FAQ

General

What is the average age of participants?

The average age of participants is approximately 31 years old.

Most travelers are between 20 and 40 years old, but adventurers of all adult age groups are warmly welcome.

Do I need prior experience in canoeing, kayaking, or packrafting?

No, prior experience in canoeing, kayaking, or packrafting is not necessary.

Before the tour starts, you will receive a comprehensive safety briefing and paddling instruction from our guides and rangers.

What level of physical fitness is required for the tours?

A normal basic fitness level is completely sufficient for all of our paddle tours.

Daily stages take approximately 3 to 6 hours at your own pace, with ample time for breaks, swimming, and exploring.

Can I also participate as a solo traveler?

Yes, solo travelers are absolutely welcome on all of our paddle trips!

Many participants join individually and quickly connect with fellow adventurers around the camp, or enjoy paddling at their own pace.

Can my dog join me in the packraft in Biesbosch National Park?

Yes, dogs are welcome on trails, at the campsite, and inside the packraft in De Biesbosch.

Please provide protective booties for your dog to protect the raft floor. We offer larger two-person rafts with front room for dogs—please notify us in your booking account so we can reserve one.

Can my dog join the micro-adventure in the Ardennes?

Yes, dogs are warmly welcome on trails, inside the packraft, and at the campsite in the Ardennes.

The Ardennes route is very dog-friendly. Please bring protective canine booties to avoid damaging the raft fabric, and notify us during booking so we can arrange a larger boat.

Can I bring my dog on the Packraft Trail Slovenia?

No, dogs are not permitted on the Packraft Trail Slovenia due to alpine terrain and whitewater rapids.

The steep mountain trails in Triglav National Park and Class I-II whitewater on the Soča River are unsuitable for dogs. For dog-friendly micro-adventures, explore our routes in the French Ardennes or De Biesbosch.

What whitewater difficulty rating does the Soča have?

The navigated sections of the Soča River are rated Whitewater Class I to II (easy to moderate).

These sections offer thrilling yet accessible rapids that are easily manageable with introductory instruction and safety supervision from our guides.

How difficult is the hiking in Triglav National Park?

Hiking through Triglav National Park requires a decent level of fitness and endurance.

While some sections are rocky and steep, the trails are manageable for active hikers with basic hiking experience and sturdy hiking boots.

Who is The Packraft Trail suitable for?

The Packraft Trail is suitable for active adults, couples, solo travelers and families. It is made for nature lovers and adventurers who enjoy paddling and hiking outdoors.

On the micro-adventures in Biesbosch, Mullerthal and Semoy, we recommend joining from age 12, when children can generally carry their own backpack and paddle their own packraft. Younger children can join by arrangement: a limited number of larger packrafts can take one adult and one child. Email info@thepackrafttrail.com to arrange this.

Planning to join The Packraft Trail Slovenia with children? Email us first so we can confirm the age requirements.

About The Packraft Trail EN

How many days is the packraft micro-adventure in the Biesbosch?

The packraft micro-adventure in the Biesbosch takes two days and one night. You sleep at the basecamp, where toilets and showers are available, and breakfast is included.

You can start on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday and finish the next day.

How many days is the packraft micro-adventure in the Mullerthal?

The packraft micro-adventure in the Mullerthal takes two days and one night. You sleep at the basecamp, where toilets and showers are available, and breakfast is included.

You can start on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday and finish the next day.

How many days is the packraft micro-adventure on the Semoy?

The packraft micro-adventure on the Semoy takes two days and one night. You sleep at the basecamp, where toilets and showers are available, and breakfast is included.

You can start on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday and finish the next day.

How many days is the packraft trip in Slovenia?

The packraft trip in Slovenia takes 7 days and 6 nights: five nights at a campsite and one night in a mountain hut. You start at Laski Rovt near Lake Bohinj and finish in Tolmin.

Do you want to spend an extra night in Ljubljana? Then the trip takes 8 days, with the airport transfer on day 8.

What is the best time to do a packraft micro-adventure in the Biesbosch?

The best time for a packraft micro-adventure in the Biesbosch is from June to September, when the weather is warm and the water is pleasant. Do you prefer to go earlier in the year? Spring (April to June) is the best time on the Semoy.

What is the best time to do a packraft micro-adventure in the Mullerthal?

The best time for a packraft micro-adventure in the Mullerthal is from June to September, when the weather is warm and the water is pleasant. Do you prefer to go earlier in the year? Spring (April to June) is the best time on the Semoy.

What is the best time to do a packraft micro-adventure on the Semoy?

The Semoy is best paddled in spring, from April to June, when the water level is good. Later in the season the adventure continues in Luxembourg. In dry periods, low water can bring the Semoy season to an end earlier.

What is the best time to do the packraft trip in Slovenia?

