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PACKRAFTING IN SWEDEN VOXNAN RIVER

Packrafting on a river with 65 rapids. 250 km to paddle in a canoe, packraft or kayak.

By Packrafting.cat

December 7^th, 2025

The Voxnan River

The Voxnan River (pronounced [ˈvɔ̂ksnan] in Swedish) is a river located in the Hälsingland region of Sweden. It also flows through parts of the provinces of Härjedalen and Dalarna, although only in small sections, as most of its course is in Hälsingland. The Voxnan is approximately 150 kilometres long, rising in Lake Siksjön in Härjedalen and flowing into Lake Varpen, which is part of the Ljusnan river system.

The upper section of the Voxnan remains free of dams and hydroelectric power stations, making it a natural conservation area of great value, something uncommon in the rivers of the region.

However, as the river approaches more populated areas, dams and hydroelectric power stations begin to appear, reaching a total of 10 facilities that together produce an average of 162 GWh per year.

Why row the Voxnan?

I highly recommend the Voxnan River. It is one of the rivers I remember most fondly because it flows through a vast and lonely area of Swedish boreal forest and offers numerous rapids and dreamlike scenery. It is a perfect destination for those who practise packrafting and are looking to gain experience in white water.

Most of the rapids are class I to III, although there are some more difficult ones that can be run or portaged.

Don't miss the Voxnabruck Campsite Canoe Guide, a gem of a document with 250 km of canoe routes in the area, including the Voxnan, Loän and Gryckän rivers.

Did you know that...?The Voxnan has a history linked to timber transport, which is why many of its rapids were cleared of large rocks, making navigation easier.

Location and logistics maps for reaching the Voxnan River

The Voxnan River is located in the county of Hälsingland, near the border with Dalarna, in central Sweden. The easiest way to get there is by car, although it is also possible to use public transport. The river rises about 50 kilometres south of Sveg. There is a railway station in Sveg, and from there you can continue by taxi.

At the lower end, in Voxnabruk, there is a bus stop with connections to nearby train stations. The Voxnan River straddles the provinces of Jämtland and Gäveblorg.

La red de afluentes y captación de agua del río Voxnan

Speaking of Jämtland, I highly recommend the Instagram account Packraft Jämtland.

Sections

The sections of the Voxnan River are:

🟠 T1. Sveg to Rullbo. Class I-II. 21 kilometres of calm waters with six class I-II rapids that break up the monotony a bit.
🟢T2 Rullbo to Rastplats Voxbron (road 310) class II-III (IV, IV+) 20 km, with a total of 30 rapids, some of which are technically challenging (up to IV+), but portable. It is one of the best stretches, combining beautiful natural surroundings with a fun descent where we combine whitewater rapids with long, peaceful backwaters.
🟣T3 Rastplats Voxbron to Hylströmmen. Class II (III). Almost 30 km (28.7 km) with one of the best stretches of the Voxnan in terms of both scenery and white water. The stretch ends at the most notable point in the area, the powerful Hylströmmen rapid, a class V (or X depending on the water level) rapid only for experts, which is better to observe than to regret. The landing point is just before Hylströmmen.
🟡 T4 Hylströmmen to Vinströmmen. Class I-II (III). 10.3km. A shorter stretch than the previous ones, with calmer waters but stunning scenery. At the end of the route is a very interesting rapid, the class III 300-metre Vinströmmen (60) rapid. Just after this, there is a free camping area at the first point where the landscape of the Voxnan River begins to change. From here onwards, the backwaters and meanders of calm waters stand out, with beaches and sand walls descending from the boreal forests on the banks and moulded by the passage of the river.
🟤 T5 Vinströmmen to Voxnabruck. Class I (II) 17.4 km. A much calmer stretch than the previous ones, mainly with calm waters that can be navigated by canoe or any type of kayak. The route winds through meanders with beautiful sandy beaches, where the amber tone of the water—loaded with tannins—contrasts with the intense green of the boreal forest and the intense blue of the sky.
🔴 T6 Voxnabruck to Edsbyn Class I (II). 30.9 km. Long final stretch of the river with countless meanders and horseshoe bends. An ideal area for canoes and for those who want to enjoy the scenery without any technical difficulty. There is only one Class II rapid, the Stenkullen.

🟠 T1. Sveg to Rullbo. 21 kilometres of calm waters with six Class I-II rapids

This 21 km stretch of calm waters has only 6 rapids along the entire route, all of which are class I-II.

NOTE: I have not done this section, but it seems like an uncomplicated stretch, ideal for nature lovers in calm waters (AT).

