Photos of Timber Rafting on Klarälven

"Build your own timber raft out of logs roped together, and then pilot it down the river, looking out for elk peering from the forest." Lonely Planet magazine

"Exciting adventure holidays don't have to cost the earth." Active Traveller magazine

"More than any of my previous adventures to date, the combination of simple, primal tasks in the open air, the company of my brothers, and the enforced slowness of our pace had created a sense of both intimacy and contentment. I could not remember a more relaxing holiday." Nick Thorpe in "Urban Worrier"

"This is a real Boy's Own adventure. Channel Huckleberry Finn to build your own raft out of Swedish timber and paddle down the river Klarälven." The City magazine

"Rollin' on the river - this is an adventure holiday during which you build your own transport." American Express

"Learning to build a raft perhaps isn't something that would come in handy every day, but the skills of self-reliance and teamwork will stay with children for a lifetime. Families can join together on this unique trip, which will get everyone pitching in to build their own wooden raft before sailing it down the River Klarälven in Sweden." Qatar Airways in-flight magazine

"Your timber rafting tour will take you through a beautiful rural area of Swedish forests, small villages and farmland. Look out for beavers and other wildlife along the way." Green Parent magazine

"It's unlikely that Homer ever went timber rafting in Sweden, but if anyone would have loved it, it's the man who said: 'The journey is the thing'.Huckleberry Finn never had it so good." The Sunday Times recommends Timber Rafting on Klarälven as "one of Europe's finest journeys".

"The ultimate DIY travel experience." Recommended by Richard Hammond from The Green Traveller in Rough Guides "Clean Breaks - 500 New Ways To See The World".

"I'm struggling to remember a more relaxing holiday." Nick Thorpe in The Sunday Times.

"The silence was interrupted only by the kettle whistling." Imogen Stubbs in The Daily Mail.

"Pre-departure service was attentive and comprehensive. The rafting was just amazing. Building the raft was tough and demanding but to achieve such an amazing build and then live on it was so rewarding. Our only regret was we wished we had done the longer trip!" Angela, July 2019. Read a trip report from Angela.

"The rafting was more thrilling than expected with challenges at every turn of the river (we brought more books than required). The camping equipment was excellent. Food package was extremely generous. Staff were very charming, knowledgeable and encouraging." Kate, August 2018

"Everything was very clear and straightforward. We loved everything to be honest. Learning how to build a raft, the adventure of finding places to sleep, the food box provided. We loved every bit of the holiday, thanks again for everything!" Theresa, August 2018

"Thank you for a great and special adventure. The trip, start at the booking process and end at the raft disassembling, really exceeded all of our expectations. This trip is something that we definately will remember for a very long time, and we can't wait to plan our next trip with your company." Nir, July 2018

"We had a great time. When the sun shined, and we were floating on a beautiful river, drinking beer, fishing (although we caught nothing), away from normal life - it was fab." Adair, August 2017

"The timber rafting experience was unique. The sense of freedom and being close to such spectacular natural landscapes." Henry, August 2017

"All FANTASTIC!! Loved it!! Jayne was brilliant. We made last minute changes and had loads of questions. She was always helpful and polite, nothing was too much trouble. Thank you!!" Graham, August 2017

"It was a very enjoyable vacation and adventure. Having the freedom to chose the length of time on the river each day as weather and on-shore hiking permitted. We had a moose walk within meters of our tent." James, August 2017

"Thank you we had a great trip! It's both relaxing and challenging at the same time!" Alex, August 2017. You can also read a detailed trip report from Alex.