The packraft trip in Slovenia takes place in July and August, when the weather is warm and the Soča and its surroundings are at their best for a week of paddling and camping.

What is packrafting?

Packrafting is a combination of hiking and paddling. A packraft is a lightweight, inflatable boat that you carry in your backpack, inflate when you reach the water and paddle on rivers and lakes. Afterwards you deflate it again and continue on foot.

That makes packrafting a compact adventure: you explore nature from the water and on land, and you don’t need any previous experience to start.

How are meals handled during the tour?

You can choose between booking our optional Adventure Foodpack or bringing your own food for self-catering.

The Adventure Foodpack provides complete, convenient meals and cooking gear, while self-catering allows you to use your own camp kitchen setup.

Are there vegan and/or gluten-free things in the foodpack?

No, the foodpack does not include certified vegan or gluten-free options.

If you have strict dietary requirements or allergies, we recommend choosing self-catering so you can bring personalized rations and ingredients.

What is included in the price of a packraft micro-adventure?

The price of a two-day packraft micro-adventure includes your packraft with its packrafting equipment, an inflation bag, a 60–70 L trekking backpack, a briefing and paddling instruction from our rangers, one night at the basecamp (with toilets and showers) and breakfast.

Camping equipment (a tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag with liner) and the Adventure Foodpack are optional extras. Other meals are not included. You can add extra nights and insurance when you book.

Can I go packrafting in summer?

No, you can't go packrafting in the Ardennes during the summer because of the low water level. During the summer, we offer our packraft adventure at Lake Haute-Sûre in Luxembourg instead. This allows us to offer an activity in a beautiful setting without being dependent on the weather.

Are there tidal currents in De Biesbosch National Park?

Yes, De Biesbosch features a mild freshwater tidal current with a vertical range of 70–80 cm.

As one of Europe's few freshwater tidal wetlands, water levels rise and fall with the tides. Rangers will teach you how to time your paddling effortlessly with the current.

Can I go packrafting in spring?

The Biesbosch trail runs from June to September, while spring departures are offered on our Ardennes trail.

Due to local water conditions and bird nesting seasons, De Biesbosch runs during summer and early autumn. For April–June adventures, check out our French Ardennes Packraft Trail.

How many kilometers is the route?

Each day you can choose between a short route (14–16 km) or a long route (18–20 km) combining hiking and packrafting.

Route options:
- Day 1: Long (16 km hike + 4 km paddle) or Short (10 km hike + 4 km paddle)
- Day 2: Long (10 km hike + 8 km paddle) or Short (8 km hike + 6 km paddle)
Rangers will help you pick the best itinerary each morning based on weather and group preferences.

What camping gear is included in the Mullerthal rental package?

The rental kit includes a 2-person Fresh & Black tent, insulated sleeping mats, and sleeping bags with clean liners.

The Fresh & Black technology keeps the tent cool and dark for quality sleep, and all equipment is prepared and ready at the basecamp.

How are the daily stages structured in the Luxembourg Mullerthal?

Each day combines approximately 8 to 14 km of hiking with 6 to 10 km of packrafting on the Sauer (Sûre) River.

The routes wind through the dramatic rock formations of 'Little Switzerland' followed by relaxing river paddling stretches back towards basecamp.

What characterizes the landscape of 'Little Switzerland in Luxembourg'?

The Mullerthal landscape is famed for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow labyrinthine gorges, and lush river valleys.

Known as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland, the region features spectacular rock crevices, mossy caves, and tranquil paddling along the winding Sûre.

Do I need to plan my own meals for the adventure?

You can either book our Adventure Foodpack or self-cater using local supermarkets and mountain huts.

Because grocery stores and huts are not situated on every single stage of the mountain trail, we strongly recommend booking the foodpack or carrying multi-day supplies.

What does the Adventure Foodpack include and how much does it cost?

The Adventure Foodpack includes daily breakfasts, trail lunches, a welcome BBQ, and a pizza night.

It covers nutritious trail food for the backcountry portions and two communal dinners, leaving you free to explore local mountain restaurants on remaining evenings.

Are guides accompanying the trip? What role do they play during the adventure?

The Packraft Trail Slovenia is a self-guided adventure, allowing you to explore at your own pace. On days 4 and 5, professional river guides will accompany you on the water as you tackle the more challenging sections of the Soča River.

Throughout the trip, one of our rangers will provide you with all the information you need, take care of logistics, and be available to assist you whenever needed.

How is my safety ensured during the packrafting sections?

A local river guide accompanies you on the technical packrafting sections of the Soča River. Before you hit the rapids, the guide checks your equipment and gives paddling instructions, and stays at the key rapids to help anyone who needs it.

The rest of the trip is self-guided. One of our rangers is available throughout to provide information, take care of logistics and assist you whenever needed.

How many kilometers is the trip in total?

