The Packraft Trail Biesbosch: a unique adventure in the Netherlands!

Netherlands

The Packraft Trail Biesbosch: a unique adventure in the Netherlands!

Discover packrafting: hiking, rafting and camping in nature

Do you love nature and are you looking for an adventurous outdoor experience in the Netherlands? Then The Packraft Trail is exactly what you are looking for! This micro-adventure combines hiking through varied landscapes with rafting along winding rivers. You end the day with a night at an atmospheric base camp. And the best part: you do not have to travel far for it, because you can do it right here in the Netherlands! The beautiful setting of De Biesbosch National Park is perfect for it.

What exactly is packrafting?

Packrafting is an outdoor activity in which you use a lightweight, inflatable raft to paddle along rivers and lakes. The unique thing about packrafting is that you can easily pack up the raft and carry it in a backpack, which makes it perfect for adventurers who want to combine hiking with fun on the water.

With packrafting you can reach remote areas that are otherwise hard to access. Think of hidden mountain lakes, quiet streams in national parks or even spectacular coastlines. It requires minimal gear, but gives you maximum freedom and adventure. Experienced adventurers can take on challenging rivers. New to it? Then, just like us, you can practise on calm waters.

You inflate the packraft using an ingenious method. You screw an air bag onto the raft and catch air in it, then you squeeze it shut and push the air into the raft. You simply blow up the last bit with your mouth. It is handy to take off your shoes and put them in your backpack. You attach the backpack with a rope to the hooks at the front of the raft. To keep your things dry, you can put a rain cover over the backpack. Let the raft slide gently into the water, grab your paddle and you are ready to go!

What can you expect from The Packraft Trail through the Biesbosch?

You can go packrafting at various destinations in Europe, but we chose an experience close to home and discovered how surprisingly beautiful the Biesbosch is. During The Packraft Trail in the Biesbosch you experience a unique 2-day adventure in the middle of nature, with your own lightweight, inflatable packraft. Everything is perfectly arranged: every day you get a clear briefing with the hiking and rafting route, instructions on how to easily inflate your packraft and the choice to bring your own camping gear or book a tent.

A basic level of fitness is recommended for The Packraft Trail. You can make the trail more challenging or easier yourself. Every day you return to the base camp, so you do not have to carry your full gear while hiking and rafting. You only carry your inflatable raft and paddle in your backpack. All in all, the backpack weighs about 6 to 7 kilos. Beforehand I worried that this would be heavy, but personally I found hiking with this backpack very doable. The backpacks you get are extremely sturdy, sit well on your hips and can be clipped together at the front.

Every day you are free to choose from different hiking routes. Want to cut a bit off along the way? No problem. You set the pace entirely yourself. You have the whole day to hike and raft and can take breaks whenever you like. We found the rafting a bit harder than expected. This is the toughest challenge. A 4-kilometre stretch easily took us 1.5 hours. You have to deal with currents, other boats, open water and green sludge that can sometimes be hard to get through. It is easiest to sit back a little, relax in the raft and paddle calmly. You can rest your feet on your backpack or simply place it in front of you in the raft for extra stability. A big advantage is that the organisation checks the current and bases the route on it in the morning. Also good to know: in an emergency you can always reach a ranger.

What does the base camp look like?

The base camp of The Packraft Trail in the Biesbosch is on an atmospheric campsite, beautifully located on the river at the edge of De Biesbosch National Park. At the back of the site, a special camping field has been set up as base camp, where your tent is ready and waiting for you. If you would rather come with your own camping gear or campervan, you can choose a nice spot yourself.

The toilet block with showers and toilets is a short walk away, on the campsite itself. There are a few tables and chairs on the field where you can sit for dinner or breakfast. Every morning a fresh breakfast is served in the big tipi tent, with coffee, tea, juices, baguette, yoghurt, croissants, currant buns and toppings. That way you start your outdoor adventure in the Biesbosch full of energy.

What makes this adventure extra fun is that you do not experience it completely on your own. In the evening you can join a cosy campfire, toast marshmallows and swap stories with fellow adventurers who are also doing The Packraft Trail. This makes the whole experience extra enjoyable.

The routes of The Packraft Trail in the Biesbosch

For the 2-day adventure you can choose from two routes each day. You can complete the route entirely at your own pace; it does not matter how long you take. Bear in mind, though, that there are few toilet facilities along the way: on day 1 there is only one stop and on day 2 none, so you will sometimes have to improvise in nature. There are also few benches or places to sit, so take regular breaks to keep your energy up. Settle down at a beautiful spot on the bank, have a rest, enjoy the surroundings and take your time for a well-deserved break.

Day 1 – Biesbosch West Side Short route: 10 km hiking + 4 km rafting Long route: 16 km hiking + 4 km rafting
On day 1 you first drive a short distance by car to the starting point of the route.

Day 2 – Biesbosch East Side Short route: 8 km hiking + 6 km rafting Long route: 10 km hiking + 8 km rafting
On day 2 you can also choose a shortened version of the short route: about 5 km hiking + 5 km rafting.

Set off well prepared and make sure you have all your gear to hand after the briefing, so you can start straight away. Bring enough snacks, food and water for the way. Wear sturdy walking shoes that you can walk in for a long time and consider bringing a dry set of clothes. You get a map with the route, but it is also handy to download the Travelbase app. That way you can see your exact location and the route, and you will also find the rangers' emergency number.

What should you bring to The Packraft Trail?

For a successful packraft adventure in the Biesbosch, good preparation is half the battle. First of all, do not take too much with you on the way, because you will only have to carry it. With the right gear your 2-day adventure will be comfortable and carefree and all you have to do is enjoy!

Are there other places to go packrafting?

With Travelbase, besides the Biesbosch, you can also choose other adventurous packraft trails, such as in Luxembourg, the Ardennes or Slovenia. In Luxembourg you paddle through quiet streams and beautiful forests, while the Ardennes offer adventurous rapids for those looking for a bit more of a challenge. Slovenia is known for its crystal-clear rivers and breathtaking nature, ideal for a longer packraft trip.

In short: packrafting is not only a unique way to discover nature in the Netherlands, but also a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in countless places in Europe. Once you have got the taste for it, you are guaranteed to want to go again, whether close to home or a bit further away. Put on your walking shoes, grab your paddle and let the adventure begin!

The Packraft Trail is a unique travel experience from Travelbase. Besides packrafting, Travelbase also organises other great trips. From challenging trails to winter camping and surf camps to epic road trips, always with a big dose of adventure.

Practical tips for The Packraft Trail

Frequently asked questions about The Packraft Trail