“Perfect for kids aged 12 and 13. Everyone had a lot of fun, and we will definitely come back.”
Stephan
on Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
4.7(165 Reviews)
Rafting
Dare a guided rafting tour with optional barbecue and book right here. River rafting is the perfect mix of refreshing relaxation and sporting activity. You cross idyllic alpine landscapes and directly experience the wild and untouched nature. It is not for nothing that rafting is also called white water rafting. With its many rivers with strom rapids of varying degrees, Switzerland is perfect for rafting.
30 results
- Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
4.9(34)Ilanzper person
from £120
- Lütschine rafting for families from Interlaken
Lütschine rafting for families from Interlaken
4.9(24)Interlakenper person
from £105
- Rafting in the Simmental from Därstetten
Rafting in the Simmental from Därstetten
4.9(12)Därstettenper person
from £130
- Rafting Tour Vorderrhein with Barbecue
Rafting Tour Vorderrhein with Barbecue
4.5(8)Ilanzper person
from £168
- Whitewater Action Rafting on the Lütschine from Interlaken
Whitewater Action Rafting on the Lütschine from Interlaken
5.0(1)Interlakenper person
from £143
- Lütschine Rafting from Interlaken
Lütschine Rafting from Interlaken
4.8(28)Interlakenper person
from £148
- Simme rafting from Interlaken or Därstetten
Simme rafting from Interlaken or Därstetten
4.8(4)Därstettenper person
from £124
- Rafting from Château-d'Oex along the Saane river, starting at Saanen/Gstaad and ending in Château-d'Oex
Rafting from Château-d'Oex along the Saane river, starting at Saanen/Gstaad and ending in Château-d'Oex
4.8(12)Château-d'Oexper person
from £120
- Whitewater rafting Giarsun Gorge on the Inn for advanced rafters
Whitewater rafting Giarsun Gorge on the Inn for advanced rafters
5.0(2)Scuolper person
from £137
- White water rafting Lütschine Interlaken
White water rafting Lütschine Interlaken
4.3(3)Interlakenper person
from £144
- Fun rafting for groups on the Ticino River
Fun rafting for groups on the Ticino River
Rivieraper person
from £77
- Rafting on the Simme from Interlaken
Rafting on the Simme from Interlaken
3.7(7)Interlakenper person
from £133
- Half-day rafting on the Vorderrhein starting from Ilanz
Half-day rafting on the Vorderrhein starting from Ilanz
4.7(3)Ilanzper person
from £120
- River rafting for families on the Inn in the Engadin
River rafting for families on the Inn in the Engadin
4.8(5)Zuozper person
from £114
- Ticino Rafting Basic Tour from Biasca to Cresciano
Ticino Rafting Basic Tour from Biasca to Cresciano
Rivieraper person
from £86
- Whitewater rafting on the Rhône in Valais
Whitewater rafting on the Rhône in Valais
Sierreper person
from £115
- Ticino Rafting Family Tour from Cresciano to Arbedo
Ticino Rafting Family Tour from Cresciano to Arbedo
Rivieraper person
from £86
From travellers like you
Recommended based on recent reviews
“Super organized. Efficient and safe. Perfect conditions.”
Tamara
on Rafting Scuolerschlucht on the Inn“Great fun. Nice staff and very well organised.”
Carsten
on Lütschine Rafting from Interlaken“Friendly staff, clear instructions, beautiful surroundings”
Jan-Willem
on Family rafting on the Inn“The guides were wonderful, we loved the trip.”
Kelly
on Lütschine rafting for families from Interlaken“Very friendly and experienced guides, well-organized and beautiful scenery.”
Claudia
on Rafting on the Simme from InterlakenGood to know about Rafting
Travel Guide
River rafting has established itself as an action-packed water sport, especially in recent years. Gentle waves and fast rapids challenge the small groups in the rubber dinghy to stay on course. Rafting is not only about sporting activity, but also about skill and quick action. It also involves a lot of fun.