The 7-day Slovenia adventure covers approximately 85 kilometers in total.

This includes roughly 55 km of alpine hiking through Triglav National Park and 30 km of packrafting on emerald alpine waters.

What accommodation options are available in Slovenia?

You can choose between camping in tents at scenic campsites or staying overnight in rustic mountain huts.

Both options allow you to immerse yourself in the Julian Alps, whether you prefer sleeping under canvas or enjoying cozy alpine hospitality.

How do I inflate the packraft?

You inflate the packraft in under 5 minutes using the included ultralight inflation bag.

Simply attach the inflation bag to the valve and scoop/squeeze air into the raft 3 to 5 times. Our whitewater packrafts are designed for single occupancy, and rangers demonstrate the technique during the morning briefing.

How many people fit in a packraft?

Our standard packrafts are designed for one person.

We also offer a limited number of larger, two-person packrafts that can accommodate an adult with a dog or a small child upon request.

Is The Packraft Trail a group trip?

The Packraft Trail is a self-guided micro-adventure experienced alongside fellow travelers at your own pace.

While you share basecamp and route highlights with other outdoor lovers, you paddle and hike independently. For private group bookings (corporate events, clubs, youth groups), contact info@thepackrafttrail.com for custom packages.

Communication

What happens if the water level is too high or too low?

If the water level is too high or too low to packraft safely, we may need to adjust your itinerary or offer an alternative activity. Water levels depend on rainfall and weather, so our team closely monitors the river conditions and our rangers will keep you informed of any changes.

When the weather is very dry, we are in contact with the local authorities every day, and they decide whether we can go on the water. If the water level is too low, we will adjust your adventure and replace the parts on the water with longer hikes. We will also offer you a compensation voucher. If our calendar allows it, we can also move your adventure to another date or destination.

On The Packraft Trail Semoy, for example, the adventure may move to Luxembourg earlier than planned if the river is too low for a good packrafting experience.

Your safety always comes first. Questions about your booking? Email info@thepackrafttrail.com.

What happens in case of an emergency en route?

In an emergency, immediate assistance is accessible via our on-site ranger team and the emergency SOS button in the app.

All participants receive local ranger emergency contacts, safety briefings, and GPS map materials. In an emergency, contact the ranger directly or use the app's SOS button; for life-threatening situations, always call 112. You can also add comprehensive travel assistance insurance when booking.

Preparation

Can I rent a tent and sleeping bag on site?

Yes, you can rent high-quality camping gear directly through us for your trip.

The optional camping rental package includes a compact trekking tent, an insulated sleeping pad, and a sleeping bag with a liner.

When does the tour start and finish?

The daily tour begins at 08:30 with briefing at 09:00, and finishes between 15:00 and 18:00.

Morning schedule: Breakfast is served from 08:00 to 08:30, followed by gear distribution and safety briefing at 09:00. Depending on whether you choose the short or long route, you will return to camp between 15:00 and 18:00.

When do on-site check-in and briefing start in the Ardennes?

Check-in opens at 08:30 at the basecamp, followed by the mandatory ranger briefing at 09:00.

During the briefing, you will receive your packraft gear, route maps, and paddling instructions before heading onto the trail.

Can I rent cooking equipment or buy gas on site?

Yes, you can rent a full cooking set on site or purchase standard screw-on gas canisters.

The rental kitchen package includes lightweight pots, a gas stove, cutlery, and gas. Gas cartridges matching standard outdoor burners are also available for purchase.

What should I pack for the trip?

Pack lightweight, quick-drying outdoor clothing, sturdy hiking footwear, and essential personal gear.

You can view and download the complete checklist in the official Travelbase Packraft Trail Packing Guide (PDF).

How heavy is my backpack?

Your backpack typically weighs between 10 and 14 kg, including packraft equipment and personal camping gear.

You carry a 60–70L trekking backpack (included) containing your packraft gear (approx. 3 kg), clothing, and optional cooking set with food. Tip: Travel light to keep hiking comfortable, leaving unnecessary heavy items at home.

Prices & Booking Conditions

How much does a packraft micro-adventure in the Biesbosch cost?

The current price is shown on the trip page, where you can choose your date, extra nights and options. The price includes your packraft with equipment, a trekking backpack, a briefing and paddling instruction by our rangers, one night at the basecamp and breakfast. Tent, sleeping gear and the Adventure Foodpack can be added as options.

How much does a packraft micro-adventure in the Mullerthal cost?

The current price is shown on the trip page, where you can choose your date, extra nights and options. The price includes your packraft with equipment, a trekking backpack, a briefing and paddling instruction by our rangers, one night at the basecamp and breakfast. Tent, sleeping gear and the Adventure Foodpack can be added as options.

How much does a packraft micro-adventure on the Semoy cost?

