Top 10 rafting destinations in Europe

Enjoy water sports? Maybe you are a rafting fan? If so, let’s go rafting! There are many nice whitewater rivers around Europe, and no matter if you are a beginner or a pro paddler, you will find the right spot. The list below will help you find the greatest whitewater rivers in Europe (plus recommended campsites), making it easier for you to make the choice for your next camping holiday! 

The name "Sjoa" means "white water," which is the right description for a world-class rafting site. This well-known Norwegian river draws visitors from all over the world. The river is suitable for all levels of rafting, in addition to being very beautiful. You will be able to select the appropriate course for your expertise level amid the small gorges and beautiful waterfalls of this glacial-fed river, whether you are a pro or a first-time paddler. Take on the middle Sjoa via Heidal for the trip that put Norway rafting on the map, which offers over 10 miles of whitewater adventure through all of the well-known rapids while avoiding some of the river's more expert-rated rapids.

We recommend staying at Otta Camping Og Motell (8.2 / 342 reviews). 

Trentino-Alto Adige is a breathtakingly gorgeous terrain in Italy's little northeastern region, bordering Austria and Switzerland. Paddlers flock to the tough Noce River in Val di Sole, often known as the Valley of the Sun. National Geographic named the river one of the top ten best rivers in the world for whitewater rafting. All summer long, the glacier-fed Noce River roars through the stunning gorges of Mostizzolo, including a stretch of Class IV-V rapids. Less experienced paddlers can also discover fun and splashy rafting on the more mild parts between Fucine and Mezzana or Piano and Dimaro, which have about 16 miles of whitewater.

We recommend staying at Camping St. Josef Am Kalterer See (8.1 / 1278 reviews). 

Although Croatia has several scenic river canyons, whitewater rafting is a relatively new recreational activity here. While adventurers have been flocking to the Class IV Dobra River for more than a decade, the Una River on the Croatian-Bosnian border may claim the "best" title for its breath-taking splendour. The river is suitable for all levels of experience, although the most spectacular and challenging rafting begins immediately downstream from Strbacki Buk Waterfall, one of the highest in this region of Europe, and continues into Una National Park. 

We recommend staying at Auto Kamp Miris Ljeta (9.8 / 335 reviews). 

The Tyrol (or Tirol) region of Austria may be regarded as the hub of rafting in Europe, with several rivers flowing in from the Alps and catering to all whitewater skills. During the summer months, experienced rafters and kayakers go to the area's rivers to test their skills, while beginners come to get their first taste of rafting. Despite this, the Inn River is frequently cited as the best whitewater rafting destination in Tyrol. This crowd-pleaser features a thrilling Class IV-V whitewater run in Landeck Gorge and a delightful, Class III+ rollercoaster ride in Imst Gorge. Whatever Inn River rafting tour you choose, one thing is certain: it is a powerful and thrilling river. 

We recommend staying at Terrassen Camping Traisen (9.1 / 357 reviews). 

Switzerland is one of the world's most popular skiing locations, so it is no wonder that it is also a popular whitewater rafting destination. While there are other rivers enticing adventurers throughout the Alps, the Vorderrhein—the Rhine River's headwaters from Ilanz to Reichenau—should be at the top of any paddler's list. The Ruinaulta, commonly known as the "Swiss Grand Canyon" offers intermediate rafters and courageous first-timers an exhilarating Class III-IV whitewater adventure on one of Switzerland's most picturesque river parts. 

We recommend staying at Rhein Camping Waldshut (8.3 / 714 reviews). 

The Tara River is not only one of Europe's best wild rivers but also one of the world's longest and deepest river canyons (second only to the Grand Canyon in scope). The Tara River Gorge, which runs parallel to Montenegro's border, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of Durmitor National Park. While outfitters offer rafting trips on several parts of the Tara River past 50 rapids, the steep 11-mile segment from Brstanovica to Šćepan Polje draws the more daring. Beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and 21 splashy Class III-IV rapids make up the "adrenaline" stretch, which lowers like a stairway with calm pools below each rapid. The water here is amazingly clear and pristine. 

We recommend staying at Camping Autocamp Mlinski Potok (8.8 / 201 reviews). 

The Neretva River goes for 140 miles through Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia before reaching the Adriatic Sea. The Upper Neretva's trademark emerald rivers, near Konjic in northern Herzegovina, offer some of Europe's most exhilarating whitewater rafting. The Neretva is one of the best 1-day excursions in the region, with both adrenaline-inducing moments and peaceful stretches for paddlers to cliff jump, swim, and dip in the canyon's pristine natural beauty. 

We recommend staying at Camping Buna (9.6 / 307 reviews). 

This canyon, located in southeastern France between the Var and Alpes de Haute-Provence, is one of Europe's greatest at 700 metres deep. With a 45-kilometre circuit extending between Castellane and Lake Sainte Croix, this is one of France's most well-known destinations. This area is also known as the Middle Verdon because of its location in relation to the Bas-Verdon, which runs all the way to the Durance, and the Haut-Verdon, which runs all the way to the Val d'Allos source. Rafting is done in the first 21 kilometres of the Gorges, from Castellane to Rougon. The class of the rapids you will raft on is determined by how much water has been released - if the dam is closed, the rapids will be about a class I, and if the dam is open, the rapids will be around a class II. It also depends on how much rain has fallen. For example, in April, precipitation levels are frequently high, making the rapids class III. 

We recommend staying at Camping Gorges Du Verdon - Huttopia (7.3 / 569 reviews). 

The best rafting place in the Aragonese Pyrenees is Murillo de Gállego. The Gallego River, which runs through Aragon province, is almost 194 kilometres long and contains several straits that are famous for rafting and other white-water activities like kayaking and canyoning. Visit Murillo de Gallego for great rafting adventures of all levels, with alternatives to suit any rafting excursion, including possibilities for youngsters as young as seven years old. Choose from options such as a 6.5-kilometre descent through class II rapids from Murillo to Santa Eulalia. Or how about a 10 km route from Carcavilla to Murillo de Gallego with class III-IV rapids? Thus, the region is also a great place to head for other outdoor adventure activities such as bungee jumping, ziplining and via ferrata.

We recommend staying at Camping Isabena (8.3 / 410 reviews). 

Ötztaler Ache River flows through western Austria's Tyrol region. The snowmelt in the Austrian Alps feeds this tributary of the Inn and a sub-tributary of the Danube. When spring approaches, the thaw raises the water level in the Ötztaler Ache, making it ideal for whitewater activities. The water is slightly chilly, which will help you concentrate. Hold on to your paddle and take in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the river. Head to this river for some amazing action-packed rafting, and attempt a 2-hour, 13-kilometre course that includes class IV rapids and a variety of hard tactics. For intermediate rafters, experience the Ache's IV–V class rapids section on a 3-hour adventure that will put your rafting skills to the test. While you are in the area, do not hesitate to try a rafting and canyoning combo or a rafting and MTB pairing.

We recommend staying at Camping Natterer See (8.8 / 3528 reviews).