Boarding takes place near the E45 motorway, about 21 km south of the town of Sveg, undoubtedly the most important town near the north of the Voxnan River, where you can find basic services such as supermarkets, campsites, accommodation and even an airport with domestic flights from Stockholm.

Passengers disembark at the boarding point for the T2 section from Rullbo to Rastplats Voxbron .

On the river

The most important kilometre points are:

Section 1

This 21 km stretch begins south of the town of Sveg, located about 430 km/5 hours' drive from Stockholm. Sveg has a small airport with domestic flights from Stockholm.

This first section is a stretch of calm waters classified as Class I-II.
Km 0. Boarding. Near the E45 motorway, there is a short detour along a track in an area where we can leave the car. Point 1 on the map.
Class II first rapid
Second fast of class I
Third rapid of class I
Km 21: End of section 1, start of section T2

For reasons of logistics, time and mileage, I did not complete this section on my own.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mmwzrwpUKXw4orU57

Wikiloc map T1

T1 Packraft río Voxnan. Sveg a Rullbo.

🟢 T2. Rullbo a Rastplats Voxbron (carretera 310)

This 20 km stretch goes from rapid 6 to rapid 35, with a total of about 30 rapids. We will travel along the northern part of the Voxnan River, through a rural area where beauty and calm overwhelm you as you descend accompanied by the currents of water coloured by tannins. In addition, to break up the routine of the calm water areas, in this area we have a few interesting class 3 rapids such as the Rullbo canal rapid (12 RULLBOKANALEN) and even two complicated rapids such as the HOGFORSEN class III+IV and the 25 Storlugnstrommen rapid class IV-IV+.

IMPORTANT: All difficult rapids can be portaged. In fact, this applies to the entire Voxnan River, where it is important to remember that many people descend in canoes, and yes, these heavy boats can be used to portage difficult rapids, but as you can imagine, portaging is much easier in a packraft 😉.

Los rápidos de la zona de Rullbo a Kontoret. Atención al rápido 16! seguramente lo debaís portear.

Put in

We take a short track leaving the X719 road from Rullbo to the E45 European road approximately one and a half kilometres after Rullbo. After about 800 metres, we reach the end of the track where we can park the car. The embarkation point is located a few hundred metres downstream from a bridge.

Take out

After almost 20 km, you will find the landing stage on the right bank of the river, in a picnic area with a fishermen's shelter just after rapid 35, which runs under the bridge on road 310.

On the river

The most noteworthy kilometre points are:

Km 0: Boarding. Boarding next to a car park on an unpaved track leaving the X719 at Rullbo, one and a half kilometres north-west of Rullbo.
Km 2.1: Bridge on the X719 road in Rullbo. These initial kilometres are calm waters. Alternatively, you can also embark at Rullbo.
Km 3.3: Start of the rapids in the Rullbo channel and surrounding area; the river narrows in this section.
Km 4.7 Rullbo Channel Rapids (12).
Km 5: Small waterfalls on the right bank at the end of the Rullbo channel rapids.
Km 6.2: Start of the Hogforsen area with several easy rapids before the Hogforsen rapid. The river continues with a good current in this area.
6.8 km HOGFORSEN ferry (16)
Km 9. Kontoret Bridge. The river enters an area of approximately 2 km of calmer waters with sections of wide backwaters.
Km 11.20: possible alternative embarkation and disembarkation point on the left bank is the car park at the end of an unpaved track.
Km 11.4: Interesting rapid about 200 metres long with the name: Värmlandsströmmen (22) without any notable difficulty, class
Km 12: Another interesting long rapid of about 200 metres with a name: Kringelströmmen (24)
Km 14. The Storlugnstrommen rapid (25). Before the rapid, there is a large lake created by the Storlugnstrommen dam. Even if you want to do the rapid, you will probably have to portage the initial drop created by a low head dam (a dam with a small drop). It is possible to portage the entire rapid on the right bank. Immediately after, there is a second, more accessible rapid called Flaggströmmen, which is about 200 metres long.
Km 15.8 An interesting class III rapid, the Åkarlsströmmen, approximately 400 metres long. From here to the end of the section, there is a succession of a dozen rapids up to class 2 with backwaters interspersed between rapids.
Km 19.8: Disembark on the right bank of the river, in a picnic area with a fishermen's shelter just after rapid 35, which runs under the bridge on road 310.

12 RULLBOKANALEN

The Rullbokanalen, or Rullbo Channel, located downstream from the village of Rullbo, is one of the first rapids of interest on the Voxnan River. The river narrows into a low-walled canyon, forming a channel about 250 metres long.

