Trip Guide: Horse Riding Holiday in Norway for Experienced Riders

This guide covers everything you need to show up confident and prepared for three days of trail riding, stable work, and yoga recovery on the edge of the Rondane National Park.

You’ll partner with a Norwegian Døle horse for the week and ride through birch forests, across wildflower meadows, and up to traditional summer farms where your horse grazes while you feast on waffles and cured meats.

This is for experienced riders who can confidently canter, steer independently, and handle their horse over varied terrain. If that’s you, here’s what you actually need to know.

Woman on horseback during an outdoor ride along a woodland trail, wearing a helmet and riding gear.

Horse riders on horseback in open countryside, travelling along a grassy hillside under a cloudy sky

Getting There

Getting to Venabygdsfjellet is straightforward. Most people fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport, then take the train to Ringebu (2.5 hours). We’ll pick you up from Ringebu station and transfer you to the hotel (20 minutes).

The train journey itself is part of the experience – you’ll watch Norway unfold outside your window as you travel north through changing landscapes.

What flights should I book?

We schedule our transfer around the train between Oslo and Ringebu, so please book flights that meet these trains.

Arrival: Book a morning flight into Oslo Gardermoen, then book one of these trains to Ringebu as these are the ones our transfer meets:

14:29, arriving Ringebu 16:53
16:29, arriving Ringebu 18:49
Some Saturdays, 15:59, arriving Ringebu 18:35

Leave at least an hour between landing and your train. The station is downstairs from arrivals so there isn’t much transit time to worry about, but always factor in possible delays.

Departure: Book one of these trains back to Gardermoen, then an afternoon or evening flight with at least two hours between the train arriving and your flight leaving:

12:06, arriving Gardermoen 14:21
13:57, arriving Gardermoen 16:20

Where do I book train tickets?

Book via Vy.no/en or SJ.no. Tickets go on sale 60-90 days before travel and we recommend booking early to secure seats as trains fill up.

What if I can't make the recommended trains?

We can arrange a taxi between Ringebu station and our hotel. The cost varies depending on the time of day:

Daytime (8am-8pm): 300 NOK/approx £22.
Evening (8pm-8am): 790 NOK/approx £58.

Please email the bookings team to arrange a private transfer.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Group transfers run on schedule and can’t wait. So if you’re delayed and miss your train, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to meet the group. Your host and our bookings team (Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm UK time) will help where possible.

This is why travel insurance covering delays, cancellations and missed connections is mandatory for all our trips.

Mountain valley with a winding stream through grassy tundra and distant peaks under a cloudy sky

Fitness & Skill Level

This trip is rated moderate. You’ll be active for 4-6 hours daily with riding, stable work, and physiotherapist-led exercises. There’s also yoga and the chance to wild swim in the local lake. The main challenge comes from consecutive days in the saddle, handling horses independently on varied terrain, and long rides including the full-day summer farm trip.

You’ll need solid riding experience and a decent fitness level. If you currently ride regularly or used to ride regularly with experience on trails, you’ll manage fine. As long as you’re ready for hours in the saddle over consecutive days, stable work, and a full-day ride over two mountain peaks, you’ll be okay.

Experience Requirements

- Confidence at rising trot and canter while maintaining control
- Ability to steer independently at all paces
- Mounting and dismounting without assistance (mounting blocks are available)
- Comfort leading your horse on foot over rocky or uneven ground
- Experience with trail riding, not just arena work
- Understanding of basic horse care and body language

If you’re returning to riding after a break, you still need these foundational skills and the confidence to manage a horse independently.

Fitness Requirements

Medium to high-intensity cardio three times a week for around 45 minutes. Running, cycling and spin classes for example, activities that get your heart pumping. Walking and yoga alone won’t cut it for the demands of consecutive riding days and stable work, but they will help with your balance and flexibility.

The Horses

Most horses are Døle horses, native to this region and bred for mountain terrain. They’re calm, reliable, and steady on uneven ground. If you’ve previously ridden thoroughbreds or competition horses, these Norwegian horses are far more relaxed but still full of personality. They comfortably carry 100kg but if you’re over this weight and keen to join, just email our bookings team and we’ll check with the stables to see if we can accommodate you.

