The Best Rafting Destinations in Europe

So, grab a wetsuit, life jacket, and helmet and embark on a memorable family-friendly experience! Paddle over the river’s rapids, bonding as a team through constant communication, and generally have a good time with a great dose of adrenaline. Take a look at our selection of the most beautiful rafting destinations in Europe, then check the complete guide to rafting to prepare for your chosen activity!

Verdon River, Gorges du Verdon, France

Coco Rafting and Canyon

Located in southeastern France, between the Var and the Alpes de Haute-Provence, this canyon is one of the largest in Europe at 700 metres deep. This is one of the best-known spots in France, with a course stretching 45km between Castellane and Lake Sainte Croix. This area is also nicknamed the Middle Verdon, to locate it in relation to the Bas-Verdon which goes as far as the Durance and the Haut-Verdon which goes up to the source of Val d’Allos. Rafting is practiced from Castellane to Rougon, on the first 21km from the Gorges. Due to a number of hydroelectric dams along the course of the river, the class of the rapids that you’ll raft on is dependent on how much water has been released – if the dam is closed, the rapids will be around a class I, if the dam is open they’re normally class II. It is also dependent on how much rainfall has occurred, for instance precipitation levels are often high in April, sometimes making the rapids class III.

This area boasts a wide selection of rafting routes, so rafting in Verdon Gorge is the best way to discover the region. A truly accessible family day out, with some activities available for 6 years and over, offering a rare chance to share an unforgettable adventure as a team! There are different sections along the rafting route, with rapids, slaloms between rocks and waterfalls. This area is known for a multitude of other great outdoor sports, including canyoning, kayaking, hiking, via ferrata and rock climbing.

Cetina River, Omis, Croatia

Vukasović agencija

Try rafting in Omis, located almost equidistant between the cities of Split and Makarska, about a 40 minutes drive from each of these destinations. Located a couple of kilometers off the Croatian coastline, discover the beautiful canyon of the river Cetina in Omis, with a 10km descent lasting on average around 3 hours. Choose between an extreme or more tame descent aboard your inflatable raft. Both options offer a variety of stops for a quick bathing session, tombstoning in the deep river and taking a refreshing shower under a waterfall. On class II, sometimes class III rapids (though class III only in spring when the water level is often higher,) navigate this thrilling river as a team!

As a bonus, you will get the chance to explore a cave of fresh spring water with stalactites passing through a waterfall. Find your way under the falling water and enter the first room lit by beautifully reflected daylight and swim through the fresh, and drinkable, spring water. To complete your adventure, paddle down the exciting rapids for 5km before ending the day in the deep waters of the Tisne Stine Canyon. If you want to keep exploring Croatia from the boat, check the article on the top 5 rivers to go rafting on in Croatia. Besides, here are many other outdoor activities in Omis to get that adrenaline rush, from canyoning to kayaking, windsurfing to hydrospeed.

Noce River, Val di Sole, Italy

Rafting Extreme Waves

Recognized by National Geographic as one of the top 10 white water rafting destinations in the world, the Noce River in Val di Sole, Italy, is a must-visit for adventure lovers. Flowing through breathtaking alpine scenery, this river offers an exhilarating 12-kilometer descent packed with famous rapids like Mille Buchi and the massive Buco delle Rane. It’s a fast-paced, team-oriented experience where you'll navigate untamed, rushing water and guarantee yourself an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled soaking.

While rafting in the Noce river is famous for its wild rapids, its versatile waters are actually perfect for beginners and families almost all year round. Gentle, family-friendly routes allow everyone to safely enjoy the excitement of white water rafting under the guidance of expert professionals. Navigating lighter, scenic rapids like the Three Mountains and the sparkling Ponte Stori, this river perfectly balances world-class excitement with accessible outdoor fun for all ages.

Simme and Lutschine Rivers, Interlaken, Switzerland

Outdoor

Rafting in Interlaken offers some of the most exhilarating whitewater experiences in Europe. The Simme is a very fun class 3 river located in a beautiful and picturesque Swiss valley. This whitewater outing is ideal for a group of family and friends looking for a new thrill. Discover the Lütschine river, by far the most exciting of the Bernese Oberland. Once the icy snow of winter has finally melted under the warm spring sunshine it fills the river with exciting rapids.