From the Bernese Oberland to the canton of Graubünden and the Rhone Valley, there are numerous rafting offers. Here you can experience nature close up and from the water. Idyllic river banks await you both in the Bernese Oberland and around the Rhine Gorge. It is often called the "Swiss Grand Canyon"
City fans will find a river rafting tour near Geneva directly on the Arve. Rising from the glacier of Mont Blanc, the Arve crosses Geneva on a 7 km stretch. It then flows into the Rhône.
Rafting hotspots, levels of difficulty and skills
For easy river tours with rather calm waters, no previous experience is necessary. You can find out which tour is right for your abilities in the table and under the following rafting recommendations.
| Environment | River | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interlaken | Lütschine | Medium - Difficult | Advanced, Professional |
| Ilanz | Rhine | Easy - Medium | Beginners, Advanced |
| Engadin | Inn | Simple - Medium | Beginners, Advanced |
| Prättigau | Landquart | Medium - difficult | Advanced, professionals |
| Simmetal/ Bernese Oberland | Simme | Easy - Intermediate | Beginners, Advanced |
| Wallis | Rhone | Tour I: Easy - Medium | Beginners, Intermediates, Professionals |
| Wallis | Rhone | Tour II: Medium - Difficult | Advanced, Professionals |
| Geneva | Arve | Simple - Medium | Beginners, Advanced |
| Vispertal | Valais | Vispa | Medium - Difficult |
| Gstaad | Saane | Medium - Hard | Advanced, Pros |
Rafting Interlaken
Time to hop into the rafting inflatable! This is the spirit for all rafting enthusiasts who are eager to join one of the popular rafting tours in Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland. River rafting on the Lütschine is for the brave, ideally those with some prior experience. The glacier waters from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau flow into Lake Brienz, and the thrilling rapids along with the mountain panorama reward you with an impressive backdrop.
- River trip: From Lütschental to Bönigen is about 15 km
- Season: From May to August/September
- Difficulty: For intermediates and professionals
- Suitable for: Families and groups
- Minimum age: 16 years
Rafting Ilanz
If you're in the mood for a tour on the Rhine, you've come to the right place in the canton of Graubünden. The charming little town of Ilanz lies along the Vorderrhein. If you're venturing into white water for the first time and are a beginner, this white-water stretch is especially recommended. The ride offers a mix of decent white water and stronger rapids. On your journey from Ilanz through the Rhine Gorge, you can discover the "Swiss Grand Canyon." The Rhine Gorge itself is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
- River tour: It's about 20 km from Ilanz through the Rhine Gorge to Reichenau
- Tour duration: Half-day or full-day
- Season: From May to August/September
- Level: For beginners and advanced
- Suitable for: Families, groups
Swiss Activities offers:
Rafting Inn
The Inn River is located in the Engadin and flows through the Upper Engadin lakes. In the Lower Engadin, the water becomes more turbulent. River rafting fans and beginners will definitely enjoy themselves here.
The view during the relaxing ride is breathtaking, with impressive mountains and typical Engadin houses lining the banks. Family-friendly tours lasting 3 to 4 hours with a guide are offered. Swimming is also allowed at times. The trips can take place even in poorer weather conditions.
- River tour: 7 km downstream from Zuoz following the current
- Duration of tour: 3-4 hours
- Season: From May to August/September
- Level: Suitable for beginners
- Suitable for: Families, groups
Swiss Activities Offers:
Rafting Landquart
White water action is guaranteed on the Landquart. As a river from the Silvretta massif, it flows through the Prättigau. In the village of Landquart the river finds its end point and flows off into the Alpine Rhine.
The water gradually produces heightened rapids and gives rise to a real river rafting feeling. One or the other maneuver may be tackled by advanced rafters. Experience in white water is definitely an advantage here! A guide accompanies every tour.
- River tour: Between Küblis over the Landquart to Grüsch it goes over wild rapids.
