Timber raft 8 days/7 nights

50 kilometers

In addition to the timber raft trip, this package provides ample time for hiking and exploring the surrounding area. It promises to be an unforgettable adventure!

  • nest_eco_leaf Explore Klarälv valley from both the water and the land.
  • nest_eco_leaf Cherish more moments together.
  • nest_eco_leaf Camp for seven nights in the great outdoors.

The unforgettable Tom Sawyer adventure

Our 8-day timber raft tour is our most historic package, dating back to 1980. Spending a whole week on the river offers both relaxation and adventure. You will travel 50 km along the river, watching the landscape change gradually. There will be time to go ashore for hiking or simply to relax and enjoy the nature and villages you drift past.

_L2_0718
IMG_3971
IMG_4104
IMG_3847
IMG_4024
DCIM100GOPROG0015237.

What is included in the package?

camping Seven nights in the great outdoors
face Information about the tour
emoji_people Instructor at the meeting point and the building site
support Basic equipment
directions_bus Local transport
local_parking Parking for vehicles
map Maps with description for various hiking trails.

Things you can rent/purchase from us

  • Tent accomodate 3-4 persons.
  • Sleeping bag and mattress.
  • Kitchen equipment.
  • Food for self-preparation.

Things you need to bring

  • Clothing suitable for changing weather conditions, including rain gear and a complete change of clothes.
  • Gloves and sandals (appropriate for use in the water) or old trainers.
  • If you have not rented a tent, sleeping bags, or kitchen equipment from us, please bring your own.
  • Bring enough food for your entire stay if you have not ordered it in advance. You can also purchase food along the river, as you will pass three different smaller grocery stores.

The basic equipment includes: Timber, ropes, life-ring, paddles, poles, buoyancy aids, tarpaulin, metal platter for hurricane stove, bucket, rubbish bags, toilet paper, spade, drinking water container, topographical map, storage box, canoe (a Canadian canoe or sit-on-top kayak depending on availability at the building site), information about the tour before arrival and in Gunnerud, introduction in Gunnerud,  instructor during raft building and two overnight in tent (in own tent or hired from us) at Klarlälvens Camping (if desired).

When the timber raft is completed, additional boxes (the rope boxes) will be empty which you can use for your equipment.

The transport of you and all your equipment (but not large personal items such as canoes/kayaks, bicycles, etc.) from Gunnerud to the building site is included. If you arrive by car, this will be parked free of charge in Björkebo during your timber raft tour.

To build your own timber raft is a big part of the adventure and experience.

  • Face new challenges together.
  • Live fully in the moment.
  • Be ready for a physical adventure.

Timber rafting is perfect for nature lovers who seek new experiences, embrace challenges, and enjoy being physically active. This adventure promises unforgettable moments! In addition to the timber raft trip, you will have the opportunity to embark on various hikes, taking in magnificent views, vast forests, and cascading waterfalls.

The conditions for rafting depend on the water level, which, along with the weather and wind, significantly influences your journey. These factors affect the time you have to experience the surroundings, making each trip unique based on prevailing conditions. Along your journey on the river, you may encounter sandbanks, stones, backwaters, and fallen trees. Combined with the adventure of building your own timber raft from logs and rope, this creates a demanding yet unforgettable experience. We will instruct you before you begin building the timber raft and ensure it is safe before you set off. You will complete the tour independently and set your own daily stages.

How does it work?

Day 1:  

  • Check in at reception in Gunnerud between 15:30 and 17:00.
  • Pick-up the equipment you have reserved.
  • Receive guidance on building the raft, river route details, and information about Swedish public access rights.
  • Spend the night in Gunnerud in your own tent or in a rented tent.

Day 2:

  • Transportation is provided to the raft building site.
  • You build your own timber raft.
  • You spend the first night in a tent at the building site.

Day 3:

  • Hiking to the top of Branäsberget (optional).
  • You start your timber raft trip.