Self-Sufficiency & Safety

This trip requires independent riders capable of handling their horse in various situations. Guides are always there for support, but you need to confidently manage your own mount; from navigating obstacles and adjusting pace, to responding to terrain changes. For safety and group dynamics, riders who don’t meet the required skill level will not be allowed on to ride.

If you’re unsure whether you’re ready for this trip, talk to our Bookings Team.

I haven't ridden in a while. Is this trip suitable?

If you used to ride regularly and have the skills (confident cantering, steering, mounting independently, trail experience), you can handle this. However, if you’re nervous or your skills are very rusty, consider getting lessons before the trip or choose our improvers riding adventure instead.

Will there be arena lessons?

There’s no arena work on this trip – it’s all trail riding through mountains and forests. We’ll start you off on easy terrain so you can get to know your horse and put each other through your paces, before progressing to longer rides on more interesting terrain.

What does a typical day look like?

Each day on the trip is different, but you’ll have all three meals at the hotel, three hours to a full day of horse riding, stable work, balance/strength exercises with a physiotherapist and a yoga session. If there’s time you can also get in a quick indoor sauna session or a wild swim in the hotel’s lake.

Can I opt out of activities?

Yes, but there are no refunds for skipped activities. If you need a rest day or don’t fancy something, let your host know.

How many hours will I spend in the saddle?

This varies depending on the day. At the beginning of the trip you’ll spend 2-3 hours in the saddle, building to a day trek on the final day. There’s also stable work, physio and strength sessions and time with your horse out of the saddle too.

Women horse riders in Norway on horseback along a forest path in autumn foliage

Sleep & Eat

You’ll stay at a family-run mountain hotel, where every window frames views over lakes, mountains, and forests. It’s full-on traditional Norwegian hospitality – a cosy lounge with open fire (yes, even in summer if it’s cool enough), a spacious yoga studio, gym, sauna and a lake access for wild swimming too.

The rooms are simple, comfortable, and light-filled with mountain-style décor and ensuite bathrooms. There’s also good WiFi throughout, free tea and coffee always available in the lounge, and a bar for evening drinks.

Food

The food here is incredible, with a menu packed full of traditional, homemade Norwegian fare designed to fuel active days. There’s a generous breakfast buffet, a plentiful lunch buffet, and three-course set menu dinners featuring local ingredients and regional dishes. The kitchen prioritises quality and caters for all dietary requirements without scrimping on taste.

One Note About Dogs

The hotel is dog-friendly with 2-3 resident dogs. They won’t enter bedrooms, but you’ll see them in communal areas. Everything is cleaned thoroughly, but please flag to us before booking if you do have an allergy to dog hair.

What exactly is a mountain hotel?

A traditional Norwegian mountain hotel is warm, cosy, and down-to-earth with a focus on nature and hospitality. This one has a reputation for friendly staff and excellent food. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, not fancy or pretentious.

Are the rooms shared or private?

We offer both. There’s twin rooms (shared with another Gutsy Girl) or you can opt for a private room. Both have ensuite. There’s only one or two private rooms per date though so book early to secure one.

Is there WiFi at the hotel?

Yes, there’s good WiFi throughout the hotel.

Can I do laundry?

There are no laundry facilities. You can bring soap flakes or travel wash if you want to hand-wash base layers, or just pack enough for four nights. Your riding clothes will get dirty but it’s fine to re-wear them – they’ll just get dirty again.

What if I have dietary requirements?

The kitchen is fantastic at catering for all dietary requirements and allergies. Put any dietary needs in your check-in form after booking, although please check with the Bookings Team first if you have a severe allergy.

Can I buy snacks or drinks at the hotel?

There’s a bar for drinks and free tea and coffee always available. There are a few snacks and fresh cakes available to buy each day, or you can go to the local supermarket to pick up treats and souvenirs.

Aerial view of autumn Norwegian countryside with a hotel and winding road through valleys and hills

Wooden-framed double bed in a cosy hotel room with window view and patterned blankets

Weather

Even in summer, the Norwegian mountains can be fairly cool – it’s more like late spring in the UK than Mediterranean heat. Days might be pleasant, but mornings and evenings can be chilly, and weather changes fast in the mountains.

Expect temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F) depending on when exactly you go. You might also get sunshine and rain in the same day.

The terrain varies from forest trails and gravel paths to open meadows and rocky sections. You’ll be riding in the mountains through Rondane National Park, so conditions can shift quickly even when it looks clear.