The current price is shown on the trip page, where you can choose your date, extra nights and options. The price includes your packraft with equipment, a trekking backpack, a briefing and paddling instruction by our rangers, one night at the basecamp and breakfast. Tent, sleeping gear and the Adventure Foodpack can be added as options.

How much does the packraft trip in Slovenia cost?

The current price is shown on the trip page, where you can choose your date and options. The price includes a whitewater packraft with safety equipment, instruction and a briefing by experienced guides, luggage transport between the basecamps, the Soča paddling permit and the Travelbase app with offline maps.

Camping equipment rental, the Adventure Foodpack and airport shuttles are optional. Flights are not included.

Can I buy a gift voucher?

Yes, you can easily purchase a Travelbase gift voucher online.

A gift voucher gives someone an unforgettable outdoor experience and lifelong memories, valid across our adventure trips.

Can I cancel or rebook my trip?

Yes, you can cancel or change your trip, depending on the booking conditions you chose. With the Superflex booking conditions, you can cancel without giving a reason up to 90 days before departure and receive 100% of the refundable trip price.

Adding or swapping options, upgrading or letting someone take your place is possible up to 7 days before departure. Choosing another date or destination counts as cancelling.

Flights and other non-cancellable options, the administration fee and the cost of the booking conditions are not refunded. To cancel, email info@thepackrafttrail.com with your booking reference.

What is the payment procedure?

Right after booking, you'll need to do a down payment to confirm your trip. After that, you have until the check-in date to change your options and pay the remaining balance.

There are several payment methods, including Bancontact, Mastercard and iDEAL. If you have a Travelbase voucher, you can also use it to pay for (part of) the amount.

Did your payment fail? Then there was probably a mistake when entering the reference number, or you've exceeded your account limit.

Transport

Can I park in the campsite of Haulmé?

Yes, you can park inside the campsite for €5 per car that enters the camp. If you want to park for free, there is a large free car park at the entrance of the campsite. You'll just have to walk 5 minutes to our spot.

Can I park in the campsite?

Yes, parking is free at the campsite, right next to our spot. Upon your arrival, the rangers will share all the information and the exact location where to park.

Where is the start and overnight location in Biesbosch?

The trail starts, ends, and overnights at Camping De Witboom in Werkendam.

Located right in De Biesbosch National Park, this serene campsite serves as your basecamp and provides overnight camping between the two activity days.

How do I get to the basecamp?

You can reach the Biesbosch basecamp easily by car or via train and bus through Gorinchem and Werkendam.

By car: Free parking is available on site at Camping De Witboom throughout your stay.
By public transport: Take the train to Gorinchem, bus 120 to Werkendam, then bus 620 towards Dordrecht to the Witboomkil stop (500 m walk to camp).

How do I get to the basecamp?

You can easily reach basecamp either by car or by taking public transit via Echternach station.

Free public transport runs throughout Luxembourg to Echternach, from where local buses connect to camp. On-site parking is also provided for motorists.

Where can I park my car?

Designated free parking is available directly on site at the Mullerthal basecamp.

Please follow posted signage and avoid parking in front of service facilities, waste bins, or private bungalows.

Where is the basecamp for the Packraft Trail Ardennes located?

The basecamp is located at Camping Domaine d'Haulmé along the banks of the Semoy River in the French Ardennes.

This scenic riverside nature campsite features modern amenities, ample parking, and serves as the launch and return hub for your two-day micro-adventure.

Can I park at the basecamp?

No, long-term parking is not available at the basecamp in Laski Rovt.

If you are arriving by car, we recommend parking in public municipal parking lots in nearby Bohinjska Bistrica or to park at the airport and using our airport shuttle.

How is luggage transport organized?

Main luggage and heavy packraft gear are fully transported for you between stages throughout the trip.

You only hike with a light daypack carrying daily essentials. Our logistics team delivers your main luggage and rafting equipment directly to each camp and put-in location.

What are the start and finish points? Where does the packraft adventure begin and end?

The Slovenia adventure starts in Laski Rovt near Lake Bohinj and concludes in Tolmin.

Over seven days, the expedition traverses through Triglav National Park down into the emerald valley of Tolmin, covering approximately 85 km.

How do I get from Ljubljana Airport to Laski Rovt and other locations during the adventure?

You can take our dedicated transfer shuttle connecting Ljubljana Airport, the start camp, and the finish point.

The shuttle covers:
- Airport transfer from Ljubljana Airport to Laski Rovt upon arrival
- Transfer from Tolmin to downtown Ljubljana on Day 7
- Transfer from downtown Ljubljana to the airport on Day 8

How can I book the shuttle?

The shuttle is automatically included when booking flights with Travelbase, or can be added separately to your booking.

If arranging independent flights or train travel, you can easily add the shuttle option in your booking account at any time prior to departure. Make sure your transport matches the shuttle hours.

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