Text: Frederik Amundsen

Getting ready for rafting

We are following a group of eight friends from Sweden, France and Lebanon getting ready for river rafting down the Jostedalselva River. Our guide from Ice Troll, Andy Cullens, is preparing the group for an adventurous trip down the river.

- Sit on the edge of the raft and never let go of your paddle, warns the experienced guide from New Zealand.

The group is excited, laughing, whispering and talking to each other. Andy takes control.

- Guys! The river is wild and we need to be focused here. What are the rules when someone falls in the water? What did I say? Andy finishes the disciplining with a great big smile.

The international group of friends used to study together in France, and have decided upon a reunion in Norway this summer. They have travelled through Fjord Norway, and yesterday they did a ten-hour hike on the Nigardsbreen Glacier.

- We hiked at the beautiful glacier all they and our legs are tired today, but no time for resting. We have to experience it all when we are here, and we are happy the sun doesn’t set before late at night. Today we go on to Bergen and then we finish in Oslo, says Bouzeid.

Rafting the wild river

We follow the group from ashore, and it looks like they are having the time of their lives; screaming, laughing. There are some calm parts and some wild parts. 

Andy the guide makes sure some fall in the water in a calm part, just to show everyone it is not dangerous. 

When it is our turn to try, we realise what a great feeling it is and how important it is to let go of fears and do fun stuff in wild nature. It makes you feel alive.  

When to travel

It is the season for river rafting in spring and summer, as the snow and glacier melting is at its peak. Ice Troll arranges trips from 1 June, or earlier and finishes up in the last week of October.

Price and length of trip

NOK 600, which is approximately 75 Euros. The trip lasts for about three hours, and includes soup and bread.

Difficulty levels - who can join

The trips are tailored to suit the individual visitors. There are gentle family trips floating down the flat areas, and more challenging trips. There are no exact age limits, as the guide will tailor each trip. The oldest person Andy has taken so far was 71, but he hopes to break the record soon.

Getting here and around

Travelling to the Sognefjord area by bus or car is a two to three-hour drive from Bergen, four to five hours from Oslo and five to six hours from Trondheim. There are several boats and ferries on the Sognefjord and there is an airport in Sogndal. Find detailed travel information.

Where to stay

There are camping possibilities at Jostedalen Camping, right next to the Jostedalen Hotel. The luxurious options are Walaker Hotel, or Tørvis Hotel, a half hour drive away.