Heidal Rafting in Sjoa
Heidal has been a destination of choice for exciting activities and comfortable accommodation in the Sjoa Valley since 1938. These take full advantage of our location in the heart of the valley, with easy access to the rivers, canyons, forests and peaks that attract adventurers from other parts of Norway and the rest of the world. Our rafting in Sjoa offering is just one aspect of what makes Heidal Rafting appealing. We also provide lodging and dining options that combine the best of traditional Norway with modern vacation convenience for a complete, and unique, experience.
Rafting
Most of our guests visit us for a Rafting in Sjoa experience, which we have perfected in the almost three decades we have offered a variety of guided trips. Each summer, we welcome those who want to enjoy the Sjoa Valley from the vantage point of its beautiful rivers.
Full package
Vacation is as much about relaxation as it is about fun, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
We offer our guests a full vacation package that includes accommodation, homemade meals, and a wide variety of outdoor activities that are so easily accessible from our facilities.
Activities
The diversity of the Sjoa Valley landscape offers so much more than rafting.
While the lure of the whitewater presents our most popular attraction, we also offer adventure activities like riverboarding, canyoning, a bridge-swing and rope and cable activities like a via ferrata.
Popular rafting excursions
We have designed a selection of rafting excursions that optimise the features of the world-famous Sjoa Valley rivers, and in keeping with our guests’ appetite for adventure. Follow a link below for more information.
Family-focussed rafting at Ottaelva
A memory-making, guided rafting tour for the whole family to share and enjoy
Daytrip rafting in Sjoa through Heidal
Our flagship excursion that put Norway on the international whitewater rafting map
Afternoon trip rafting in Sjoa through Heidal
A shorter version of the flagship daytrip, on the stunning middle section of Sjoa
Accommodation
Sjoa Vandrerhjem is nestled between the rivers Sjoa and Gudbrandsdalslågen. It has origins as far back as the 1200s, when it was established as a farm. The beautiful and calm natural surroundings that form the backdrop to Vandrerhjem/Aamodt Gård make this an ideal destination in itself, or as a base for a variety of adventurous activities that take full advantage of the surrounding mountains and rivers.
Accommodation options range from fully serviced rooms and family-sized huts, each with their own bathroom (a unique feature amongst the Sjoa river operators), to rustic, traditional lavvo and gapahuk shelters located a stone’s throw from comfortable, shared ablution facilities.
Skinnbue
This charming hut is a converted old stable offering three floors of space housing up to 6 people
Lavvo
The lavvo /gapahuk camp is an iconic feature with space for up to 50 people
Hut
Our huts offer simple, comfortable accommodation for up to 6 people
Rooms
The newly converted Barnhouse has 2-, 3- and 4-bed rooms with communal lounge and kitchen
Food and refreshments
We offer good, hearty and value-for-money meals that are designed to enhance the homely Norwegian experience. Meals are generally served in the iconic Peisestua, which is the original section of the farmhouse dating back to 1747, or in the BBQ house, or in the large Lavvo.
We offer a satisfying cold breakfast buffet, warm lunches and dinner, and special set menus for groups. Our meals feature favourites like cured meats, a 3-course barbecue menu, and whole grilled lamb. For those guests who have signed up for a rafting day trip, your main meal is a stew with bread and salad; while those spending two days on the river will enjoy a local speciality such as moose stew or venison on the second day.
With prior notice, we accommodate meal preferences for vegetarians, those with allergies and other conditions and dietary requirements. We are fully licensed and serve beer, wine and spirits in Peisestua, our bright and welcoming outdoor area, and the BBQ house.
Sjoa river
Sjoa River is widely regarded as one of the world’s best for rafting and other water activities. It flows from Lake Gjende (which is 984 metres above sea level) at Besseggen, to the village Sjoa in Gudbrandsdalen, where it flows into Gudbrandsdalslågen. The river passes through the exquisite Sjodalen and Heidal valleys. This body of water is also home to the Knight’s Leap (Ridderspranget) which features in Norwegian folklore, where two lovers are said to have fled the woman’s arranged marriage on horseback and had to take a mighty leap across the river.
Follow the video link below for an introduction to what you can expect on the Sjoa River.
Note that we run our family excursions on the gentler Otta River.
Guestbook
Read what our guests wrote about their stay at Heidal Rafting