Rafting on the Lutschine River takes you through a stunning valley with views of the famous Eiger mountain in the Swiss Alps, towards the end destination of the picturesque Lake Brienz. Or, head down the Simme River for a 4 and half hour rafting experience like no other. Paddle and navigate your way down a class III river through the scenic Simme Valley. Moreover, Interlaken is an incredible location for outdoor sports, such as tandem paragliding, skydiving and jet boating, so take a look at all our activities in Interlaken.

Rio Gallego, Aragonese Pyrenees, Spain

UR Pirineos

Murillo de Gallego is the best rafting area in the Aragonese Pyrenees. The Gallego River that runs through the province of Aragon is nearly 194km long and has different straits that are very popular for rafting and other white-water activities, such as kayaking or canyoning.

Rafting in Murillo de Gallego is an incredible experience of different levels, with options to suit every rafting adventure, including options that allow children ages 7 years and up to participate. Choose from routes such as a 6.5km descent from Murillo to Santa Eulalia through class II rapids on your way. Or how about class III – IV rapids on a 10km route from Carcavilla to Murillo de Gallego. This region is also a great place to head for other outdoor adventure activities such as, bungee jumping and via ferrata.

Tara River, Durmitor National Park, Montenegro

Rafting Tara

Located in Montenegro's stunning Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tara River cuts through an impressive 82-kilometer gorge that stands as the deepest canyon in Europe. An all-inclusive rafting in Durmitor National Park is the ultimate adventure for nature lovers, combining a fun dose of adrenaline with breathtaking scenery. As you paddle through the river's famously vibrant turquoise waters, you’ll tackle over 50 exciting white water rapids while surrounded by dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and beautiful waterfalls. It’s the perfect, action-packed way to experience the wild and pristine beauty of Montenegro!

La Dranse, Thonon, France

AN Rafting Haute Savoie

Located in Haute Savoie, the Dranse offers a 15km route, arguably one of the most beautiful whitewater sports sites in France, with the route crossing a protected delta. This river originates in the Chablais Alps and finishes in the stunning and famous, Lake Geneva. Head to this relatively short, but powerful river to try rafting in Thonon-les-Bains, with a variety of different routes to choose from. Choose from itineraries such as a 6km ‘discovery’ route, able to be participated in by children aged 8 years and up, a 6km ”rodeo” route for the thrill seekers among us or a 12km ‘longo’ route, suitable for ages 13 years and up.

The nearby dam regulates this river’s flow, which means that you’ll be rafting on a similar stream during the whole season. Another positive of this location is that the water of the Dranse is surprisingly warm, even though it’s an alpine river.

Sjoa River, Norway

Heidal Rafting

Flowing through Norway's most iconic alpine landscapes, rafting in the Sjoa River offers a world-class experience that perfectly blends panoramic wilderness views with a healthy dose of adrenaline. Launching from the charming mountain town of Otta in the picturesque Gudbrandsdalen Valley, or from the lush Murudalen Valley in Nedre Heidal, you will paddle through strong currents and catch glimpses of breathtaking national parks on both sides of the water. Prepare for heart-racing excitement and invigorating splashes of cold water as your team navigates narrow gorges, journeys through the famous "Chocolate Canyon," and plunges down massive, unforgettable rapids like the legendary "Washing Machine."

Ötztaler Ache River, Tyrol, Austria

CANKICK

The Ötztaler Ache River is located in the Tyrol region of western Austria. This tributary of the Inn and sub-tributary of the Danube is fed by the snow that melts in the Austrian Alps. When spring arrives, the thaw increases the level of the Ötztaler Ache and turns it into a perfect spot for whitewater sports. The water is a little cold, which will help you stay focused. Hold on to your paddle and check out the incredible mountain range while rafting in Ötztal.

Head to this river for some exhilarating action-packed rafting and try a 2 hour route of 13km, on which you’ll tackle class IV rapids and a number of challenging manoeuvres. For intermediate rafters, try a IV – V class rapids section of the Ötztaler Ache, on a 3 hour excursion where your rafting knowledge will be tested greatly. A great location for other outdoor adventure sports, why not try a rafting and canyoning combo activity whilst in the area, or a rafting and MTB pairing?

Ready to plan your next water adventure? Explore all rafting activities on Manawa and check out our specialized rafting articles to learn more about this incredible sport. For even more destination ideas, don't miss our curated list of the top 6 rivers for rafting in the Alps!