Day 3-8:

  • Float down the river Klarälven on your timber raft.
  • Find your own camping spots in accordance with Swedish public access rights.
  • You go ashore for hiking or experience the area.

Day 8:

  • Please arrive at your final destination in Björkebo no later than 5:00 PM.
  • Disassemble your raft.
  • Return all rented equipment.
  • Begin your journey home or set off on to new adventures.

Prices and departures

Period: 4th June – 27th August 2025.

Departures: 
Mondays, Wednesdays, Sundays.
Between 4th July – 15th August also Fridays as departure days.

Time and place for arrival: 15.30-17.00 in Gunnerud, 95 km north of Karlstad.
Note! It is important that you keep this time!

Timber raft 8 days (SEK/person)AdultsChildren 3-15 yearsGroups
Basic equipment (04.06-11.07 + 13.08-27.08)589029454010
Basic equipment (13.07 – 11.08)619030954310

Groups: 10 participants minimum. Price per person regardless of age. Minimum 5 persons/timber-raft, of which at least 2 must be adults. (Groups 20 persons or more SEK 3730/Person.) Special travel conditions for groups.
Additional equipment (SEK/person)AdultsChildren 3-15 yearsGroups
Cancellation insurance240120120
Kitchen equipment440220420
Provisions172012701540
Sleeping bag325325325
Tent960 /tent

Note! If you book kitchen equipment or food provisions, all participants on the same raft must select these items. Since building and, later on, steering the raft requires some physically hard work, at least two adults are required per raft. However, each raft can carries up to 6 persons.

Requirements

Each timber raft requires a minimum of 2 adults aged 18 or older. Adults must be able to swim. Advance booking of the package is mandatory. Cancellation insurance can be arranged at the time of booking. Participation is at your own risk. Please review our travel conditions prior to booking.

Faq
Can we bring the dog?

You are welcome to bring your dog, but you must consider the following:

– You must keep the dog leashed at the meeting point and at the building site (if you have booked a timber raft tour). It is also important that you always have the dog under supervision on the journey, because you are traveling in an area where there are wild animals.

– If you make a longer trip (3-8 days), local transport is included. If there is another person traveling in the same vehicle who is allergic to dogs, you must be prepared to transport your dog to the start of the tour yourself.

– Some dogs are very sensitive to mosquitoes. There is not much you can do, but it is usually not a problem when you are out in the canoe or on the timber raft, but can be a concern when you go ashore for the night.

– We do not have life jackets for dogs. Bring your own if your dog needs it.

– It can be long days on the river if you travel on a timber raft or paddle a canoe when the dog must be still. But if the dog likes to swim, it is usually not a major problem.

Can we drink the water in the rivers/lakes?

The water can only be drunk if it is boiled. The water can therefore be used for all cooking, coffee, tea, etc. On longer trips (3-8 days) you will get freshwater containers in the basic equipment that you can fill up before you set off. You don´t have to boil the water to brush your teeth or wash the dishes. Remember to bring biodegradable washing-up liquid!

Where is our starting (meeting) point?

Depending on which package you have booked, there are different meeting points. NOTE! If you search Vildmark i Värmland on Google, or any other search engine, you will come to our office in Torsby. NO tours start from here! You will find information where your specific meeting point is in your travel documents that you have received when you made the booking/payment. It is usually found at the end of the travel document.

What do we do if we want to fish?

It is fine to try fishing on all our different tours, but you must have a fishing license. You can purchase fishing licenses at the starting point for all tours except canoe tours that start in Torsby (Röjdån and Rottnan). If you start your canoeing in Torsby, you buy a fishing license at “ifiske.se”. (Seach: Lekvattnets FVOF for Rottnan and Velens FVOF for Röjdån)

Is it possible to travel by train and bus to you?

You can travel by bus alternatively by train from Karlstad to the meeting point of most of our packages. It all depends on which package you have booked, and which day you will arrive to us. Should you, for example, start your canoe- or timber raft trip on a Saturday or Sunday in Gunnerud, there is no bus to Gunnerud on these days. If you will arrive to Gunnerud on a Saturday or Sunday, you can travel by bus to the bus stop “Sjögränd” (just south of Gunnerud) and we can arrange a transfer free of charge to Gunnerud (if you arrive with the bus connection that is closest to the start time of your booked trip). Notify us at the time you make your booking if you need transfer.