- Duration tour: About 3 hours
- Season: From May to August/ September
- Level: For advanced and professionals
- Suitable for: Families, professional rafters
Rafting on the Simme
The gentle rafting tours on the Simme are especially great for beginners. You can look forward to an exciting nature experience amidst impressive water, riverbank, and mountain landscapes. The various sections of the river in the Simmental offer a mix of calm stretches and occasional easy rapids. Here you can put your physical skills to the test as a rafter. Tours can be booked for groups of 2 or more. Families and groups are very welcome. Then it’s time for a moderate white-water adventure. The trips usually last between 3 and 4 hours. Changing facilities and transport are included in the timeframe. Don’t forget your swimwear!
- River tour: Through the Simmental ending in Därstetten.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Season: From May to the end of September
- Level: Beginner
- Suitable for: Families, groups
Swiss Activities Offers:
Rafting the Rhone
The Rhone is a total of 807 km long, winding through the Valais Rhone Valley. It has the highest water volume of any river in Switzerland.
There are two rafting tours available for enthusiasts, each with different levels of difficulty.
The first tour starts in Souston and runs about 9 km to Sierre. This tour is suitable for experienced rafters because the waves are often not only very high but also powerful. The route is called the Adventure Course.
If you prefer something more laid-back, you can choose the second tour from Sierre to Sion. The water is pleasant for paddling. On the 20 km stretch, you'll have several opportunities to take a break for a swim or enjoy a picnic.
- River tour: Souston to Sierre (9 km) or Sierre to Sion (20 km)
- Tour duration: between one hour and a full day
- Season: From May to September
- Level: Beginners, Intermediate, Experts
- Suitable for: Families, whitewater fans
Swiss Activities Offers:
- Rafting the Rhone with BBQ fun in Valais
Rafting Arve
Geneva has a lot to offer not only as a cosmopolitan city on the lake of the same name. If you feel like getting to know the city from the water, you've come to the right place. The Arve River flows past the edge of Geneva's city center. From there there is an estuary directly into the Rhone.
An action-packed adventure in white water awaits rafting fans. The river tour usually starts in Le Veyrier and features alternating water sections. For beginners it is worthwhile to get in contact with light white water currents for the first time close to the city.
You will receive an introduction to the technique from the guides on site.
- River tour: On the Arve river you will go directly along the outskirts of Geneva
- Tour duration: Between 2-4 hours
- Season: From May to September
- Level: For beginners and advanced
- Suitable for: Families, adventurous city visitors
Rafting Vispa
Rafting on a glacier-fed river is a unique outdoor adventure suitable for everyone from beginners to pros. The Vispa runs through the beautiful Vispertal in the Valais region, stretching 37 km before it flows into the Rhône. To master the changing rapids of the glacier source, you'll receive a briefing from experienced rafting instructors. The goal of the tour is to ensure you can handle the inflatable boat and paddle safely. Proper gear is also essential. The tour begins in Mühleye.
- River Tour: Follow the flow along the Vispertal
- Tour Duration: 3 hours
- Season: From May to September
- Level: Intermediate, pros
- Suitable for: Families, groups, children from 10 years old
Swiss Activities Offer:
Rafting on the Saane
If you're looking for some variety in rafting, we recommend a river tour on the Saane near Gstaad. This river is located in the Bernese Oberland. The mountain river offers both stronger rapids as well as calmer stretches. For those who already have some rafting experience, this ride will be a wonderful experience.
Nature here has a lot to offer as well. The gorges of Gérignoz and Vanel will impress you. Every now and then, you might also spot some cows grazing in the mountain meadows. The whitewater trip ends at Chateau-d’Oex. The tours are guided by experienced instructors.
- River Tour: The ride takes you from Saanen up to 15 km along the river to Chateau-d’Oex.
- Tour Duration: 3 hours
- Season: From May to August
- Level: Advanced and professional
- Suitable for: Families, groups
Swiss Activities Offer:
Even though river rafting is offered in very different regions of Switzerland, all destinations have one thing in common: they guarantee you lots of fun and an exciting experience in the depths of nature.
River rafting has established itself as an action-packed water sport, especially in recent years. Gentle waves and fast rapids challenge the small groups in the rubber dinghy to stay on course. Rafting is not only about sporting activity, but also about skill and quick action. It also involves a lot of fun.
