As far as extreme thrills go, white water rafting is about as good as it gets. Making your way down raging rivers, traversing rampaging currents and dropping down torrential waterfalls, all on what is essentially a glorified airbed, is certainly an exhilarating experience.
And the best bit is that all of this is just on the doorstep across the continent.
Travelling around in Europe may be pretty easy these days thanks to the Schengen agreement – this allows freedom of movement within most EU member states (and even a few non members). And it gives us access to some fantastic rivers!
However, even with all these advantages, rafting in Europe can still be pricey. Once you’ve paid for flights, accommodation, insurance (a must have) and then the rafting trip itself, it can all add up.
That said, budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair have also made continental travel affordable for almost everyone (even if it does feel a little like they’re taking a little part of your soul as well).
You can sell DVDs for cash, which you can use for your spending money, but in most cases going rafting in Europe shouldn’t bust the bank.
But who wants to miss out on the trip of a lifetime just because of a few extra pounds? Get the money together somehow because once you’re out on the water, you really won’t regret it.
Rivers to Try
All you have to do now is decide where to go. The waters of the River Inn in Austria may be chilly but the rafting is certainly red hot. The scenery that accompanies you there will also blow your mind.
Travel a little further and you might want to try the Ãoruh River in Turkey. It’s renowned for being one of the world’s fastest flowing rivers, and that means that you’ll definitely be in for a bumpy ride.
One destination that is fast becoming popular on the rafting circuit (even if it is a little out of the way) is Skagafjöröur in Northern Iceland.
It’s one of the most remote rafting destinations on the planet and promises deep volcanic canyons and powerful glacial rivers. It sounds incredible but don’t ask us how to pronounce the name.
There are loads of opportunities for rafting in Europe for all standards. Anywhere where there are mountains, especially ones with winter snowfall and glacial melt, you’ll find people setting out downstream on a raft. All you have to do is get yourself there. And bring a paddle.