Kvenna River Expedition - Wilderness paddling
Wilderness paddling

Kvenna River Expedition

Paddle 100 km through remote wilderness on one of Norway's most beautiful river systems.

What to expect

A remote wilderness traverse across Hardangervidda

This is a 7-day wilderness expedition along the Kvenna River — one of the most remote and untouched river systems on the Hardangervidda plateau. Expect stunning scenery, solitude, and a deep connection to nature.

We start near Røldal in the west and finish at Mogen in the east. Using packrafts — lightweight inflatable boats — we paddle downriver and hike through rugged terrain, shouldering our gear across valleys and ridges between lakes and sections of river.

Evenings are spent at remote riverside camps. The rhythm of active days and quiet nights by the fire makes for an unforgettable experience far from civilization.

Kvenna River Expedition

Distance & effort

Over seven days you'll paddle and hike around 100 km of pristine wilderness. You carry your own packraft and camping kit; expect 22–26 kg pack weight depending on your personal items and shared gear allocation.

What's included & what to bring

All technical group gear is provided (packrafts, PFDs, tents, stoves/cookware, safety kit), all meals, and shuttle service from Rjukan to the starting point. Bring a 75–85 liter backpack, sleeping bag, clothing for variable mountain weather, and personal items. A detailed packing list is sent after booking.

Prerequisites

Good general fitness and comfort hiking with a loaded pack are required. No prior packrafting experience is needed — full instruction is provided. Some previous outdoor experience (hiking or camping) is recommended.

Want more detail? Read our blog post about the Kvenna River Expedition .

When can you go?

Available Dates

  • August 27, 2026 – September 02, 2026

Need different dates?
This trip can be booked as a private departure for groups of 4-6 persons on dates that suit you. Contact us to arrange your preferred timing.

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Day by day

7-8 Day Itinerary

This expedition includes a safety/contingency day (Day 7) in case of challenging weather or conditions. Total duration: 7-8 days including arrival day.

Meet at the Rjukan Adventure office in Rjukan center at 18:00. Group briefing, gear check, and final preparations for the expedition. Accommodation in Rjukan (not included).

Morning shuttle service from Rjukan to Røldal (approximately 3-4 hours). Begin the expedition with a hike from Røldal up to Holmavatnet, carrying full packs. Set up camp at the lake. Distance: ~10-12 km.

Packrafting instruction and safety briefing. Inflate boats and begin paddling the upper sections of the Kvenna River system. Navigate lakes and gentle river sections while getting comfortable with the boats. Camp beside the river.

Three full days of wilderness travel combining paddling and hiking. Navigate the remote Kvenna River through stunning plateau landscapes. Mix of flatwater paddling, gentle rapids, and portages between water systems. Wild camps each evening with campfire cooking and northern wilderness atmosphere. Daily distances vary based on conditions and route.

Built-in buffer day for weather delays, route adjustments, or rest if needed. If conditions are favorable, we proceed directly to the final paddle and return (Day 7/8). This safety margin ensures we can complete the expedition safely regardless of mountain weather.

Final morning paddle down to Mogen. Pack up gear and board boat for scenic transfer across Møsvatn to Varland. Return shuttle to Rjukan, arriving late afternoon. Trip ends at Rjukan Adventure office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Good general fitness and comfort hiking with a loaded pack (22-26 kg) are essential. You should be prepared to paddle and hike around 15 km per day through variable terrain. Previous outdoor experience recommended but no packrafting experience required.

Weather is part of the mountain experience. We monitor forecasts closely and adjust the route if needed for safety. All camping gear is weatherproof, and your guide is trained in mountain weather decisions.

You need personal items: backpack (75–85L), sleeping bag (comfort rating -5°C), hiking boots, warm and waterproof clothing. We provide all group gear (packrafts, tents, cooking equipment). See our <a href="https://www.rjukanadventure.no/blog/article/694a915994a76839926af024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">detailed packing list</a> on our blog.

Please refer to our terms and conditions for full cancellation policy details. We recommend travel insurance for unexpected situations.

Yes! No paddling experience required. Your guide provides full packrafting instruction and ensures everyone feels comfortable. Good fitness and some outdoor experience are more important than technical skills.
Where we start

Meeting Point

Meet at our office in Rjukan center.

  • Rjukan Adventure Office, Rjukan
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Meeting area for this trip. Exact location varies with weather and local conditions.
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