Canyoning, also known as gorge walking, is an activity where one uses various techniques to make their way down a canyon. Canyoning can be done in both dry and wet canyons, but all of our tours are conducted in wet canyons.
Heidal Rafting offers a wide variety of different and varied canyon tours in the area around Sjoa. We distinguish between “classic canyoning” and water-based canyoning. Classic canyoning usually has little water, is often steep and technical, and involves the use of ropes and harnesses. We do not use life jackets in this type of canyons. Water-based canyoning is somewhat flatter and typically takes place in small rivers with large, deep natural pools. These canyon tours do not focus as much on ropes and rappelling, but more on jumping, natural slides, and swimming through small rapids.
The extreme canyon takes place in Mæhlumsåa, a stream on the backside between Sjoa and Otta. This is a classic canyoning tour where participants get to try Norway’s highest canyon rappel, a whopping 65 meters high! The tour is not particularly technically demanding, but participants must not suffer from fear of heights.
Play & Fun is of a different character. The canyon tour takes place up in the mountains in the Veo river in Sjodalen. Alternatively, Tesse is used. Both are about 35 minutes by car from our base in Sjoa. There is not as much focus on ropes and rappelling, but more on swimming. We swim, jump, walk and slide down the river. We also set up a zip-line over the canyon. Play & Fun is a bit like nature’s own water park! The great thing about this tour is that you can easily bypass any elements that you do not want to do.
Canyoning originated in Europe about 60 years ago. Exactly where is a bit difficult to say, but canyoning has long been very popular in the Alps and Pyrenees. Canyoning was first introduced in Norway in the 1980s and can now be tried in several places around the country. Canyoning with Heidal Rafting in Sjoa is a memorable and fun experience, no matter which tour you and your group choose. Our canyon guides have extensive experience, and several have also competed in competitions abroad.
Heidal Rafting’s canyon tours are based on many years of experience, exploration, and preparation of new canyons to ensure a varied, fun, and safe experience in Sjoa. Canyoning season runs from May to September, but since this is an activity where we spend most of the time in the water, we recommend this activity in June, July and August.
