Jostedal: Little Piggies Rafting Trip

If you’re looking for a riverside adventure that combines family fun, breathtaking landscapes, and a safe introduction to white-water rafting, the Little Piggies Rafting Trip in Jostedal is worth considering. Priced at $64 per person for roughly 1.5 hours of active fun, this experience is designed to be accessible to a wide range of ages and comfort levels, making it ideal for families, groups, or adventurous travelers wanting a taste of Norway’s famous natural beauty.

What we particularly like about this trip is how it balances adventure with safety and scenic immersion. The chance to stop at a stream, play in the water, and enjoy a warm hot chocolate adds a cozy, laid-back touch to the adrenaline-pumping waves. Yet, it’s important to note that the white-water sections can ramp up in intensity, and participation in the more challenging ELVEPURKA stretch requires mutual agreement and comfort. This flexibility means everyone can find their pace, making it a genuinely inclusive outing.

A key consideration for travelers is the duration and physical requirements—the activity lasts around 1.5 hours, and it’s not suitable for children under 4 or pregnant women. However, for those who enjoy a mix of gentle water fun and spectacular mountain views, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s especially ideal for families with children aged 4 and above, looking for an authentic taste of Norway’s natural waters without the overwhelming white-water challenges.

Key Points

• Scenic Setting: Stunning mountain scenery surrounds the Jostedal River, providing a picturesque backdrop throughout the trip.
• Family Friendly: Designed to be suitable for children, with optional extension into more challenging white-water sections.
• Water Play: Stops at streams, with the chance to splash around and enjoy hot chocolate—adding a relaxed, fun element.
• All Equipment Included: Wetsuits, shoes, safety gear, and guidance are provided, ensuring safety and comfort.
• Flexible Experience: Participants can choose whether to continue further downstream into the ELVEPURKA section, depending on comfort levels.
• Value for Money: At $64, the experience offers a well-rounded, adventure-filled outing that combines scenery, fun, and safety.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting Point and Safety Briefing

The adventure kicks off at the Jostedal Hotel, where you’ll meet your guide and get outfitted with all necessary gear—wetsuits, shoes, and safety equipment. According to reviews, the staff here are friendly and attentive, with clear instructions that make even nervous first-timers feel at ease. About 15 minutes are dedicated to a safety briefing at Jostedal Camping, which sets the tone for a relaxed yet prepared experience.

The Rafting Journey

From there, you’ll hop into your raft and set off on the Jostedal River. The river’s currents gradually increase in size, providing enough excitement without being overwhelming—ideal for families. The guides are experienced, and they keep a close eye on the group, adjusting their approach based on your comfort.

Reviews highlight how the river’s scenery is simply breathtaking, with towering mountains on either side creating a postcard-perfect scene. As you navigate the waves, you’ll catch glimpses of the iconic Geisdalsfossen waterfall, especially during the stream stop, which is a highlight of the trip. Passengers mention that the waves grow larger further downstream, preparing you for the bigger ELVEPURKA white-water section if you choose to extend the adventure.

Water Play and Hot Chocolate Break

One of the tour’s best features is the stop at a stream flowing from Geisdalsfossen. It’s a perfect spot for kids and adults alike to splash around, cool off, and enjoy the serene mountain views. After some water fun, the guides treat everyone to a warming hot chocolate, adding a cozy break amid the action.

According to reviews, the water play aspect makes the trip especially memorable. One parent commented that “the kids loved splashing and playing in the stream,” emphasizing how it keeps the experience light and fun, even for those less comfortable with white water.

Optional Extension into ELVEPURKA

For those craving more excitement, the guide offers the option to continue into the ELVEPURKA section, known for its bigger white-water waves. This part of the river is only entered if the group agrees that everyone feels ready, which ensures safety and comfort. It’s a nice way to tailor the experience to different skill levels while maintaining the adventure’s dynamic.

Ending the Trip

The tour concludes back at the Jostedal Hotel, where you can relax, reflect, and perhaps share a few photos—though photos aren’t included in the package, so consider bringing your camera or phone in waterproof cases.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

The entire activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, and the starting times depend on availability—so early booking is recommended, especially in peak season. The tour is conducted in English, making communication straightforward for most travelers.

Participants are advised to bring swimwear and a towel, and to wear the provided wetsuit and shoes. Important to note is that smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed during the activity, emphasizing safety and respect for all.

The tour is not suitable for children under 4 or pregnant women, so plan accordingly. Also, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers flexibility if your plans change.

Meeting Points

You’ll meet at the bottom floor of Jostedal Hotel for the start, and the trip ends back there, making logistics simple for travelers staying nearby.

Cost and Value

At $64 per person, the price includes all equipment, transportation, and guide services, making it an accessible option compared to other adventure activities. The inclusion of safety gear and the professional guidance helps justify the cost—especially considering the stunning scenery and family-friendly approach.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for families with children aged 4 and above, who want a safe yet exciting introduction to river rafting in a stunning natural setting. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate scenery and water-based activities, but also value safety, comfort, and flexibility. If you’re looking for a quick but memorable adventure that combines mountain views with water fun, this is a solid choice.

While the trip is relatively gentle, the option to extend into the ELVEPURKA section offers a chance for more daring travelers to get their adrenaline fix. For those who prefer a relaxed water experience with scenic stops and hot chocolate, this voyage offers plenty of that too.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, it is family-friendly and suitable for children aged 4 and older. The experience can be adjusted for children’s comfort and safety.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. All other necessary equipment, like wetsuits, shoes, and safety gear, are provided.

How long does the trip last?
The rafting part lasts about 1 hour, with the entire activity around 1.5 hours including safety briefing and transfers.

Can I choose to skip the white-water section?
Yes, the guide will consult with the group, and you can decide whether to continue into the ELVEPURKA section based on mutual agreement and comfort levels.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Jostedal Hotel and ends there as well, making logistics easy if you are staying nearby.

Is the price of $64 worth it?
Considering it includes all equipment, guide, transportation, and access to scenic spots, it offers good value for a memorable outdoor experience in Norway.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or anyone under 4 years old, but otherwise, it’s accessible for most.

Is the tour conducted in English?
Yes, all guides speak English, ensuring clear communication throughout the experience.

To sum it up, the Little Piggies Rafting Trip in Jostedal offers a beautiful blend of scenery, water fun, and gentle adventure. It’s especially well-suited for families seeking a safe introduction to Norway’s rivers without sacrificing the thrill of white-water. The optional extension into ELVEPURKA allows more thrill-seekers to push their limits, while the scenic stops and cozy water play keep the experience charming and memorable. Whether you’re after spectacular mountain views or a fun day with kids, this tour provides a practical and heartfelt way to enjoy Norway’s natural waterscape.