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Tour Overview
Timber Rafting This special tour of the Klarälven River in Central Sweden really is a back to basics holiday for those who with a passion for outdoor experiences and a love of nature. The Klarälven River valley is home to many different species of wildlife, unique and rare flora & fauna.
After arrival in Gunnerud for 5pm you receive your introduction and safety briefing for your adventure and the next few days enjoying the tranquil, idyllic scenery of Värmland. You will be provided with a tent (4 person), mattress, sleeping bag and provisions.
The building starts on day 2 under the expert guidance of your instructor. You will be provided with a map and receive instructions on how to steer your raft along the Klarälven avoiding sandbanks and other obstacles. Renting a canoe makes coming back to land just that little bit easier! All aboard, off we go! Enjoy the pristine countryside, sit back, relax, swim or try to catch your evening meal with some fishing (licence can be purchased prior to departure). Don't worry if you to get stuck on a sand bank - it's all part of the adventure!
The Klarälven flows at approx. 2km per hour, which allows for plenty of time to explore the small villages that line your route and buy provisions such as milk and bread. You will be able to keep track of time and distance with the map provided so you know how far you need to travel each day. Each night you choose your own spot to moor up. You may choose to sleep on the raft or pitch the tent on the shores.
Värmland Spend 4 nights (approx 30 miles / 50 km) rafting along Sweden’s longest river, the Klarälven, where logging was one a major part of local life. In 1991 the last logs from the wood industry drifted along the river, as trains and lorries began to take the strain. Since this time the tradition has continued in the form of timber rafts and nature tourism and now you have the opportunity to see some of Sweden’s very best unspoilled nature on a timber raft which you have built.
The pace of this tour is dictated by the river, which meaders slowly through the forests of central Sweden at 2 to 3kph. A waterproof camera is good to have as shy wild animals including elk, roe deer, badgers may hide in the shadows of the forest. Beavers were introduced early in the 1900's and have thrived in this habitat. They are purely vegetarian animals and live in dens in the river bank.
Picturesque towns and villages line the river so you can moor up and explore these fascinating old churches, abandoned cabins and local craft shops, all of which have a story to tell!
Activities
Relaxing and enjoyable timber rafting experience along Sweden's longest river.
We recommend renting a canoe just to make reaching land and securing your raft that little bit easier.
You will be provided with all the equipment required to build your raft, life jacket, kitchen equipment, food, sleeping bag, mattress and a tent. You will be given expert guidance and tuition in the safe construction of your timber raft, which will weigh nearly 2 tonnes upon completion!
Picturesque towns and villages line the river so you can moor up and explore these fascinating old churches, abandoned cabins and local craft shops, all of which have a story to tell!
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Tour Highlights
A unique holiday taking you on an adventure on nature's terms. We bring you the opportunity to fulfil your childhood dreams and live just like Tom Sawyer. Enjoy the thrill and revel in the satisfaction of building your own floating transport and accommodation before drifting through forests and small villages.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Wilderness Camp
Arrival in Gunnerud for 5pm. Following your arrival you will receive a safety / information briefing for the rafting adventure ahead. You will be issued with all your equipment which include a tent, matress, sleeping bag and BBQ & provisions, which are those eaten by a typical Swedish family. Perishables (eg milk) will also have to purchased en route.
Day 2 | Build your raft
You are taken to your chosen departure point where you build your raft under the expert guidance of your instructors. You will be provided with a map and receive instructions on how to steer your raft along the Klarälven avoiding sandbanks and other obstacles. Renting a canoe makes coming back to land just that little bit easier! All aboard, off we go! Enjoy the pristine countryside, sit back, relax, swim or try to catch your evening meal with some fishing (licence can be purchased prior to departure).
Day 3 and 4 | Relax & Enjoy!
The Klarälven flows at approx. 2km per hour, which allows for plenty of time to explore the small villages that line your route and buy provisions such as milk and bread. You will be able to keep track of time and distance with the map provided so you know how far you need to travel each day. Each night you choose your own spot to moor up. You may choose to sleep on the raft or pitch the tent on the shores.
Day 5 | Arrival in Gunnerud
Arrive in Gunnerud by 5pm where you dismantle your raft and depart with life long memories of this adventure in nature’s playground.
A holiday about nature, in nature and completely on natures terms. This is nature laid bare. This excitiing and educational journey through a forest wilderness will show you just how fragile and perfect nature is. An important part of this tour is the 'Right of access' taught to all school children from an early age but the main emphasis is on your enjoyment as your journey through pristine countryside at natures pace.
We encourage you to make your way to the start of this timber rafting tour by public transport, however this is not always possible due to the iscolated location so we are here to help!
