Sjoa River Rafting

The Sjoa runs from Gjende in Jotunheimen down to the Gudbrandsdalslagen, and its combination of reliable glacier-fed flow, accessible put-ins and a range of difficulty from family stretches to grade five rapids in the Asengjuvet gorge made it the centre of Norwegian rafting from the 1980s. Several operators run from bases around Sjoa and Heidal, offering half-day family trips, full-day classic runs and multi-day expeditions, along with river boarding, kayak courses and canyoning in the side gorges. Water levels peak with the snowmelt in late May and June, when the river is at its most demanding, and settle through the summer. The valley also gives access to Jotunheimen and Rondane.

What you actually see

• The gorge sections - grade four and five rapids in the Asengjuvet.
• The family stretches - gentler water suitable for children.
• The glacier-fed flow - reliable water from the Jotunheimen snowmelt.
• The operator bases - camps and lodges around Sjoa and Heidal.

When to go

May and June for the highest water and the most demanding runs, July and August for warmer conditions and family trips; the season ends in September. Water temperature stays low all summer.

Honest expectations

The water is cold enough that wetsuits are essential, and they are provided. Swimming ability is required for the harder trips. Booking ahead is necessary in July and August, and trips can be cancelled or moved by water levels.

Nearby

Jotunheimen and Gjende lie upstream; Rondane and the Gudbrandsdalen valley surround the area.