The channel can be explored prior to the descent by following a gravel track that leaves Rullbo and runs close to the left bank of the Voxnan. As with other rapids and places of interest on the Voxnan River, there are signs indicating the name of the site.

This is one of the most beautiful stretches of the river, combining a bit of adrenaline with beautiful surroundings. At the end of the rapid, there are a couple of small waterfalls where the water that had split off at the beginning of the channel rejoins the main flow of the Voxnan River.

These kilometres of the Voxnan River are the fastest and have the highest speed on the Voxnan. Just before the channel rapids, there are four easy rapids, including a 400-metre rapid. In summary, although the first two sections of the Voxnan are approximately the same length (about 20 kilometres), the second section will probably take you much less time to cover than the T1 section, where there are almost no rapids or accumulated elevation gain.

The Voxnan is a river that, although it has 65 rapids, is not a river with a continuous current. It is more of a rapid/pool type of river, where more than one backwater or pool can mean long stretches of even kilometres of rowing in completely flat waters.

16 Hogforsen Rapid

First fast where it may be a good option to carry.

Whichever line you choose, the rapid ends with a drop with a hole.

25 class IV-IV+ rapid. Storlugnstrommen

One of the most powerful rapids on the Voxnan River, half natural and half dam-generated, is the Storlugnstrommen rapid (25). Upstream from the rapid is a large lake created by the Storlugnstrommen dam.

As you can see in the video below, this is a special dam where I recommend walking along the dam walkway and observing the reflection of the houses in the area in the calm waters of the reservoir created by the dam. Despite being a dam, the surroundings are bucolic and you can take beautiful photos with reflections.

Even if you want to take the rapid that comes just after the dam, you will have to carry your boat past this dam because the footbridge is low and has a metal structure that allows water to flow through but not a boat.

After the dam, the river splits into two parts, a narrow channel on the left and the rapids on the right. In between, you can walk along a strip of stones that will allow you to scout the river and even establish safety points if you decide to tackle the rapids.

Although they appear to be natural drops, the different drops in the rapid on the right occupy 100% of the width of the rapid, resembling low head dams, which are known to be dangerous spots where you can get caught in the recirculating water.

At least some of these uneven areas, despite occupying the entire width of the river, are diagonal, making it easier to get out if you get stuck.

Porteando el rápido de Storlugnsstrommen

What reflexes! 😍

In the rapid after the dam, there is an artificial channel with stones that separates the rapid from the channel on the right. This is a possible embarkation point after the dam if you want to tackle this powerful and long rapid where you have to dodge a good number of holes.

28 Åkarlsströmmen class III

An interesting class III rapid, the Åkarlsströmmen is about 400 metres long. As you can see in the video, an island divides the river into two parts. The long Akarls rapid is on the right bank.

From here to the end of the stretch, there is a succession of a dozen rapids up to class 2 with backwaters interspersed between rapids.

35 Rapid from the bridge on road 310

About 2 km downstream from Voxnahed there is a 200-metre rapid right by the bridge on road 310. On the right bank there is a landing stage with a fishermen's shelter and a picnic area.

Wikiloc map T2

Packrafting on the Voxnan River. Section T2 from Rullbo to Voxnahed.

🟣 T3 Rastplats Voxbron a Hylströmmen

The stretch of the Voxnan River that runs from rapid 35, under the bridge on road 310, to the legendary rapid 53, known as Hylströmmen, offers a different experience from the previous stretch.

Although it is longer and has fewer rapids than the T2 section, it has a significantly gentler gradient — about 80 metres of elevation difference over 28 kilometres, or an average gradient of about 3 metres per kilometre. Even so, it is one of the most beautiful sections of the river, notable for its natural surroundings and the spectacular suspension bridge that crosses the Hylströmmen rapid.

Among the rapids, the class III Krokströmmen stands out. The rest are simple or class II and III rapids, interspersed with long stretches of calm waters and backwaters ideal for relaxing and enjoying the boreal forest landscape.

Put in

Downstream from the bridge on Road 310, on the left bank, there is a landing area with a shelter, toilets, and a picnic area.

Take out

Be careful when disembarking. Before reaching the Hylströmmen rapids, pay attention to the narrow channel on the left bank where the Voxnan River branches off. This channel leads to the shelter, and it is in this area that you must disembark or begin portaging the Hylströmmen rapids. Do not continue along the channel once you reach the shelter, as it leads directly to the dangerous Hylströmmen rapids.