Rights of access - a part of Swedish life! You may walk, cycle, horse ride, ski, and stay temporarily in country areas providing you do not damage crops, forestation areas or other sensitive areas of land. You must respect the privacy of the home by not passing through or staying on private plots of land. Do not disturb and do not destroy, is the main principle of the Swedish Right of Public Access. You are allowed to camp for one night on land not used for agriculture that is located away from the dwelling-house. Ask the landowner for permission if you want to camp as a group. You may light a fire providing it is safe to do so, however, never on bare rocks as this might cause permanent damage due to cracking. When the lighting of fires is prohibited, this applies to all open fires, and is often the case in National parks and conservation areas. You may pick flowers, berries and mushrooms in the countryside, but certain plants, such as all orchids, are protected species and special regulations prescribed by law may apply to what you are allowed to pick in the countryside. Be sure not to leave any litter. Leave no trace.
Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy
Sustainable Travel in Sweden
We are committed to responsible & sustainable travel across Sweden & Lapland. Our actions will always impact on the sensitive environment around us and it is our collective responsibility to ensure these intrusions are kept to a minimum. With a population of just 9 million in Western Europe's third biggest country, Sweden has a large and diverse environment to protect. 53% of the surface area is forest, 11% is mountainous, 8% is cultivated land and 9% is lakes & rivers. Exploring the wonderful wilderness of Sweden has led to an increase in tourism to Sweden in recent years.
Caring for the environment is almost second nature to Swedes. They are taught about environmental respect and conservation from an early age. Recycling is always high on the agenda. Sweden aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2020 and all vehicles will be powered by non-fossil energy sources by 2030.
It is not just about carbon emissions and the environment. It is about appreciating, understanding and preserving cultural heritage. Sweden is approx. 2000km long and has a deep heritage and many proud traditions. from Skåne in the south to Lapland in the north you will find traditional arts & crafts (eg The Darlana Horse), the indigenous Sami of Lapland and of course mid summer celebrations in June.
As a guest in Sweden we encourage you to help exceed these ambitious and realistic targets by:
- Using public transport instead of a car where possible. We have teamed up with Europcar who are phasing out their fossil fuel cars and replacing them with bio-fuel cars. - Use less energy and where possible use renewable energy resources such as solar and wind energy. - Recycle as much as possible. Local refuse points have clearly marked containers for materials such as glass, plastic, metal, paper etc. - Use local resources eg., reduce 'food miles', use local suppliers for activities & excursions. They will also provide a more genuine experience that a large corporate entity. Not only is this good for the environment it helps boost the local economy. - Protect the environment and bio diversity. In Sweden you are never far from the wilderness, forest or a lake. Enjoy the countryside - it is the reason you have travelled to Sweden! Leave no trace and admire the timid native wildlife from a distance and everything will still be there for the next person to appreciate the true beauty of nature. - Small scale and genuine activities and cultural excursions are in abundance across Sweden. Each city, town and village has an interesting history and several annual gatherings. These are of huge importance to the local residents and we encourage you to take some time to appreciate the warm Swedish hospitality. - Take an extra step. Don't just stop here as we haven't thought of everything! - We appreciate it is not always possible or practical to do everything on this list, but it is important where possible that we make a contribution, no matter how small. We must continue to strive towards a future for the next generation.
Rights of access - a part of Swedish life!
You may walk, cycle, horse ride, ski, and stay temporarily in country areas providing you do not damage crops, forestation areas or other sensitive areas of land. You must respect the privacy of the home by not passing through or staying on private plots of land. Do not disturb and do not destroy, is the main principle of the Swedish Right of Public Access. You are allowed to camp for one night on land not used for agriculture that is located away from the dwelling-house. Ask the landowner for permission if you want to camp as a group. You may light a fire providing it is safe to do so, however, never on bare rocks as this might cause permanent damage due to cracking. When the lighting of fires is prohibited, this applies to all open fires, and is often the case in National parks and conservation areas. You may pick flowers, berries and mushrooms in the countryside, but certain plants, such as all orchids, are protected species and special regulations prescribed by law may apply to what you are allowed to pick in the countryside. Be sure not to leave any litter. Leave no trace.
This policy was last reviewed in April 2009.
About our Trusted Partner
Simply Sweden is a specialist travel operator to Sweden.
Simply Sweden exists to give you the opportunity to experience Sweden at its very best. We have travelled extensively, from the southern reaches of Skåne to the northern tip of Lapland and want to share our experiences with you. We are English and Swedish speaking and with the help of our Swedish partners we keep ourselves right at the very heart of your destination. Keeping our finger firmly on the pulse we will bring you the very best travel opportunities throughout this Scandinavian wonderland.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for or you are searching for inspiration fill in the request form or just pick up the phone. We are more than happy to design your perfect escape and we will do our very best to find a holiday to suit you.
We believe you’ll come back to experience more of Sweden, again and again.
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmlan : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmlan
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland) : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland)
Timber Rafting (Photo VTR/Vildmark i Värmland) : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo VTR/Vildmark i Värmland)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland) : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland) : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland) : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland) : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland) : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland) : Timber Rafting Klaralven River at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Timber Rafting (Photo Hipfel&Starck/Vildmark i Värmland)
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