Rafting in Sjoa – Whitewater Adventures on Norway’s Best River with Mad Goats!
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking in Sjoa + Sauna, Camping, and Packrafting Våttkort Courses and Guided Tours in the Heidal Valley, Norway!
Whitewater rafting in Sjoa – What we offer
Mad Goats runs whitewater rafting, kayaking, packrafting våttkort courses and tours at our base in Sjoa, Norway. At our paddling base in the Heidal Valley, we have camping, campervan, and hammock overnight options, toilet and kitchen facilities, and access to electricity – you can book all of this on our booking page, when you are reserving your adventure with us!
We also have an incredible forest sauna and hot tub, with access to the beautiful Sjoa River for a refreshing swim – this is a perfect activity to relax and unwind after your whitewater rafting experiences. Look out over the beautiful Heidal Valley, with mountains, forests, and the Sjoa River glittering in the sun.
Note, we do not offer 5-star accommodation; however our raft base in Nedre Heidal is charmingly rustic and you will be immersed in pristine Norwegian nature – that’s Goat Life! For higher-end accommodation we can recommend staying at the beautiful and very cosy Faukstad Farmstead, just across the road from us, The Banken Cabin and Campsite in Heidal or at the historic Heart Break Hotel. If you are looking to learn how to whitewater kayak in Sjoa or Norway, you can read more about our kayak courses here.
Rafting in Heidal – The Heart of Whitewater in Norway
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, kayaking and packrafting in Sjoa, complete with rustic camping, forest saunas, and exclusive facilities for an authentic Nordic adventure.
Our Rafting Sjoa Trips, Activities & Accommodation in Sjoa
All our activities, facilities and accommodation options – Experience Sjoa like a Goat!
Activities:
- Whitewater Rafting experiences for thrill-seekers + relaxing and fun family trips. For ages 5 years and up. All equipment is provided, no experience required!
- Whitewater Kayaking Courses and Tours on Grade 2 and Grade 3 Rivers: Sjoa, Lågen and Otta. For beginners and intermediate kayakers. 1 – 2 day våttkort beginner courses; Introkurs and Grunnkurs Elv.
- Bridge Swing – Take a leap from our local bridge over the beautiful Sjoa river, and feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins!
- Canyoning – Explore our local canyon with professional guides. Jump from cliffs, swim through pools and share an epic adventure with your friends and family.
- Forest and River Saunas + River Swim – Soak up the heat after your adventures while looking out over the river and mountains. Cool off at our private beach beside the beautiful Sjoa River.
- Electric Bike Rental – The Heidal Valley is full of hidden gems and epic hikes, not visible from our base. But if you bike up the mountains on either side you will soon pass the tree-line and be confronted by spectacular Mountain views as far as the eye can see.
Facilities and Accommodation:
- Camping and Camper-van parking – We have a lot of space to pitch your tent or park your van, with access to electricity and water. We also have 2 lavvos (large tents) that fits up to 10 persons perfect for larger groups – rustic Goat Life at its best!
- Toilet and Showers – we have toilets and showers at our base to wash off after your kayak or raft trip, or just freshen up while you are on your outdoor adventure.
- Kitchen and lounge area – we have a shared kitchen area where you can cook and store your food, as well as an inside hangout area and outside veranda where you are welcome to hang and relax.
- Luxury / High-end accommodation and food – if you are looking for a boutique and slightly more luxurious accommodation, we can recommend our friends at the Heart Break Hotel, Faukstad Farm or Weistad Camping.
Exclusive Whitewater rafting with Mad Goats
Whitewater kayaking, rafting, and packrafting with Mad Goats is an adventure like no other!
Our group sizes are small, giving you a personalised learning or guided experience on the river: 6 students to 1 instructor/guide on our whitewater kayaking and packrafting tours and courses. We can facilitate rafting trips on the Sjoa River for private groups of up to 18 people, if you are planning an exciting adventure for team building or any type of event, or celebration.
Our rafting and kayaking adventures mostly take place on the Lågen, Sjoa and Otta Rivers as these are the best rivers for beginners, but we can also paddle other rivers in the area on request. These 3 rivers are world famous whitewater kayaking and pack-rafting playgrounds, with people traveling here from all over the world to experience fun, excitement, and pristine Norwegian nature.
If you want to stay in a cabin or hotel, we can recommend staying at either the stunning and quaint Faukstad Farmstead just across the road from us, The Banken Cabin and Campsite in Heidal, or at the historic Heart Break Hotel, which is 1km away.
While you are visisting the Heidal Valley, we can recommend going on a hike, getting a famous waffle from the Heidal Ysteri, or going whitewater rafting. There is also a horse riding tour operator in the Heidal Valley if you are up for the adventure!
Accommodation While Rafting in Heidal
After your exhilarating river adventure, relax in comfort at nearby accommodations or embrace the true outdoors at Mad Goats Sjoa’s camping site.
If you want a soft bed to lay your weary head after a fun day on the river, we recommend staying the Faukstad Farmstead which is an iconic classic Norwegian farm that is 500 years + old, The Banken Cabin and Campsite in Heidal, or the historic Heart Break Hotel, which is only 1km away from our base.