Punto de entrada al canal que lleva al refugio y que tambien sirve para portear y evitar el rápido de Hylstrommen.

On the river

The most important kilometre points are:

Km 0: Boarding at the 310 road bridge. If you board upstream of the bridge, you can do rapid 35 at the 310 road bridge.
Km 0.3: first rapid of class II (36).
Km 0.8: fast second of class II (37).
Km 2.1: Rapid 38, 300 metres of class III rapids, the Krokströmmen.
Km 6.5: Class II rapid (39)
Km 7.2: Class II rapid (40)
Km 8.7: Lago de Malungshed.
Km 12: Class II rapid Klövhäll just below a high-voltage power line. (42)
km 12.2: Klövhäll suspension bridge and class II rapids (43)
Km 16.9: Class II rapid (46)
Km 17.9: Class II rapid (47)
Km 28.3: Disembark at the Hylströmmen shelter/camp, before reaching the Hylströmmen rapids, which must be avoided and portaged.
Km 28.5: Rapid 53, known as the white hell of Hylströmmen, is an imposing stretch of about 200 metres of class V, with more than 50 metres of accumulated drop. It is a rapid reserved only for experts, and it is usual to portage it. However, its spectacular nature makes it a must-see: it is worth viewing from the suspension bridge or from the banks of the Voxnan River. Without a doubt, it is one of the great attractions of this river.

Inicialmente, hay 2 rápidos de clase II muy cerca del desembarque, luego un kilómetro y pico de aguas tranquilas hasta el rápido de clase 3, el rápido número 38 del río Voxnan, el Krokströmmen.

Después de unos kilometros de calma volvemos a encontrar dos rápidos de clase II bastante seguidos antes de llegar al lago de Malungshed, otra zona de aguas completamente calmadas donde va a tocar remar.

Luego viene la zona de Haven, antes del pueblo de Haven con rápidos muy sencillos de clase I seguidos de una larga paleada de aguas tranquilas antes del rápido de Hylströmmen, la típica calma previa a la tormenta de aguas blancas que representa todo el río Voxnan descendiendo un total aproximado de 50 metros por un tramo de cauce estrecho.

38 Krokströmmen 300 m

The section known as Krokströmmen on the Voxnan River is described in river descent cartography as a rapid approximately 300 metres in length.

For a packraft, this section is moderately challenging, class III: the riverbed consists of boulders and gravel, the channel tends to narrow, and the flow accelerates slightly compared to the calm stretches surrounding it. Although it is not a large jump or waterfall, it requires attention on the descent line and good paddling technique to avoid slowing down in shallower areas or getting caught on submerged rocks.

Malungshed Zone at Stentagsstrommen

In the Malungshed area, the Voxnan River stagnates, creating a large lake where you have to stay close to the right bank to rejoin the Voxnan River once it narrows again.

In Klövhäll, there is an area that stands out because we pass under a high-voltage power line where the canoe guide indicates that there are rocks on both sides and that we must first pass through the middle or the left bank and then through the centre to avoid the rocks.

Further on, there is a pedestrian suspension bridge in poor condition and just below it another class II rapid.

De vez en cuando encontramos alguna casa de madera con embarcadero.

Häven zone

Before reaching Haven, the Voxnan winds through tranquil forests and open meadows, offering a series of easy Class I rapids that add a touch of speed without demanding anything from the paddler.

They are small steps and gentle currents, perfect for those who are new to packrafting or simply looking to enjoy a relaxed descent surrounded by nature.

After these playful stretches, the river opens up into a long area of calm waters, where you can paddle and let yourself drift along, watch birds or stop to rest on one of the moss-covered banks that herald the arrival at the Haven area, when a tributary of the Voxnan River comes from this village on the left bank.

Without a doubt, the jewel in the crown of the Voxnan River: a veritable whitewater hell, where the entire flow rushes down a steep slope while the rocky terrain boxes in the river and multiplies its force.

Even if you are not a whitewater enthusiast —this rapid is reserved for experts only—, Hylströmmen is definitely worth a visit. You can get there by car via an unpaved track to a small car park, where you will find a sign with the name of the rapid and the start of the path that leads to the natural viewpoint.

Right at the start of the rapid there is a metal suspension bridge that allows you to observe this spectacle of nature in complete safety. From a packrafter's perspective, it is one of those rapids that is better enjoyed from the shore than from the water: its technical level, powerful holes and numerous potential hazards make it a perfect candidate for portaging for the vast majority of mortals.

