Hardanger Packraft Itinerary & Logistics
The Overview
Packraft Hardangervidda crossing is not a simple river descent or a centre-based paddling course. This is a 90 km self-supported journey through the heart of the plateau, travelling on foot to reach the Kvenna before following its lakes and river system all the way down towards Mogen.
For the first two to two and a half days we journey across the high ground, carrying packrafts and expedition kit towards the start of the water. Once on the Kvenna, the route links lake sections, short river descents, portages and moving water. At the end of each lake we follow the river down to the next, reading the rapids, choosing what to paddle and portaging the more technical sections.
The journey travels through a huge valley that changes constantly. It starts high, rocky and open, around 1,200 metres, with a feel closer to Iceland than lower Norway. As the route drops, the ground becomes greener, the valley narrows in places, waterfalls appear, and the final approach to Mogen passes through meadow-like ground with wildflowers.
This is moose, reindeer, fox and wolverine country. Each night we camp beside a river or lake, collect water, manage kit, fish if conditions allow, and settle into the rhythm of expedition travel. The final night is spent at Mogen hut with a proper meal before taking the boat out across the lake system and returning by bus through Rjukan to Oslo.
The Itinerary
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Arrive in Oslo and meet the team.
We stay at Anker Hostel or similar. Evening briefing, kit check and final questions.
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Bus from Oslo to Haukeliseter.
From here we start moving into the mountains with full expedition kit and packrafts. The first section is on foot as we begin the journey towards the upper Kvenna.
Wild camp.
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A full mountain travel day across the high plateau.
This is open, rocky Hardangervidda terrain, often around 1,200 metres, with a feel closer to Iceland than lower, greener Norway. We continue moving towards the Kvenna system.
Wild camp.
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We continue towards the upper Kvenna and the lake sections around Kvennsjøen.
Depending on progress, weather and conditions, we may start paddling today. If not, we camp close to the start of the water journey and prepare boats for the following morning.
Wild camp beside lake or river.
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We begin linking lakes and river sections.
The day is a mix of open-water paddling, short river sections, scouting, portaging and getting used to the routine of loaded packraft travel.
Wild camp beside the river or lake.
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A full expedition day following the Kvenna downstream.
The valley begins to change as we lose height. We move between lakes, paddle sections of river, portage the harder ground and continue building the rhythm of the journey.
Wild camp.
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We complete the final section towards Mogen.
The landscape becomes greener as we approach the hut, with the final section passing through meadow-like ground and wildflowers. After several days out, Mogen gives a strong finish to the journey.
Overnight at Mogen DNT hut with a three-course meal.
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The boat from Mogen usually leaves in the afternoon, so the morning is kept flexible.
Depending on the group and conditions, we may take an early walk linked to the Heroes of Telemark story and the wartime sabotage route near Rjukan. Or we keep it simple: eat waffles, sort kit and enjoy the end of the valley before travelling out.
In the afternoon we take the boat out across the lake system. It is a brilliant way to finish the expedition, travelling out through the same landscape we have spent the week moving through.
From the road head we transfer by bus to Rjukan, then onwards to Oslo.
Overnight at Anker Hostel or similar.
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Depart Oslo.
The detail
Cost per person £2995
Inclusions
All Meals - Day 2 Breakfast through to Day 8 Lunch (D9 breakfast also encluded)
All in country transfers (Other than Airport transfers)
Equipment – Packraft system, Tent system, stove system, group safety/comms equipment.
Polar/Arctic guide (Jamie the director + another if numbers require)
2 night hotel 5 nights tents.
Exclusions
Flights and transfer to UK airport/transfers into Oslo centre
Insurance
Anything not stated in Inclusions
Personal equipment