From the Bernese Oberland to the canton of Graubünden and the Rhone Valley, there are numerous rafting offers. Here you can experience nature close up and from the water. Idyllic river banks await you both in the Bernese Oberland and around the Rhine Gorge. It is often called the "Swiss Grand Canyon"
City fans will find a river rafting tour near Geneva directly on the Arve. Rising from the glacier of Mont Blanc, the Arve crosses Geneva on a 7 km stretch. It then flows into the Rhône.
Rafting hotspots, levels of difficulty and skills
For easy river tours with rather calm waters, no previous experience is necessary. You can find out which tour is right for your abilities in the table and under the following rafting recommendations.
| Environment | River | Difficulty | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interlaken | Lütschine | Medium - Difficult | Advanced, Professional |
| Ilanz | Rhine | Easy - Medium | Beginners, Advanced |
| Engadin | Inn | Simple - Medium | Beginners, Advanced |
| Prättigau | Landquart | Medium - difficult | Advanced, professionals |
| Simmetal/ Bernese Oberland | Simme | Easy - Intermediate | Beginners, Advanced |
| Wallis | Rhone | Tour I: Easy - Medium | Beginners, Intermediates, Professionals |
| Wallis | Rhone | Tour II: Medium - Difficult | Advanced, Professionals |
| Geneva | Arve | Simple - Medium | Beginners, Advanced |
| Vispertal | Valais | Vispa | Medium - Difficult |
| Gstaad | Saane | Medium - Hard | Advanced, Pros |
Rafting Interlaken
Time to hop into the rafting inflatable! This is the spirit for all rafting enthusiasts who are eager to join one of the popular rafting tours in Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland. River rafting on the Lütschine is for the brave, ideally those with some prior experience. The glacier waters from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau flow into Lake Brienz, and the thrilling rapids along with the mountain panorama reward you with an impressive backdrop.
- River trip: From Lütschental to Bönigen is about 15 km
- Season: From May to August/September
- Difficulty: For intermediates and professionals
- Suitable for: Families and groups
- Minimum age: 16 years
Rafting Ilanz
If you're in the mood for a tour on the Rhine, you've come to the right place in the canton of Graubünden. The charming little town of Ilanz lies along the Vorderrhein. If you're venturing into white water for the first time and are a beginner, this white-water stretch is especially recommended. The ride offers a mix of decent white water and stronger rapids. On your journey from Ilanz through the Rhine Gorge, you can discover the "Swiss Grand Canyon." The Rhine Gorge itself is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
- River tour: It's about 20 km from Ilanz through the Rhine Gorge to Reichenau
- Tour duration: Half-day or full-day
- Season: From May to August/September
- Level: For beginners and advanced
- Suitable for: Families, groups
Swiss Activities offers:
Rafting Inn
The Inn River is located in the Engadin and flows through the Upper Engadin lakes. In the Lower Engadin, the water becomes more turbulent. River rafting fans and beginners will definitely enjoy themselves here.
The view during the relaxing ride is breathtaking, with impressive mountains and typical Engadin houses lining the banks. Family-friendly tours lasting 3 to 4 hours with a guide are offered. Swimming is also allowed at times. The trips can take place even in poorer weather conditions.
- River tour: 7 km downstream from Zuoz following the current
- Duration of tour: 3-4 hours
- Season: From May to August/September
- Level: Suitable for beginners
- Suitable for: Families, groups
Swiss Activities Offers:
Rafting Landquart
White water action is guaranteed on the Landquart. As a river from the Silvretta massif, it flows through the Prättigau. In the village of Landquart the river finds its end point and flows off into the Alpine Rhine.
The water gradually produces heightened rapids and gives rise to a real river rafting feeling. One or the other maneuver may be tackled by advanced rafters. Experience in white water is definitely an advantage here! A guide accompanies every tour.
- River tour: Between Küblis over the Landquart to Grüsch it goes over wild rapids.