For packraft enthusiasts, the Hylströmmen is a reminder to treat the river with absolute respect. It is the kind of rapid that tests the limits of both the equipment and the paddler, inspiring equal parts humility and admiration. From the viewpoint, one can imagine the perfect line... but also understand why, sometimes, the best decision in packrafting is to observe, learn, and continue downstream in search of a more navigable stretch.

Further downstream from Hylströmmen, the Voxnan offers much gentler and more navigable sections, ideal for enjoying packrafting without sacrificing excitement. Amidst spruce forests and moss-covered banks, the river alternates between gentle rapids and crystal-clear pools that invite you to take your time. It's the perfect contrast: after witnessing the fury of the Hylströmmen, gliding through these calm stretches feels like reconciling with the river and letting yourself be carried away by its natural rhythm.

The noise of the Hylströmmen rapids is deafening! A whitewater hell...

As I mentioned earlier, the Voxnan River has a brown colour, somewhat similar to Coca-Cola. But in this area, it is not easy to see the original colour of the water, as white water dominates the entire rapid with countless eddies, holes, waves and a deafening roar. In fact, you can hear the rapids hundreds of metres upstream, and the relaxing noise accompanied me throughout the night I spent at the nearby campsite.

Crossing the bridge is quite an experience:

The satellite view of the area already clearly indicates that the rapid is formidable:

Christened by my friend Carlos Izquierdo as the white hell 😂

Hylströmmen Campsite

Finally, night fell over Hylströmmen after a long northern summer day. The constant roar of the rapids never ceased—a deep, ancient breath—filling the entire forest with its pulse. From the shelter, the sound of the water was a wild mantra, reminding me at every moment where I was: in the untamed heart of Voxnan, where the river unleashes its true power.

The camp, simple but perfect, was hidden among the trees. The air smelled of resin, damp earth and freedom. I lit a fire, and the flames danced to the rhythm of the water. Above me, the sky opened up to reveal a thousand stars, so bright that they almost hurt to look at. In that silence, filled with the roar of the river, one understands what it means to be truly alone, and at the same time accompanied by something immense.

I slept lulled by the roar of the Hylströmmen. There is no lullaby more powerful than that of a river overflowing in the middle of the Scandinavian night.

Very important if you are approaching this campsite from the Voxnan River, DO NOT MISS THE ENTRANCE! It is best not to even approach the Hylströmmen rapids, as the current is strong and although there are options to get out in time before being swallowed up by the white hell, it is much better to take the tributary on the left bank that will lead you to the shelter.

I don't have any photos of this part because it was almost night-time, and if crossing this channel at night was an experience in itself, with the roar of the rapids heard in the distance, during the day it must be very beautiful to sail this narrow channel surrounded by vegetation.

Zona del rṕaido de Hylströmmen donde hay el mejor campamento de la zona, cerca del puente colgante y el imponente infierno blanco del rápido de Hylströmmen.

The next day I woke up to a beautiful clear day; no one would have guessed that it would start raining at midday.

After paddling for almost 50 km, for almost 12 hours, taking advantage of the long late summer days in these latitudes, I arrived just after dusk, with almost no light left, at the place where I had decided to spend the night: the Hylströmmen Camp. Here you have everything you need to spend the night, a covered hut in front of a fire, with all the infrastructure to spend a warm night: wood, a grill for cooking, pure wilderness luxury.

The portage of the Hylströmmen rapid

It's a long hike, but the day had just begun and NO PROBLEM! I felt fresh and ready to carry all the equipment. To make the hike, you have to go to the access track where the entrance to the rapid area is located, walk along the track and return to the riverbed, all along the left bank.

Wikiloc map T3

T3 Packraft Voxnan River Sweden from Rastplats Voxbron to Hylströmmen

🟡 T4 Hylströmmen a Vinströmmen

A shorter stretch than the previous ones, with calmer waters but impressive landscapes. At the end of the route there is a very interesting rapid, the class III rapid and 300 metres Vinströmmen (60). Just after that, there is a free camping area at the first point where the landscape of the Voxnan River begins to change. From here onwards, the backwaters and meanders of calm waters stand out, with beaches and sand walls descending from the boreal forests on the banks and moulded by the passage of the river.

Each section is a little slower than the previous one. This one, approximately 10 kilometres long, has a cumulative elevation gain of just 20 metres, which is less than half a metre of elevation gain per kilometre on average.

Embarkation

The boarding point for Section T4 is located downstream from the area described above, the rapids area and the Hylströmmen camp.

Disembarkation

The disembarkation point for section T4 is located in the Vinströmmen area.