"I wanted to say thank you for one of the best weeks of my life last week, timber rafting in Sweden. I think I can speak for the group in saying they agree. :)" Rosie, August 2017

"A great service from start to finish, thank you! Thank you also for the support re attending the trip pregnant, was so pleased I was able to do the trip and had the confidence that other pregnant women had completed. As advised definitely needs two fully fit people to make the rafts! [The highlight was] the satisfaction of building the raft that carried us for 4 days." Claire, July 2017

"The rafting company were very chilled and relaxed, it was very nice compared with similar companies that sometimes rush you about or are inflexible." Peter, July 2017

"Drifting on Klarälven was spectacular." Barbara, June 2017

"Simply awesome." Peter

"Professional and helpful at all times. [The best part was] the whole package." Name not supplied

"[The best part was] finding a super stop to camp and successfully landing the raft - An excellent feeling of satisfaction overall having built and travelled on your own raft. Environmentally conscious company that seemed to have an ethical underpinning to its experiences. The ethos came across from all staff/employees." Laura

"Your response to questions was excellent and the pre-departure information was most comprehensive. I would like to complement Nature Travels on your very efficient pre booking and pre departure support and information. Our thanks to the whole team for making the fairly complex arrangements straightforward. Thanks again for facilitating a great adventure, we had a great time." Stephen, July 2015

"Great trip. Would recommend it!" Martin, July 2015

"There were a number of standout moments, but the best part of our trip was probably floating down a particularly beautiful stretch of the Klarälven on our second day. It was blisteringly hot, the current was favourable and the going was good. We had time to sit back and take in the scenery. Nature Travels provided a comprehensive description of the holiday and it seemed like a lot of fun, which it was. The rafting was a really great experience - we all had lots of fun and were thoroughly worn out by the end." Tom, July 2015

"Rafting was an exceptional experience - absolutely amazing, and despite experiencing every type of weather except for hail and snow, we loved it. The guys who helped us during the build were outstandingly helpful. Thank you for offering us the experience of having such a wonderful adventure." Alexandra, August 2014

"This was really a fantastic experience and brought us together as a family - we've got loads of anecdotes and memories, and we felt well looked after throughout." Peter, August 2014

"You provided a good personal service. I felt treated like an individual. Well done, a really unique experience. The Swedish staff were super - friendly and professional and the set-up works really well. Many thanks." Mike, August 2014

"Great experience, thanks for an amazing holiday. [The highlights were] being able to be on a raft we could be proud of having built. Being on the raft and seeing some beautiful sights." Name not supplied, August 2014

"We really enjoyed building the raft and then living on our efforts!" Jessica, August 2013

"I'd like to thank you all at Nature Travels for all your help and advice on organising what turned out to be the trip of a lifetime and an epic stag do! It's not often you organise something that lives up to your expectations, but this trip lived up to them and then some! From start to finish not one of our group could fault it.even the mosquito bites didn't dampen our spirits! Thanks again, and I'll be sure to recommend you guys to anyone and everyone!" Josh, June 2013

"The overall experience was very good we all enjoyed the trip down the river. Are thinking of doing the same again in four years with the next intake of Explorer Scouts." Andrew, Explorer Scout group, July 2012

"[We really enjoyed] building the raft & lighting fires with the kids." Cormac, July 2012

"Many thanks for all the help, it was a great trip." Ben, July 2012

"Building the raft itself felt like a real accomplishment. The peace and quiet is like nothing else, throw the wildlife and natural forces into the mix and it makes for a real experience! The staff were fantastically friendly and even when our tent pole snapped, they found us and got a new one to us within a couple of hours and we really appreciated that! I certainly won't forget the night my partner proposed to me!!!" Justine, July 2012

"The whole experience was unique and truly amazing. Once you learn how to vaguely direct the raft the best part is just watching the world go by as you gently float along the river! The organisation and level of information we were provided with by Nature Travels was excellent. I recommend other travellers read it back to front and take it with them as although there is a lot of info it really is important. Planning the trip properly removes the stress as there is quite a lot to organise in terms of travel arrangements. Swedish people are extremely friendly and accommodating. The trip was exciting, excellent value for money and exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed the wild camping element but there are plenty of campsites for anyone who prefers proper showers and toilets every so often! I would recommend other travellers buy their mosquito repellent out in Sweden as nothing we took with us worked and they really do get you!! We did take a large mosquito net which meant we could sleep on our raft, which was lovely. We combined the trip with 4 nights in Stockholm which enhanced this holiday of a lifetime. We WILL be using Nature Travels to book further holidays without hesitation." Gemma, July 2012