- Duration tour: About 3 hours
- Season: From May to August/ September
- Level: For advanced and professionals
- Suitable for: Families, professional rafters
Rafting on the Simme
The gentle rafting tours on the Simme are especially great for beginners. You can look forward to an exciting nature experience amidst impressive water, riverbank, and mountain landscapes. The various sections of the river in the Simmental offer a mix of calm stretches and occasional easy rapids. Here you can put your physical skills to the test as a rafter. Tours can be booked for groups of 2 or more. Families and groups are very welcome. Then it’s time for a moderate white-water adventure. The trips usually last between 3 and 4 hours. Changing facilities and transport are included in the timeframe. Don’t forget your swimwear!
- River tour: Through the Simmental ending in Därstetten.
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Season: From May to the end of September
- Level: Beginner
- Suitable for: Families, groups
Swiss Activities Offers:
Rafting the Rhone
The Rhone is a total of 807 km long, winding through the Valais Rhone Valley. It has the highest water volume of any river in Switzerland.
There are two rafting tours available for enthusiasts, each with different levels of difficulty.
The first tour starts in Souston and runs about 9 km to Sierre. This tour is suitable for experienced rafters because the waves are often not only very high but also powerful. The route is called the Adventure Course.
If you prefer something more laid-back, you can choose the second tour from Sierre to Sion. The water is pleasant for paddling. On the 20 km stretch, you'll have several opportunities to take a break for a swim or enjoy a picnic.
- River tour: Souston to Sierre (9 km) or Sierre to Sion (20 km)
- Tour duration: between one hour and a full day
- Season: From May to September
- Level: Beginners, Intermediate, Experts
- Suitable for: Families, whitewater fans
Swiss Activities Offers:
- Rafting the Rhone with BBQ fun in Valais
Rafting Arve
Geneva has a lot to offer not only as a cosmopolitan city on the lake of the same name. If you feel like getting to know the city from the water, you've come to the right place. The Arve River flows past the edge of Geneva's city center. From there there is an estuary directly into the Rhone.
An action-packed adventure in white water awaits rafting fans. The river tour usually starts in Le Veyrier and features alternating water sections. For beginners it is worthwhile to get in contact with light white water currents for the first time close to the city.
You will receive an introduction to the technique from the guides on site.
- River tour: On the Arve river you will go directly along the outskirts of Geneva
- Tour duration: Between 2-4 hours
- Season: From May to September
- Level: For beginners and advanced
- Suitable for: Families, adventurous city visitors
Rafting Vispa
Rafting on a glacier-fed river is a unique outdoor adventure suitable for everyone from beginners to pros. The Vispa runs through the beautiful Vispertal in the Valais region, stretching 37 km before it flows into the Rhône. To master the changing rapids of the glacier source, you'll receive a briefing from experienced rafting instructors. The goal of the tour is to ensure you can handle the inflatable boat and paddle safely. Proper gear is also essential. The tour begins in Mühleye.
- River Tour: Follow the flow along the Vispertal
- Tour Duration: 3 hours
- Season: From May to September
- Level: Intermediate, pros
- Suitable for: Families, groups, children from 10 years old
Swiss Activities Offer:
Rafting on the Saane
If you're looking for some variety in rafting, we recommend a river tour on the Saane near Gstaad. This river is located in the Bernese Oberland. The mountain river offers both stronger rapids as well as calmer stretches. For those who already have some rafting experience, this ride will be a wonderful experience.
Nature here has a lot to offer as well. The gorges of Gérignoz and Vanel will impress you. Every now and then, you might also spot some cows grazing in the mountain meadows. The whitewater trip ends at Chateau-d’Oex. The tours are guided by experienced instructors.
- River Tour: The ride takes you from Saanen up to 15 km along the river to Chateau-d’Oex.
- Tour Duration: 3 hours
- Season: From May to August
- Level: Advanced and professional
- Suitable for: Families, groups
Swiss Activities Offer:
Even though river rafting is offered in very different regions of Switzerland, all destinations have one thing in common: they guarantee you lots of fun and an exciting experience in the depths of nature.
