand-built techniques over modern shortcuts. We’re just as happy in the rain and snow as in bright sunshine. Most of all, we’re building boats in a country that famously has no coastline.
If you’re ready for a different kind of journey, we’ve got the canoe to carry you there.
Let’s Go
Our Boats
Every Castorp is built to your exact specifications. Beautiful handmade craftsmanship, high-quality sustainable materials and surprisingly thoughtful details come as standard. Explore the demo model below to see some popular options, or book a consultation appointment to discuss your ideas.
Paddles
We offer single or double bladed paddles in the shape, bend and length of your choice. Add extra paddles for multiple seater boats, or stow spares for peace of mind.
Capacity
Whether it’s a 3m single seater for quick paddles, or a 6m tourer for all the family, choose a size that suits you.
Materials
We have a range of sustainably grown timbers, such as red cedar, spruce and ash. We also build canvas hulls and can finish your boat in any colour.
Shape
Opt for a versatile double ended canoe, or go for something streamlined and speedy. We can also square the stern and build a mounting point for a motor if needed.
Storage
Keep your gear safe with customised storage, anchor points and even waterproof stash boxes.
Handles & Grips
We can carve almost any handle style you want. A classic T-grip, a versatile ball, a straight shaft or maybe something more unusual?
Truly Bespoke
Made for you, your journey, and your style
PLANET-FIrST
Always sustainable materials and processes
LIFETIME PROMISE
Maintenance and repair services for decades of use
The Process
Week 1: Specification
Before we can build your boat, we need to understand how you plan to use your canoe. In our first meeting, we’ll talk about the water types, distances, expected weather and activities you’ll need your canoe for. We’ll also discuss any decorative or special features you might want.
Our clients come from all over the world, so most of these meetings are online. However, if you find yourself in Switzerland, we’d love to meet you in person. Our workshop is on the shore of Lake Davos, and we have plenty of canoes on hand for a test paddle.
Book AN APPOINTMENT
Weeks 2-6: COMMISSION
After our initial meeting, we’ll draw up plans for your canoe and you’ll have a chance to make any changes. We’ll also finalise any decisions about the main construction materials at this stage.
Once you’ve approved the design and the first instalment has been paid, we’ll get started on building the base of your boat. This usually takes around 6 weeks, but can be longer if we need to source specialist timber or supplies.
“The Most Beautiful Boat I have ever Paddled. It cuts through water like nothing else.”
Clavdia Chauchat – Explorer
Weeks 6-8: WATER TESTING
We’ll check in at this stage with an online tour of your new boat; although if you’d prefer to keep it a surprise, that’s fine too. The balance must now be paid, and you’ll get a final chance to decide on paint colours, wood stains and add any last-minute accessories.
Once your canoe is ‘finished’, we subject every boat to an intense 21-hour quality check that covers over 860 points. The final check is a short water test in the shallow, calm and pure Alpine water that flows directly into our boathouse. Most boats return to the workshop for final adjustments at this stage. Again, if you can make it to our workshop for this stage of your build, you are welcome to join us as we water test and refine your canoe.
STart Your JOurney
Weeks 8-10: The Adventure Begins
We’ll arrange for your brand new Castorp to be delivered to you, ready to carry you on a lifetime of exploration.
Services
Wear & Tear
Your canoe comes with a maintenance kit, so any scrapes, tears or scratches can be dealt with immediately. The exact contents depend on the spec of your boat, but expect items like spare paint, waterproofing treatment, buffers and patching supplies.
We keep all boat specs on file, so we can quickly recommend the right products for your canoe or recreate bespoke paint shades if you run out.
Reorder SuppliesGeneral Maintenance
We recommend your canoe is regularly inspected and maintained by a professional, as a well-cared-for Castorp will last lifetimes.
We can recommend a craftsman near you, but also offer maintenance appointments at our Lake Davos workshop. We’ll deep clean and inspect your canoe, fix any cosmetic issues, and reapply waterproofing. We’ll also replace any degraded consumable elements.
Book An AppointmentRepairs & Restoration
Adventures bring all sorts, including damage to your canoe. No matter how severe, we can repair or even rebuild your Castorp back to the original specification.
We are also happy to repair and restore small boats built by other quality makers. If you have an antique and/or handbuilt small boat that needs care, we would love to take a look.
Arrange A Repair“This is more than a Boat, It’s A Work of Art”
Leo Naphta – Olympic Champion
About Us
CRAFT & MAGIC
In 2005, Hans Castorp came to south-east Switzerland for a short holiday. He fell completely in love with the bewitching Alpine landscape, and decided to never leave.
Hans had previously trained in engineering and carpentry, and built small boats as a hobby. He soon started taking commissions from locals who had seen him paddling his self-built craft on the lakes and rivers.
In 2019, Hans teamed up with Ludo Settembrini and Joe Ziemssen to open Castorp Canoes. Together they built the workshop at Berghof Bootshaus and continue to work on every commission.
Handbuilt Canoes from Switzerland
Exceptional craft
This is a demo site by Red Spark Digital | View more demos
Photos by Jan Wienand, Sabina Dobrin, Salmen Bejaoui, Wes Hicks, Giordano Rossoni, Aubrey Odom, Finge Holden, Bailey Alexander, The Iop, Perspective Nature, Robert Crawford, Andrew Ruiz, Alain Gehri, Bret Lowrey & Adobe Stock. Oars by Carlos Salgado from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)