What's the weather like in summer?

Norwegian summer is mild compared to Mediterranean destinations. Expect 10-20°C (50-68°F) with potential for both sunshine and rain. Mountain weather changes fast, so pack layers and waterproofs.

Do rides get cancelled due to weather?

Rarely – Norwegian horses are made of tough stuff and used to variable weather. If conditions are genuinely unsafe and making the trails dangerous though, guides will adjust plans. You’ll still get all included activities, just potentially in a different order.

Should I check the forecast before packing?

Yes, check the forecast a few days before departure at yr.no (Norwegian weather service). There will also be a link in your customer portal to an accurate weather forecast. This will help you adjust your packing – bring extra warm layers if it looks cold, prioritize waterproofs if rain is forecast.

What happens if the full-day ride gets rained out?

The ride still happens unless conditions are unsafe. Guides know these trails in all weather, but if genuinely dangerous, they’ll adjust to a different route or reschedule within the week.

Horse riders on horseback across a grassy landscape with pools of water under a blue sky

Good to Know

Money: The hotel and local shops accept card, so you don’t need to bring cash. Most things on this trip are included, but you might want to budget for personal purchases, extra snacks or drinks with dinner.

Communication: Good WiFi throughout the hotel means you can stay connected. Phone coverage is generally good in Ringebu and at the hotel, though you might lose signal on some trail rides. That’s not a bad thing – it’s a chance to properly switch off.

Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory on our adventures, but if you’ve had a great trip and brilliant service, a tip for your guide or host is always appreciated. We recommend giving 200-300 NOK, or whatever you can or feel is the right amount.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, it’s mandatory for all Gutsy Girls trips. Buy it as soon as you book (not the week before you fly) so you’re covered if you need to cancel. Your policy must cover travel delays and missed connections, trip cancellation, medical emergencies and evacuation, baggage and equipment loss, and all activities on your itinerary including horse riding.

How many guests on the trip?

There will be a maximum of 7 or 8 guests on this trip depending on the trip date.

Women doing outdoor yoga on mats in a grassy field near a wooden barn with horses in the distance

Women riding horses through green valley with mountains in Norway, on an outdoor trail ride.

Packing List

What We Provide

- Riding helmets (all sizes)
- Waist bags for essentials while riding

What You Need to Bring

Essential Riding Clothing:

Riding boots or sturdy boots with heel (you won’t be allowed to ride without proper footwear)
Jodhpurs or trousers without rough inner seams (no shorts and no jeans)
Warm base layers for cool weather
Long-sleeved shirts to protect your arms
Warm jumper or fleece for cool mornings and evenings
Waterproof jacket (essential as mountain rainstorms come in fast)
Gloves for riding

For the Hotel:

- Comfortable clothes for evenings and lunchtime (hotel is relaxed, no need to dress up, but riding clothes aren’t allowed in the lounge or dining room)
- Yoga clothes
- Swimwear for the sauna and wild swimming
- Slippers for around hotel

Essential Kit:

- Daypack for bringing layers, snacks and water to/from stables
- Water bottle
- Compeed/blister plasters
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Sun cream and sunglasses
- Insect repellent

Packing Tips

Fabric Choices: Avoid cotton for riding – it absorbs sweat and stays damp. Choose synthetic or merino base layers that wick moisture and dry quickly. Your riding clothes will get dirty and sweaty, but that’s fine – rewear them the next day as they’ll just get dirty again.

Footwear: You need riding boots or sturdy boots with a heel. Boots should preferably have some grip and not be too chunky as they need to fit in the stirrup. Use what you usually ride in at home.

Layering for Variable Weather: Norwegian summer means layering. Pack versatile pieces you can add or remove easily.

What footwear do I need?

Wear your riding boots or sturdy boots with a heel, whatever you’d normally ride in.

Can I bring my own riding helmet?

You can, but with limited suitcase space we don’t recommend it. The stables provide a wide range of high-spec helmets in all sizes.

What do I wear for yoga?

Just comfortable stretchy clothes, like leggings or joggers and a t-shirt. Sessions are slow and restorative, indoors or lakeside depending on the weather.

What should I prioritise in hand luggage?

Trousers without a hard inside seam. If you check in a bag and it goes missing, you don’t want to be stuck riding in jeans or anything with a hard inside seam as it will rub.