Rafting Vacation on the Klarälven River

Your journey begins in the late afternoon when you check in at the Gunnerud reception between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Here, you'll pick up your pre-booked equipment and have the opportunity to supplement it if needed. Gunnerud campsite is a "wild camping" site, offering basic amenities such as an outdoor toilet, heated river water for washing, and a drinking water tap. If you wish to cook, there are fire pits available, though you will need to purchase firewood separately. The evening will be dedicated to an informational session where you'll learn how to build your wooden raft. After the session, you'll set up your tent (either personal or rented) on the grassy area near the river. Overnight in a tent.

At 07:15, it’s time to be ready for departure. You will participate in loading the equipment onto the bus, and we’ll head north to begin building your wooden raft. Once at the site, you will be welcomed by an experienced instructor who will guide you through the raft construction process. You will find all the necessary materials: sturdy 3-meter logs and ropes to secure them firmly. The construction requires care, as the logs are heavy and can be dangerous if not handled properly. In the afternoon, you will set off, allowing the current of the Klarälven to carry you along. The raft will be your means of transportation and your home. After about two kilometers of navigation, on the east bank of the river, you will see the beautiful wooden church of Dalby. Its wooden tower, painted in a wonderful blue, rises to 60 meters, making it one of the tallest in Sweden. Inside the church, there is a bell dating back to the 1100s, a true historical treasure worth visiting. Further south, after about 3-5 hours of navigation from Branäs, you will reach Likenäsbron. In Likenäs, there is a grocery store, a gas station, a medical center, and a pharmacy. If you need to buy something, you can disembark on the east side just after the bridge. Likenäs is just a short walk away.For more flexibility, you will also have access to a canoe, which is useful for reaching the shore, finding a camping spot, or making a stop at local shops. Overnight in tent.

Your adventure on the Klarälven continues, taking you to discover new corners of nature and small villages along the way. Just over 13 km south, on the east side of the river, Femtån joins the Klarälven. About one kilometer upstream from this point is Femtfallet, the Femt Waterfall, which flows through a spectacular. This spot is perfect for a short detour: a marked hiking trail of approximately 10 km loops around Femtån, offering an opportunity to explore a pristine area on foot. Continuing along the river, you will pass under the bridge near the small village of Ambjörby. On the west side, just after the bridge, you will find a wind shelter with a fireplace, ideal for a peaceful stop. On the east side, about 2 km further south, there is a grocery store with a small restaurant, where you can buy supplies or enjoy a tasty break. If you decide to stop here, navigate about 1 km beyond the bridge and disembark on the east bank; a sign indicates the trail leading to the store. Further south, in the Munkebol area, you'll find another pleasant resting spot on the east side of the river, where you can relax. Here you'll have access to a wind shelter, a grilling area, and an outdoor toilet, all immersed in the serenity of nature. The day unfolds at the slow pace of the river, with moments of exploration along the banks and the quiet navigation on the water. Every stop is an opportunity to discover the beauty of the landscape and fully experience life on the raft. The day will end with an overnight stay in a tent.

After leaving Ambjörby, you will navigate for about 7 km south until you reach Ändenäs. Here, you’ll find Ändenäsnipan, a sandy gorge overlooking the river. The majestic sand cliffs, formed by a small stream flowing against the current from the forest, stand as an impressive testament to the power of nature. Continuing your journey, you will reach Värnäs, just before Stöllet and Osebol. After crossing the bridge, you’ll find Klarälvens Camping on the right. Here, you’ll have the option to set up your tent, with the cost of this option already included in the package, or rent a cabin for the night. Next to the campsite, there is a lake where you can enjoy "put and take" fishing, a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the tranquility surrounded by nature. Continuing towards the intersection on the other side of the road, you'll find Mac 45, a gas station offering a variety of simple supplies and prepared food. A few kilometers further, you will arrive in Stöllet, where you can stop to purchase supplies at the small Coop store. Stöllet is also known for its Norra Ny church, a beautiful example of 18th-century wooden architecture. This church is considered one of the finest expressions of church construction art in Värmland and houses a wooden sculpture of Olof den Helige, dating back to the 1200s, a work of great historical and cultural value. A few kilometers further south, you will cross the arched bridge of Osebol, which, although closed to traffic, offers a wonderful panoramic view of the river and the surrounding nature. After this stop, your journey will continue, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Klarälven. Overnight in a tent.

The fifth day of navigation along the Klarälven marks the arrival at your final destination: Björkebo. After spending your last day on the water, get ready to dock around 5:00 PM to conclude your journey. About 6 km south of Osebol, when you see the sign "Finish in Björkebo keep left," you'll be near the arrival point. The sign indicates that you should keep the raft on the east side, to the left in the direction of travel, and let it float into the inside bend. Your adventure will come to an end at the disassembly point, located upstream of the log boom, north of Björkebo. It will be time to say goodbye to your raft, your floating home, and proceed with unloading the equipment. The logs should be allowed to float toward the log boom, while other materials, such as paddles, poles, life jackets, and rope boxes, need to be cleaned and stored in their designated places. Once everything is organized, you can choose to head home or embark on new adventures. Just 700 meters from the disembarkation point, along the road toward the river, you'll find Björkebo Camping, a very welcoming family campsite set in a peaceful location. From Björkebo Camping, a lovely hiking trail leads you to one of the "säters" in the Klarälven valley. The term "säter" refers to a summer forest pasture, typical of the Värmland tradition, where livestock was once brought to graze during the summer. A wonderful opportunity to explore the nature of this captivating region a little more before concluding your journey. End of services.