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Sjoa Familierafting is located in scenic and idyllic surroundings at Varphaugen Farm, right next to Gudbrandsdalslågen. With our unique location right next to the river, we have the perfect starting point for family rafting and other water activities. The river rafting trips start directly from the farm, so there is minimal bus transport. The beautiful surroundings form a favorable setting for child-friendly activities and nature experiences.

Sjoa Familierafting focuses on family-friendly activities for families with children up to 15 years of age. We recommend our sister company, Sjoa Rafting AS, for everyone over 15 years of age. It is 11 km between the places.

Both Sjoa Familierafting and Sjoa Rafting AS offer memorable experiences to explore with action-packed activities both on water and on land.

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Sjoa Familierafting is located on Varphaugen farm, four kilometers north of Sjoa and seven kilometers south of Otta. The farm Varphaugen dates from 1744 and the tourist operation started here in 1947.

Rafting has been carried out at Varphaugen since 1989. With our unique location close to Gudbrandsdalslågen, we have the perfect starting point for child-friendly water activities, including family rafting and guided Stand Up Paddle board tours on Gudbrandsdalslågen. The rafting trips start from the farm, which means that we do not spend unnecessary time on bus transport. Explore our camp where it is possible to fish in Gudbrandsdalslågen and swim at the sandy beach. Varphaugen also has an optimal location for other child-friendly activities. We have Sjoa Climbing Park, which is based here, with climbing trails for participants aged 3 and up and an adventure trail for the very youngest to explore. We are constantly working to have new activities for the younger ones. The accommodation offers also offer great variety – there is something for everyone, both indoors and outdoors.

Sjoa Familierafting has chosen to focus on family-friendly activities for children under the age of 15, and we therefore recommends our sister company Sjoa Rafting AS for the guest over 15 years old. Sjoa Rafting AS takes care of «the adult activities», approx. 10 minutes’ drive from Varphaugen.

About Varphaugen

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Destinations for pilgrims

As a result of the Christianization of Norway in 1033, the pilgrims began their journey to Nidaros. This ended in 1537, when the Danish king introduced the Lutheran faith (Protestantism). Throughout this period of over 500 years, there were pilgrimages up Gudbrandsdalen. These pilgrims carried stones, one for every sin they had committed in their lives until then, and when they came to Varphaugen (Warphougen), they stopped and threw all their stones to free themselves from their sins. Therefore, the place also got this name. The place is still today a popular stop for pilgrims walking along the Pilgrim Trail on the way to Nidaros. At Varphaugen, one has the opportunity to rest, eat, shower and gather strength for the next stage of the pilgrimage.

With us you will find:

– Wilderness camp at Gudbrandsdalslågen
– Large outdoor areas
– Own shoreline with nice swimming and fishing spots
– Dining rooms for 80 people
– Terrace with space for 60 people
– Liquor license for beer and wine
– Large outdoor areas

Welcome to Sjoa Familierafting at Varphaugen!

Our sister company, Sjoa Rafting AS is idyllically located right next to the river Sjoa in beautiful surroundings and with traditional buildings that contribute to a unique atmosphere.

Sjoa Rafting AS offers white water rafting on Sjoa for participants over 15 years, as well as other exciting activities such as river boarding, packraft, paintball, bridge jumping etc. Most trips end with paddling straight into the camp, so you can jump into the hot tub right after the rafting trip.

The sister companies Sjoa Rafting AS and Sjoa Familierafting have many years of experience and we collaborate and strengthen each other so that we can give our guests the best experiences.

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