On the river

The highlights of this route (T4) are:

Km 0: Boarding takes place downstream from the area described above, the rapids area and the Hylströmmen camp.
km 0.2 and 0.5: Two class II rapids after embarking downstream from the white hell of the Hylströmmen rapid.
Km 1.4: Class I rapid
Km 2: We pass under the Blommaberg Bridge.
Km 3.1: The Loän tributary, also a navigable river, appears on the left bank.
Km 3.6: One of the best campsites on the Voxnan River is located at this kilometre point on the right bank.
Km 6.8: Bridge over an unpaved track.
Km 9.5: The long Vinstrommen rapid, almost 300 metres long and class III, is the final treat of the T4 section.
Km 10.3: After passing the rapid, you will have to paddle through a channel on the left bank and head to the free camping area and park4night in the Vinstrommen area

The Loän tributary

The Loän River is a tributary of the Voxnan that joins it on its left bank, in the T4 section described in this guide. It is a modest river, but one with great appeal for those seeking to explore less travelled areas of the Voxnan river system.

In the Voxnan guide itself, the Loän is mentioned as a very interesting alternative for rowing, with several marked sections and rapids classified between class I and II, ideal for navigation in canoes, kayaks or packrafts. Its winding course, visible even on maps, reveals its character as a calm river, with numerous meanders and backwaters that invite you to move forward without haste, enjoying the natural surroundings.

Although I didn't get to travel this stretch, the Loän remains on my list of pending experiences, one of those places that arouse curiosity and perhaps await the right moment to be explored.

The area through which it flows is very sparsely populated and deeply wild. There are only a few scattered houses, fishermen's shelters and a few camps such as Sågströmmen, surrounded by extensive boreal forests dominated by pine and spruce trees. The river passes close to the small town of Lobonäs, and along its course you can find forest tracks and small bridges that allow you to access different points along the river or survey the terrain before setting out on your journey.

Blommaberg bridge

This bridge provides access to the small village of Södra Blommaberg, which we cannot even glimpse from the shore.

The bridge is a possible embarkation and disembarkation point, although I would probably recommend using the campsite of the same name, located about 1,600 metres downstream, which is one of the most popular camping and rest spots on the river route.

The surroundings of Blommaberg are profoundly boreal and wild, with extensive coniferous forests, lichen-covered glades and interconnected lakes. It is a very peaceful area, with little human presence, where silence and a sense of isolation prevail. The small village still retains the character of the old Swedish forest communities, with a few scattered red wooden houses and gravel roads that disappear among the trees.

Bridges are always an important feature on rivers, not only for crossing, but also as a landmark or milestone on the route, and they are often an ideal point for entering and exiting the route.

Blommaberg Campsite

At kilometre 3.6, Camp Blommaberg is located on the right bank of the Voxnan River. The site has the advantage of being within easy reach of a forest track with nearby parking, making it an ideal alternative embarkation or disembarkation point.

It is described as a "vindskydd vid Voxnans strand" (a roofed shelter or shelter by the river) with a barbecue, benches and tables, facing the water and some utedass (open-air latrines).

The place is also recommended as a rest stop or overnight stay for those who row along the River Voxnan or any of its tributaries.

59 LANSMANSSTROMMEN

As you can see in the video, although the rapid is about 300 metres long, it is not very demanding and allows you to show off a little and even risk losing your mobile phone while recording yourself, using one hand to record and the other to paddle.

One of those moments when you just go with the flow.

The rapids, like most of the area that can be visited and accessed by unpaved tracks, have a wooden sign indicating their name.

Final stretch of beaches

A landscape that reminded me of the lower reaches of the Oulanka River (Oulankajoki) near the Russian border in Finland. Here, beaches and sand walls form, falling from the forests on the banks of the river Voxnan

60 Vinströmmen class III 300m

Vinströmmen is the final rapid right at the landing area of the T4 section. It is marked as a class III rapid in the guidebook and is about 300 metres long, wide and fun. It is one of those spots on the Voxnan that combines a good adrenaline rush for those looking for short rapids with a perfect environment for spending the night and setting up base camp.

The place works very well as a park4night / stopping area for those of us with vans: there is a secluded and quiet parking area a few hundred metres from the road, with access via gravel tracks; the terrain shows a clearly distinguishable two-level area — an upper car park/area for vehicles and campers, and a lower area that descends towards the riverbank, with steps or paths leading down to the sandy beach and the riverbed itself.