"Just thought I would write to let you know that we holidayed on a raft through you about 3 years ago when our children were 6 and 9. They still talk about the holiday now and are dreaming of returning again in the future. I really cannot recommend the experience enough to people who like an adventure. One of my best presents ever was made by my son: a paragraph of memories overlaying a photo to remind me of the trip. It is up on my wall in a frame for me to study in moments of stress!!!" Laura, received September 2011

"Unspoilt and scenic, watching beavers, building the raft together. We wanted a family adventure holiday and Nature Travels were very knowledgeable about Sweden and had the right holiday for us." Julie, August 2011

"We did love our rafting experience - "going with the flow" literally is an incredibly peaceful experience. We just love to be in on the water enjoying the quiet." Jeannette, August 2011

"We had a wonderful and unforgettable time and we would like to thank you for preparing us for this trip. We were also very fortunate to have excellent weather so it made the trip very enjoyable and relaxing. The pre-trip information from your office was excellent and very complete so we knew completely what to expect. I also really appreciate the quick and concise email replies from your office whenever we had a question. Overall I would rate your travel service as first rate. Thanks for all the great memories!" Arnaz, July 2011

"We had the best time, only problem was I forgot to change the memory card in my camara so only ended up with 8 pics!! I can't stress enough how good the information provided was, I was able to plan buses, trains etc from home and it all ran like clockwork and there were no surprises. All the suggested landing spots at villages etc where easy to follow and relate to the map provided onsite. You have a truly fantastic experience to offer and I wish you all the best for the future. Thank you for all the help and advice, it made planning the whole adventure easier and cheaper (I took the advice about booking trains in advance and it worked out at lease £60 cheaper than if I had booked later) also bus costs and times spot on. You never know we may be back for a canoeing trip!" Lucy, July 2011

"We had a wonderful and unforgettable time and we would like to thank you for preparing us for this trip. We were also very fortunate to have excellent weather so it made the trip very enjoyable and relaxing. The pre-trip information from your office was excellent and very complete so we knew completely what to expect. I also really appreciate the quick and concise email replies from your office whenever we had a question. Overall I would rate your travel service as first rate.Thanks for all the great memories!" Arnaz, July 2011

"[The best parts were] 1. Rafting through the nature reserve at 4:30 AM and watching the beavers at play 2. Finally setting off on the raft we had just built! 3. Pushing the last log away when we had finished undoing it!" Jane, July 2011

"The rafting was incredible fun; strenuous and challenging enough to make it interesting but mixed with peaceful relaxation. A real experience. Thanks for all your help. It was all perfect." Sally, August 2010

"You couldn't have been more helpful or informative! The rafting was such an exciting experience, calm and relaxing punctuated by moments of frenzied activy but perfect for our family. I was glad the weather was good though and my children are strong! Everything about it was perfect, you have chosen really professional and friendly people to work with who can't be faulted." Harriet, August 2010

"Seeing all the wildlife, camping wild, overcoming adversity, exploring the river area, the genuine kindness of the Swedes - I could go on! The staff were just totally amazing; really brilliant, helpful, knowledgeable, strong, fun, wise, funny and patient!" Juliet, July 2010

"We had a wonderful time in Sweden." Adriaan, June 2010

"We all had a holiday we will never forget. We were very impressed by the friendliness and helpfulness of everyone.Our oldest son loved building the raft." AB, August 2009

"Just a quick note to say we have returned safe, sound, healthy and happy from our rafting trip. It was great, met all our expectations.I am sure we will book another adventure with Nature Travels in the future, the 'boys trip' is going to be an annual event we have decided.It was a brilliant experience and we all had such a great time - so well-organised and once you get used to being back to basics it couldn't be better." Simon and Peter, August 2009

"We had a great time in Sweden. Thanks for all your help leading up to my trip. It was very helpful being able to speak to you and your colleagues to address all my questions beforehand. Beautiful country in so many ways. I would definitely consider returning to Sweden." Niels, August 2009

"You were so accommodating and all information was crystal clear.thanks for great service!! From start to finish we had an outstanding journey! The whole group were extremely pleased with this trip and some even said that it's the best holiday experience they have had. So a big thank you to Nature Travels, the rafting instructors, and the Swedish contryside!!" Daniel, August 2009

