Playing the Rapids: A Three-Hour Run Through Raundal Valley’s Play Section
Three hours of Grade III surf and technical lines in a glacial valley—perfect for adventurous paddlers and active travelers
The river appears almost casual at first: a ribbon of mirror between steep, spruce-lined banks, glinting where the sun slips through a scatter of clouds. Then the current narrows and the surface tightens into the instant you recognize as power — water leaning into itself, churning with a noise like distant machinery. Guides shout, oars cut, and the raft answers, finding pockets and eddies as if the river is daring you to keep up. This is the Play Section of the Raundal river, a three-hour run that packs a series of Grade III rapids into a compact, demanding—and joyful—stretch of Norwegian whitewater.
Trail Wisdom
Dress for immersion
Wear quick-drying layers and secured footwear; neoprene booties or river sandals with straps work best.
Hydrate before and after
Cold river spray can mask dehydration—drink water before boarding and bring a secure water bottle to sip afterward.
Listen to your guide
Commands on the raft are concise and matter—ready position and timing keep the boat stable through technical moves.
Secure valuables
Use a small dry bag for phones and cameras or leave them with staff—straps alone aren’t enough in surfy rapids.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •A short post-run walk to a quiet side pool favored by local swimmers
- •Scenic viewpoint on the valley ridge that looks back over the Play Section
Wildlife
Atlantic salmon (seasonal runs), Eurasian otter along quieter riffles
Conservation Note
Operators emphasize Leave No Trace: avoid trampling banks, pack out all waste, and use biodegradable sunscreen to protect aquatic life.
The valley was heavily shaped by Pleistocene glaciers; historically, small farms in Raundal relied on the river for timber transport and water-powered mills.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: High flows, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Colder water, Variable flows
Spring snowmelt raises flows, making some rapids faster and more technical—best for experienced paddlers or guided runs that adjust lines.
summer
Best for: Stable flows, Warmer air, Long daylight
Challenges: Higher visitor numbers, Occasional low flows late season
Summer is the prime season for reliable, playful water, comfortable temperatures and predictable logistics.
fall
Best for: Crisp light, Quiet runs
Challenges: Colder air and water, Shorter days
Fall offers quieter rivers and vivid valley colors; dress warmer and expect chillier swims.
winter
Best for: Scenic winter valley views from shore
Challenges: Not suitable for rafting, Limited services
Rafting operations are generally off-season—winter is for skiing and planning your summer return.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Neoprene booties or secure river sandalsEssential
Protect your feet on rocks and keep footwear attached during swims.
Quick-dry synthetic base layerEssential
Dries fast after spray and retains warmth without becoming heavy.
Light dry bag (10L)Essential
Keeps camera, phone and extra layers dry while on the raft.
Reusable water bottle with carabiner
Hydration pre- and post-run—carabiner clips to bags or gear for easy access.
Common Questions
How long is the rafting trip?
The guided experience is approximately three hours of on-water time, with total outing time closer to 3–4 hours including briefing and gearing up.
What is the difficulty of the rapids?
The Play Section contains predominantly Grade III rapids—technical, fun and surfy but manageable under professional guidance.
Is previous rafting experience required?
No — the trip is guided and suitable for fit beginners, though participants must be comfortable following commands and paddling actively.
What is included in the price?
Typical packages include guide, raft, helmet, life jacket and wetsuit rental; check with the operator for exact inclusions.
Can I bring a camera?
Yes, but secure it in a dry bag or leave it with staff—phones on lanyards are at risk in surf waves.
What if the water is too high or too low?
Guides monitor conditions; they may alter take-out points, select safer lines, or reschedule/offer alternatives for safety reasons.
What to Pack
Wetsuit or quick-dry layers (warmth and protection), secure river footwear (rocky exits), dry bag for valuables (keep electronics safe), water bottle (hydrate before and after)
Did You Know
Voss, the nearest adventure hub, hosts Ekstremsportveko (Extreme Sports Week), one of the world's largest extreme sports festivals, drawing athletes to the region each summer.
Quick Travel Tips
Book transfers from Voss in advance; arrive with snacks and water; confirm wetsuit availability with operator; bring a small dry bag for valuables
Local Flavor
After the run, head back to Voss for locally brewed beer and brunost-topped open sandwiches at a café; for a heartier meal, try regional lamb or freshly smoked trout at a farm-to-table spot—locals favor simple, rustic flavors after a day outdoors.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO); Drive to Voss ~1.5 hours from Bergen; meeting point often in Voss or a short transfer from Bergen—confirm with operator; cell service: intermittent in the valley, good in towns; permits: none required for commercial runs, but follow operator rules.
Sustainability Note
This river corridor supports sensitive riparian habitats—pack out waste, avoid single-use plastics, and use biodegradable personal-care products to protect aquatic life.