Timber Rafting on Klarälven
Example itinerary for adult groups (also suitable for Youth and Students Groups / University Armed Forces):
A male client in his 30s was looking for something unusual for his stag trip with a group of friends. An 8-day timber rafting trip proved to be the ideal solution, plus of course the focus on teamwork makes the experience an excellent preparation for married life!
A 5-day route is also available. Download the "Full Details" file for this experience in PDF format.
Day 1
- Arrival at timber rafting centre at Gunnerud. You will receive your kitchen equipment (see "What is included" below) along with any additional equipment you have arranged.
- At 17.00 you will meet for an instruction session, during which you will be taken through the techniques used in constructing your raft and safety procedures.
- You will then camp for the night at Gunnerud. Outside toilets and running water available.
Day 2
- You will be transported up river to the raft building site, where, under the guidance of your instructors, you will build your own timber rafting using only logs and ropes. Building and piloting the raft can be physically demanding - you will need to roll the logs into the water and tie them together to make the layers of your raft whilst in the water. The most important thing is to work together - timber rafting is an excellent team-building activity! You will also build a triangular shelter on the raft to protect you and essential equipment from sun and showers.
- When your raft is complete, it will measure around 6m x 3m. When you are ready, you will load your equipment onto the raft and set sail down the river Klarälven, which flows gently at around 2kph. Your timber raft will weigh over 1000kg, and it may take a little time to get used to handling her using pole and paddles, but after a while you should become increasingly confident in handling the raft, learning to relax and "go with the flow" of the river. You will need to plan ahead to successfully navigate the bends in the river and keep a careful eye out for overhanging branches, backwaters and sandbanks. If you get stuck in a backwater, it's time to start paddling!
- As evening approaches, you can begin to look out for a suitable camping spot to pitch your tents for the night. Wild camping is possible along the length of the route, though if you wish you will pass the occasional "proper" campsite which you are also welcome to stop at.
Days 3-7
- Your voyage down river continues. Along the way you may choose to stop at local villages on the banks of the river to go exploring or purchase a treat from one of the small village shops. The area is wonderful for hiking and taking some time for walking in the surrounding forest is also recommended.
Day 8
- On your last day, you will reach the log trap at the end of your tour, where you will dismantle the raft and send the logs floating into the waiting log trap, where they will be collected and transported back up river ready for their next voyage down the the Klarälven!
- If you wish, you are welcome to camp for free in Gunnerud the night following your tour and to keep any equipment free of charge for the extra night.
What is included (for more details please see the "Full Details" file for this experience):
- All materials necessary for constructing your timber raft
- Life jackets, paddles, etc.
- Full cooking and kitchen equipment including fuel.
- Instruction and advice from local guides during raft construction.
- Map and detailed description of the route.
Optional Extras:
- Canoe - this is recommended as it not only gives you greater flexibility while on the raft, but can also make landing the raft much easier as someone can row ashore with a line.
- High quality Hilleberg tents.
- Sleeping bags, sleeping mattresses and sheets.
- Fishing licence and simple fishing equipment for the length of the route.
- For larger groups, a selection of hotel accommodation before and/or after your tour and coach transfer to/from airports can be arranged.