Are there a lot of mosquitoes?

There are always mosquitoes. How much depends on how dry, hot, and wet it is/has been. A heavy spring flood with subsequent heat brings a lot of mosquitoes. However, it is very rare that there are mosquito’s over open water. The mosquitoes are mainly active on land and in the evening. Mosquito repellent and covering clothing are the best protection. As far as it is known, the mosquitoes in this area does not carry any infections.

What our guests say about us

Adventure, nature, challenges, eating on water, building the raft, teamwork
Timber raft
Thank you very much
Timber raft
Well organised, good and enough food and being in touch so close with nature is just the best!!
Timber raft
Something completely different
Timber raft
It was a wonderful experience to undertake with my family
Timber raft
It was even better as in the beginning I was a bit nervous building and handeling the raft. But this was great with two strong guys
Timber raft
It was even Better than hoped for! Building the raft was quite a job but well supervised in advice and assistance
Timber raft
It was a very unique experience. Away to get close to nature and a perfect trip for a person who loves nature and adventure.
Timber raft
A good balance of number of participants. Enough not to be crowded on the river, yet completly solitude, once on the water. Created a safe atmosphere about not being alone if you get stuck, on the other hand great peace and quiteness.
Timber raft

Other popular packages

2015-Jonathan-Steffens-Tf-pa-alven-Tf4Tf7-1

TIMBER RAFT 5 DAYS

Imagine taking a trip on a timber raft you built using logs and rope! It’s an unforgettable adventure that combines challenges with relaxation. The leisurely pace of travel, against the backdrop of nature’s forces, offers a blend of excitement and tranquility. Get ready to experience life as a log driver for a few days, meeting nature on its own terms.

IMG_2950

TIMBER RAFT 2 NIGHTS

Build your own timber raft using logs and ropes, then drift along the river Klarälven in Värmland, letting the current guide you. Expect a journey filled with breathtaking scenery and surprises like sandbanks and backwaters along the way. This outdoor experience includes two nights of camping in a tent – the first night at our campsite and the second night along the river.

IMG_2078

CANOE TOUR SVARTÄLVEN

Starting on the border of Dalarna county in eastern Värmland, the river Svartälven is one of our best canoeing waters. The river runs south through vast areas of outstanding natural beauty. The canoe tour on Svartälven offers a diverse experience from the beginning. While the river narrows at times, it transitions into the winding river Tvärälven and further leads into several smaller lakes.

2010-06-01-272-Version-2

CANOE TOUR BERGSLAGEN

Paddling through the region of Bergslagen, spanning parts of Västmanland, southern Dalarna, and eastern Värmland, you’ll encounter vast forests, hills, valleys, wetlands, and numerous lakes. Known for its serene and relatively untouched landscapes, Bergslagen is ideal for those craving tranquility.

THE LIFE OF A LOG DRIVER

The life of a log driver was tough and dangerous, but it also offered a life of freedom and great camaraderie. While working, the log drivers lived together in simple huts, where the scent of damp clothing mingled with smoke from open fires. The job of the log driver was to ensure the safe transport of timber and pulpwood as it floated down rivers to sawmills or pulp factories. Along the journey, log drivers had to be resourceful and navigate challenges such as log jams. These occurred when logs got stuck on river banks and caused the logs to pile up, blocking the flow of the river. The log drivers had to work quickly and work together to break up log jams manually with long poles called pike poles. If this didn’t work they had to use dynamite.

Although the era of log driving has faded into history, you can get a sense of the lifestyle and traditions of a log driver as you build your own timber raft and float down the river Klarälven. Just like the log drivers of the past, you will live close to nature, embrace freedom, solve challenges together, and sometimes have to navigate difficult situations along your adventure.