2_9_ScanMag_75_April_2015_Text_Q9_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 07/04/2015 21:39 Page 41
TOP: Varphaugen Farm is the beautifully located hub of the rafting company, which is Norway’s oldest and most experienced rafting centre. BOTTOM: Pilgrims arrive at Varphaugen Farm from the nearby pilgrim’s path.
years – from being brought here by the founders of NWR in the beginning of the 1980s, maintaining such a strong popularity and foothold in Norway, and still bringing people here to come see what it’s about. It’s remarkable,” he says. Today Sjoa Raftingsenter NWR, based at Varphaugen Farm, is the most experienced rafting company in Norway, carrying a proud history of safe, gloriously fun water sports that spans more than 30 years. Those with a keen interest in cultural history will also identify this particular area of Norway as a significant point of reference along Norway’s main pilgrim’s path – Gudbrandsdalsleden – a path pilgrims and hikers have followed for near a millennium. “Our location is the ultimate crossing of pathways and waterways,” explains Fjeld. “There is something more to be found here than the rivers alone, or the nature alone. The area has a strong cultural and historical foothold, a very rich past, which we’re very proud of.” The rafting experience: from age six to age 80 As for the waterways of the area, the three rivers of Sjoa, Otta and Gudbrandsdalslågen provide the splashing backdrop of the main attraction: rafting. Although Sjoa Raftingsenter NWR offers activities such as canyoning and riverboarding, the company’s various rafting experiences continue to attract countless visitors every year. Rafting through the splashing waters
of Sjoa (whose name traditionally and aptly means ‘white waters’) is a popular choice for those looking for a fast-paced experience, while Otta offers a somewhat calmer rafting option for the whole family – not excluding any of the fun along the way, as cliff-jumping and river swimming both make part of the trip. “The waters of Otta are characteristically green – we call it the ‘green river’,” explains Fjeld, continuing: “It’s a wonderful option for anyone – we have had six-year-olds and 80-yearolds take part together!” Wilderness camping and new energy Back at Varphaugen, guests at Sjoa Raftingsenter NWR can enjoy full meals from the catering kitchen, before going to sleep in one of the cabins or lavvus in the wilderness camp. For those who wish to cook for themselves, a smaller, communal kitchen is available, as well as a barbecue. Perhaps you would also like grilling your food over an open fire? “Children feel very free up here, running around in the wild and taking in the fresh air. They get an outlet for their curiosity and energy,” says Fjeld.
FACTS: - Sjoa Raftingsenter NWR offers shorter and longer rafting day trips. - The company is based at Varphaugen farm. - Varphaugen has 12 cabins and space for 24 caravans. - There is a large wilderness camp and space for you to put up your own tent. You can also rent a lavvu on the riverside. - There is a beach where you can swim, and places where you may fish. - Hot tub available for up to 25 people. - Grand catering kitchen available. - Conference facilities available. Home page and online booking: www.sjoaraftingsenter.no Booking telephone: +47 47 66 06 80 Email: rafting@sjoaraftingsenter.no Address: Gudbrandsdalsvegen 430, N-2670 Otta How to get here: We are situated along the E6, three km north of Sjoa, and seven km south of Otta. Along the E6: A 1.5 hr drive from Lillehammer, four hr drive from Oslo, 3,5 hr drive from Trondheim. Map available at: www.sjoaraftingsenter.no Sjoa Raftingsenter NWR is easily accessed by train or bus (to Otta). On request we can pick you up at the station upon arrival.
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