Frequently asked questions
Rafting · answered by the editorial team
For whom is rafting suitable?
Rafting is suitable for anyone who wants to ride down the wild waves of Swiss rivers while enjoying the view of the beautiful surroundings. Rafting is a sporting activity that can be done by children and adults. The minimum age required depends on the river and the tour and varies from 6 to 14 years, depending on the difficulty and conditions. The respective spots mostly offer different levels of difficulty. This guarantees that the rafting tour matches the experience of the participants
Can I participate in a rafting tour without swimming skills?
It is not necessary to know how to swim. Nevertheless, there are offers that require it, as they involve more difficult water conditions or rapids. Rafting Lütschine, for example, offers rafting tours of class IV and higher, which are only suitable for good swimmers. However, vests are mandatory on any rafting tour in Switzerland. In any case, it is important to inform the guide about swimming abilities and any health problems (back, neck, joints, muscles) so that the trip and safety precautions can be adjusted if necessary. Anyone who meets the requirements for age, weight and health can therefore take part in this exciting experience through Swiss nature
Is rafting safe in Switzerland?
Statistically, rafting is one of the safest sports, as even recreational swimming has more accidents than white water rafting. If you choose a reputable and certified provider and follow the safety rules that are shown and explained to you at the beginning, rafting is a safe and breathtaking adventure. Various organizations, such as Safety in Adventures and Swiss Lifesaving Society regularly check and standardize the safety standards of the providers. The provider's safety certification can be verified by the blue "S", which stands for certification by SGS and SQS. In addition, the provider should be a partner of Rega.
How does rafting work?
In a so-called raft, a relatively large, very stable inflatable boat, you navigate wild rivers and cross rapids. A raft can be between 3.6 and 5.8 meters long, carry two to twelve people and is made of very robust rubber fabric
At the beginning of each tour you will meet your companions and guides. They will explain to you the safety instructions you need to know for safe white water rafting, as well as techniques for holding the paddle, steering and behavior in the boat. They will also help you to find and put on the right equipment and clothes for your adventure. After the instructions and certain exercises, you will go in the boat and on the river accompanied by your tour guide.
What happens if I fall out of the boat while rafting?
The safety training you go through before each trip prepares you very well for this eventuality. You have several options available to you if you do fall out of the raft. First, you should learn to stay calm. You should first try to grab the safety rope hanging on the outside of each raft and get back into the boat with the help of the guide. If this is not possible, stretch your legs, lean on your back and let the vest and the river carry you.
Do not try to stand up or swim. There is no danger of sinking because of the vest. One of the guides on the water will have a chance to pull you out of the water. Of course, there is a minimal chance of getting hurt while rafting. Statistically, there is one injury for every 2.1 trips out of 100,000 trips
Safety precautions are very high, so a rafting adventure is an unforgettable and safe experience for the vast majority of participants!
How expensive is rafting in Switzerland?
The price depends mostly on the route, the river and the level of difficulty. Generally, a rafting tour can cost between 50 and 300 CHF.
Where can I go rafting in Switzerland?
There are nine rafting hotspots in Switzerland.
The most popular place for water sports is Interlaken, known for windy rapids and wild water rides. Lütschine and Simme are rivers in the Bernese Oberland that are perfect for rafting
The route from Ilanz leads you through the breathtaking nature of the Vorderrheintal. On this route, fast streams alternate with calm waters, while you can experience the fascination of the "Swiss Grand Canyon".
With the family on the way, a rafting tour from Scuol in the Engadine is particularly suitable. All kinds of different tours await you on the Inn. In Basel you can expect whitewater as well as rather calm and leisurely rafting routes, which are always worthwhile. Here you can float past hidden pebble beaches and natural banks.
In Prättigau, white-water action is guaranteed on the Landquart. The river comes from the Silvretta massif. The Arve rises from the glacier of Mont Blanc and crosses Geneva
For adrenaline junkies, the Vispa and the Saane also represent perfect opportunities to cross fast streams and adventurous rapids. They flow through the beautiful Swiss canton of Valais.