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the trip and I'm sure it will remain a topic of conversation for years to come. Brilliant! The level of freedom given was great, made the entire thing feel like a real adventure! Bob in particular was extremely helpful right through the process of booking and up to me ringing him from a supermarket in Karlstad!" Jim, July 2009

"The team was very supportive and all questions were answered in a very prompt and supportive manner. Overall ten out of ten for the support by your team.the tranquility of the river and the beauty of the landscape, being independent in planning activities once the raft was built, the support and flexibility of the team on site.the trip was an overall success, even the weather was great. The support was exceptional and exceeded my expectations and made it all the more worthwhile." Claus, July 2009

"I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful trip, on behalf of the whole group. It was the most relaxing holiday I've had in years, I really don't want to be back at work now!" Dave and the Stag Party, May 2009

"Angel, Katie and myself had a fanstastic time timber rafting. We rolled 2 tonnes of lumber into the river, where we assembled a raft, then just like Tom Sawyer and Huck we drifted, crashed and grounded our way down the river. We saw moose and beaver and stayed overnight in the travellers' shelters built by the riverside. It was without doubt the best holiday and the biggest adventure we ever had. I will recommend the holiday to everyone. LIfe seems a bit of an anti-climax now. All I want to do is do the whole thing again. We were all very sad to dismantle our raft. It is hard to believe that you could get so attached to loads of wood and rope and a bit of canvas. Thanks once again for all the fun." Andy

"Fantastic weather! Getting stuck on an enormous sandbank and having to camp overnight on a lumpy raft with half the tent strung up - the children thought it was great.! Laura

"We saw much more beavers than we thought, which was great, some seemed curious about the raft and swam with us for a while. Another highlight: The relaxing moments between fending off sandbanks, rocks and backwater. Adventure aspect was great. We greatly appreciated the quick and kind email traffice between us and Nature Travels." Simon

"What a gorgeous country, with friendly people in every place. We really enjoyed the trip. The staff was well-trained, their English was very good, and they were very gracious. When we got back early, they even took the initiative to call and find us a local hotel without our asking. Terrific!" Glenda

"The experience was fantastic, the going was tough with just two people but manageable. Nature Travels were excellent giving support and advice all the way. We would definitely use Nature Travels again to book an adventure in Sweden. Many thanks." Paul

"We had an absolutely fabulous time from the moment we set off to the moment we landed back in England. The travelling in Sweden was easy, clean, on time, faultless.The timber rafting - well that was just fantastic. The making of the raft and even the sad part of taking it apart and watching the logs floating back down the river was amazing. I don't know about taking a book, we didn't have time to read what with telling stories, watching out for sand banks, singing, avoiding submerged rocks, making tea, laughing, exploring in the canoes, fishing and eating far too much. Having spoken to the rest of the crew of our return we are all wishing desperatetly to be back on the raft camping in the wild, (with the odd cabin), listening to the cranes, seeing the beavers and hearing the loud clap as they splash their tales, watching the buzzards - I could go on and on but hopefully you get the picture. The food was very good - we even had trouble eating it all. Thank you very much for all your help in organising this trip for us." Jane

"Firstly can I thank you personally on behalf of the whole group for being so organised and helpful in the pre-trip planning stage.it gave me great confidence that we'd be treated well and all would go smoothly from the very beginning. The trip was great, truly great.from the first day we were all talking about how clean and beautiful Sweden is. The wildlife and scenery all along the river were amazing and none of us wanted the trip to end - the last day on the river was a solemn affair with talk quickly running to doing a longer trip next time!.Thank again and I'll hopefully be in touch next year with plans for the return trip." Jon

"We were very happy with the departure information especially as we booked the holiday at such short notice.We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday despite it raining for the three days we were on the raft. It was more exciting than we expected.It was a great experience, thank you." Gwen

"We were hoping to bump into a raft of Swedish beauties. Sadly, this did not materialise.Everyone on the trip thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It wasn't perhaps as relaxing as we expected (getting caught in a log trap in the rain didn't help!) but was very good fun. Making and dismantling the rafts was really good." Jamie