On the riverbank, you will also find simple but very useful facilities for spending the night: benches and tables, barbecue areas and, in some places, a shelter (vindskydd) and an outdoor toilet — all the usual amenities found at free campsites in the Swedish countryside — making Vinströmmen a comfortable place to spend the night before or after descending the rapids.

The surroundings are spectacular: steep walls and sandy beaches that drop down to the river, perfect for swimming and watching the descent, and boreal forests that frame the stretch.

Wikiloc map T4

T4 Packraft en el río Voxnan. Suecia. Hylströmmen a Vinströmmen. Norra Blommaberg - Lövriset

🟤 T5 Vinströmmen a Voxnabruck. Clase I 17.4 km

A shorter stretch than the previous ones, with calmer waters but breathtaking scenery. The route winds through meanders with beautiful sandy beaches, where the amber tone of the water—loaded with tannins—contrasts with the intense green of the boreal forest and the intense blue of the sky.

Put in

Boarding takes place in Vinstrommen, a beautiful location that we have already described in the previous section.

Take out

At the bridge in the village of Voxna (Voxnabruk, Voxna Bridge), on the right bank just after the bridge, there is an area where we can disembark and even park.

On the river

The most noteworthy points along the route are:

Km 0: Loading takes place in Vinstrommen.
Km 2.7: Gryckän tributary on the left bank.
Km 3.5: Rapid with a name (Gryckboströmmen) 50 m long but with zero difficulty.
Km 4.3: Frostkilen Camp.
Km 9.2: We cross a footbridge.
Km 15.7: Voxna Mill Canoe & Camping
Km 17.4: Disembarkation at Voxnabruk

The beaches of Frostkilen Camp

Accessible from both the right bank of the Voxnan River and the left bank of the Voxnan River, Frostkilen Camp stands out as one of the most remarkable places along this stretch. With its sandy beaches and characteristic golden-coloured water, this enclave leaves no one indifferent.

The Gryckån tributary

The Gryckån River is a tributary of the Voxnan River that flows into its right bank in one of the most peaceful and wild areas of inland Sweden. This small river offers an excellent opportunity for canoeing, kayaking or packrafting, ideal for those seeking to explore a natural environment with little human intervention.

The Voxnan River Guide also describes this tributary as a possible place to go rowing in the area.

Its waters flow through dense boreal forests dominated by fir, pine and birch trees, which are reflected in the dark water tinged with tannins from the vegetation. The banks of the Loan River are gentle and covered with moss, with stretches of backwaters and wide meanders, perfect for leisurely and contemplative navigation.

The area is sparsely populated, with just a few scattered houses and old forest tracks, reinforcing the feeling of isolation and pure contact with nature. The silence is only broken by the sound of the wind in the trees, our paddles cutting through the water or the flight of water birds.

I didn't get around to doing this section, but there it is, like so many others that you never know. Rowing down the River Loan is, in short, another experience to add to the list.

Wikiloc map T5

T5 Packraft río Voxnan. De Vinströmmen a Voxnabruck. 17.4 km Lövriset - Dalkarlsbo

🔴 T6 Voxnabruck to Edsbyn 30.9 km

From Vinströmmarna, the river winds through a sandy forest to Voxnabruk. There are no more rapids, and it is common to encounter other people paddling canoes along this calmer stretch.

At the bridge in the village of Voxna (Voxnabruk, Voxna Bridge), on the right bank just after the bridge, there is an area where we can disembark and even park.

Disembarkation

Disembarkation in Edsbyn.

On the river

The most noteworthy points along the route are:

Km 0: Boarding takes place at the bridge in the village of Voxna (Voxnabruk, Voxna bridge). On the right bank just after the bridge there is an area where we can disembark and even park.
Km 7.4: Knoppen Bridge.
Km 9.2: second bridge.
Km 21.7: First portage across the dam.
Km 23.2: Second portage across the dam.
Km 29.4: last bridge.
Km 30.7: Disembark at Edsbyn before the road bridge and after the suspension bridge.

T6 Voxnabruck a Edsbyn de Voxnabruk - Edsbyn

Packrafting Voxnan River

Packraft on Voxnan River Sweden

Wikiloc map of the two-day Packraft + bike route

Packrafting bike + rafting Voxnan River de Rullbo a Camp Vinstrommen

Maps and guides. Voxnabruks Kanot & Camping River Guide

There is a PDF guide produced by Voxnabruks Kanot & Camping and Ovanåker Kommun. It describes each rapid, although the difficulty ratings are somewhat higher than those indicated by the international whitewater scale, as they are designed for canoes. Here is the link to the original guide and a copy just in case:

As a general rule, subtract one or two grades from the classifications in the document (for example, if the guide says class IV, it is probably class III at most). The difficulty classifications are intended for canoes that are not as manoeuvrable in white water.