You are welcome to stay with us at Mad Goats Sjoa, but we do not have beds or indoor shower facilities, instead you will need to camp/hammock or sleep in your car / camper-van, and we only have an outside shower, which still has hot water. We do have a shared kitchen and lounge area, and we provide electricity – your choice, Goat!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about our whitewater rafting, kayaking and packrafting activities in Sjoa. We are happy to help you find a good solution that works for you or your group. We pride ourselves in being a flexible and customer-centric company.
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FAQ
Why Choose Mad Goats when rafting Sjoa?
Mad Goats offers smaller and more personalized raft trips in the Heidal Valley on the Sjoa, Lågen and Otta Rivers. We have over 10 year experience teaching whitewater kayaking, pack-rafting and specializing in offering kickass team-building and bachelor party events in Oslo – now we can offer the same awesome experiences on the wilder rivers in Heidal, especially the famous Sjoa Playrun! Our raft base in Sjoa is perfect for groups from 3 to 20 person, meaning a customized experience in a less crowded environment!
Why Raft the Sjoa River?
The Sjoa River is world-famous for its powerful rapids, crystal-clear water, and breathtaking scenery. Flowing through the beautiful Heidal Valley in Gudbrandsdalen, it has become the rafting capital of Norway and attracts adventurers from all over the world.
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Variety of Rapids: From family-friendly waves to extreme canyon runs, Sjoa offers rafting for every level of thrill seeker.
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Stunning Nature: Surrounded by steep gorges, pine forests, and views of Jotunheimen National Park, rafting here is as much about the landscape as the adrenaline.
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Rich Culture: The village of Heidal is known for its traditional wooden farmhouses, local food, and welcoming community – making your rafting trip a cultural experience too.
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Easy Access: Located just a few hours from Oslo, Sjoa is one of the most accessible places in Norway to try true whitewater rafting.
Plan Your Visit to Heidal & Sjoa
A trip to Sjoa isn’t just about rafting – it’s about experiencing everything this unique valley has to offer. Heidal, often called the “rafting capital of Norway,” is also a gateway to incredible outdoor adventures. Between paddling sessions, you can explore traditional Norwegian farm culture, enjoy local food, or relax in the peaceful Gudbrandsdalen countryside.
If you want to make the most of your visit, check out our blog: Top 5 Hiking and Biking Adventures in Heidal, Norway. It highlights the best trails and routes nearby – from mountain hikes with stunning views of Jotunheimen National Park to cycling adventures along quiet valley roads.
By combining rafting in Sjoa with hiking, biking, or kayaking, you’ll get the full Heidal experience – an active holiday surrounded by some of Norway’s wildest and most beautiful nature.
How many people have died rafting in Sjoa?
Rafting Sjoa, in Norway, is generally very safe, especially when done with certified operators like Mad Goats. While there have been a small number of fatal incidents over the years, these have almost always occurred during private raft trips, often at very high water levels, and without proper safety equipment or professional guides. The main rafting section in Heidal is considered one of the safest whitewater stretches in Europe, and thousands of people raft here every summer without incident. Safety is always our top priority at Mad Goats, and we follow strict protocols to ensure everyone has a fun and secure experience on the water.
What does it mean to “go rafting”?
To “go rafting” means to navigate a river using an inflatable raft, usually with a group of people and a professional guide. Whitewater rafting involves paddling through rapids of varying difficulty, offering both adrenaline and amazing views. In places like Sjoa, Norway, rafting is more than just a sport — it’s a way to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and have a blast with friends or family. At Mad Goats, we run trips on the best rapids in Heidal, perfect for both first-timers and thrill-seekers.
How much does rafting in Sjoa cost?
At Mad Goats, our rafting trips in Sjoa start from around 995 NOK per person for the main action section. For families with younger kids, our family rafting trips start from 795 NOK. Prices vary depending on the section, duration, and whether you’re booking as part of a group. You can check our current offerings and book online at madgoats.no or directly through our booking system here.
How old do you have to be to go rafting?
At Mad Goats, we offer different rafting trips based on age and experience:
- For our Family Rafting section, the minimum age is 5 years old.
- For our Action Rafting (main whitewater section), the minimum age is 15.
These limits are in place to ensure safety, comfort, and the best experience for everyone. Check out our tours here or on madgoats.no to see which trip is best for your group.
Who is rafting suitable for?
Rafting in Sjoa is suitable for a wide range of people — from adventurous families and first-time paddlers to seasoned adrenaline junkies. Whether you’re looking for a mild family float or an action-packed whitewater experience, there’s a section of the Sjoa River to match your comfort level and goals.
At Mad Goats, we offer trips for:
- Families with children (ages 5+)
- Teenagers and adults looking for high-adrenaline fun
- Corporate groups, bachelor parties, school groups, and more
Everyone should be comfortable in water and reasonably fit, but you don’t need prior rafting experience — our expert guides will take care of you every step of the way.
How can I become a rafting guide in Norway?
To get started, we recommend taking a certified guide course through Rescue 3 Norway, which covers whitewater safety, rescue techniques, first aid, and raft guiding skills. These courses give you the foundation to guide safely and confidently on Norwegian rivers.
Next, if you’ve got the right mindset and energy, we’d love to train you as a raft guide throughout the summer— no experience needed, just commitment and stoke!