The guide is in Swedish, but it is easy to understand even if you do not speak the language. Each rapid is described as follows:

23. Forward / class III / 100 m

which means:

23 – number of the express train
Fors – "fast" in Swedish
Class III – degree of difficulty (Class III)
100 m – length of the rapid

Campsites and shelters are marked with an icon or name (e.g. CAMP HYLLSTRÖMMEN). You can also camp freely thanks to the Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten), which allows camping outside designated areas.

The colour code indicates the level of the rapid. IMPORTANT: The level is indicated for canoes, so you can consider one level less to get a more accurate approximation of the classic WW rapid difficulty system from class I to VI. Here is the standard WW classification according to the colours on the map
🟢 Green: Quick and very simple
🔵 Blue: Class I rapid
🔴 Red: Class II rapid
⚫ Black: Class III rapid
🟣 Lila: Class IV rapid.
A lighter red indicates rapids that are only for experts, which must be portaged without fail.
FORS: This means rapid. So when you read FORS/25 M, it indicates a 25-metre rapid.
LTP: Land Transport. Possibility of land transport?

Cycling routes

The area is full of trails and even documented cycling routes such as the Vandra-Cykla-i-Los-Orsa-Finnmark.

Logistics by bicycle

My plan, with limited time (two days available) and only one car, was to combine spending a night at the Hylstrommen refuge with paddling the most interesting sections of the Voxnan River: sections T2, T3 and part of T4. I didn't do pure bikerafting, but rather left the bike hidden at the landing point so I could return to the car once I reached the end of the section of the river I wanted to do.

Vuelta a casa al cabo de dos dias, con todo el material cargado en la bicicleta

Wikiloc map of the complete 2-day route by packraft and bicycle:

Packrafting bike + rafting Voxnan River de Rullbo a Camp Vinstrommen

The bike ride back was wet, but as I always like to say, if you know that at the end of the day you'll be able to warm up and take shelter, who cares about a little water? 🤣

But if it's already raining, it's a unique opportunity to sing, and no one can say that you caused the rain by singing!

Frostkilen badplats

And if you add a free camping infrastructure to these "beaches", I'll give you Benidorm for free...

Resources

Some blogs about the River Voxnan

Where to stay?

Even if it's just to thank the folks at Voxnabruks Kanot & Camping and Ovanåker Kommun for creating such a great PDF guide, I recommend checking out this accommodation on Booking. I don't think the campsite is active anymore. When I went, neither the campsite nor the accommodation were open, but it's an option to keep in mind.

Where to eat?

The area is very uninhabited, and to be honest, I don't have anywhere to recommend beyond the always pleasant experience of eating outdoors, whatever you cook yourself:

The Sveriges meteorologiska och hydrologiska institut (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) has various resources on its website, such as the https://vattenwebb.smhi.se/ website, where you can check the flow rates of Sweden's rivers in real time.

Specifically, for the Voxnan River, a good indicator is:

Flow meter near Voxnabruck, Nybro from SMHI

It is located at the end of section 5 near Voxnabruck. From here on, there are no more notable rapids. The volume of water shown on this indicator downstream will be greater than that found in the upper sections.

The flow of the Voxnan varies depending on rainfall and snowmelt. When I paddled it, I didn't check the flow rate at the time, but I know that others, such as Urban Packrafter, have navigated it with a flow rate of 30 m³/sec. The river is navigable even at around 15 m³/sec, although with less water the rapids lose some of their excitement and, conversely, bear in mind that with a higher flow rate, the rapids become more demanding (even increasing their difficulty by one degree).

Exercise caution during spring thaws or after prolonged periods of rain.

Un marcador de nivel de agua en la presa del rápido 16, rápido Hogforsen

Guide to the Voxnan river. Urban Packrafter

And I cannot end this article without mentioning and thanking Urban Packrafter for the article that introduced me to this magnificent river: A guide to River Voxnan

I recommend checking out the Urban Packrafter YouTube channel and taking a look at their Buy Me a Coffee page, where you can access exclusive content for members.

The river is a living, changing environment that is subject to constant development. The publishers of the river sketches and the creators of this website cannot be held liable in any way for any inaccuracies, omissions or errors in the river sketches. The publishers of the sketches and the creators of the website decline all responsibility in the event of any accident that may occur on the rivers described in this guide.