Trip Guide

Trip Guide: Improvers Horse Riding and Yoga Holiday in Norway

Horse riding in Norway isn’t your typical riding school experience. You’ll be learning to ride with Norwegian mountains as your backdrop, building skills on forest trails with horses that know these paths better than you do. This guide covers everything you need to show up prepared for five days of riding, yoga, and mountain adventure.

Woman horseback riding at a barn, wearing a helmet with a horse; sign reads “VENABUST”
Women horse riding together on a mountain trail under a blue sky, outdoors

Getting There

Fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport, then take the train to Ringebu: a roughly 2.5 hour journey through the Norwegian countryside. We’ll then meet you at the station for the 20-minute drive to the hotel.

Nearest Airport: Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)
Meeting Point: Ringebu train station
Train journey: approximately 2.5 hours from Oslo Gardermoen

Train tickets are not included and need to be booked separately via vy.no/en or sj.no. Tickets go on sale 60–90 days before travel – book early to secure your seat. The train station is directly below the Oslo Gardermoen Arrivals Terminal, a few minutes’ walk from the arrivals hall.

On arrival day, book a morning flight and allow at least one to two hours between landing and your train departing. On departure day, book an afternoon or evening flight and allow at least two hours between your train arriving at the airport and your flight departing. Full transfer details are in your customer portal.

How do I get to the hotel?

Fly into Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), then take the train to Ringebu station, approximately 2.5 hours. Train tickets aren’t included in the trip cost, so please book them via vy.no/en or sj.no (they cost approximated £30 each way, but price will vary depending on the exact ticket). Tickets go on sale 60–90 days before travel.

Suggested Flights

Arrival Flight to Oslo Gardermoen

  • Book a morning flight to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Aim to arrive at least one and a half hours before your train departure time to Ringebu, preferably more.

Train from Oslo Gardermoen to Ringebu

  • Book the following trains
    Depart 14:25 Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen) – Arrive 16:53 at Ringebu Station

Train from Ringebu to Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)

  • Book the following train:
    • Depart 06:32 Ringebu Station – Arrive 09:01 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen) 4-8 August 2026 only
    • Depart 12:06 Ringebu Station – Arrive 14:21 at Oslo lufthavn (Gardermoen)

Departure Flight from Oslo Gardermoen to home

  • Ensure there’s at least two hours between your train arrival from Ringebu into Oslo Gardermoen Airport and your flight departure.

For details on booking your trains please read our FAQs.

Transfer times

  • Arrival Day: We will pick you up from Ringebu train station at 16:53. This transfer times line up with our recommended train below. The transfer to the hotel is a 20-minute drive.
  • Departure Day: We will transfer you from the hotel to Ringebu station in time for the 06:32 (4-8 August trip only) and 12:06 train.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you’ll need to arrange your own way to Ringebu. Your host is your main contact on the day, and the bookings team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5:30pm UK time. Comprehensive travel insurance covering delays and missed connections is mandatory for all Gutsy Girls trips.

What if I take a later train than the suggested one?

A taxi between Ringebu station and the hotel can be arranged.

  • Between 8am and 8pm the cost is approximately 300 NOK (approx. £22/€25) each way
  • between 8pm and 8am it’s approximately 790 NOK (approx. £58/€65) each way.

Contact the bookings team in advance to arrange this. Please note – if you arrive later on arrival day, you will miss dinner and no refund is available.

Should I arrange to travel with other guests?

We connect everyone on the trip via WhatsApp before departure, so you can coordinate travel if you’d like. Many guests arrange to share the train journey from Oslo.

Norwegian mountain valley with a winding river through tundra hills under a cloudy sky

Fitness & Skill Level

This trip is rated moderate and is designed for improvers who want to take their riding beyond the arena. You need to be confident controlling your horse at walk and rising trot before you arrive. Canter is a bonus, but not expected and definitely something to work towards across the week. If you’ve never been horse riding, or it’s been years since you last sat in the saddle, start with our Beginners Horse Riding Adventure first.

What you need to be able to do:

    • Ride confidently at walk and rising trot, both in and out of the arena
    • Control your horse to go and stop, and be able to steer
    • Ride for up to three hours at a stretch by the end of the week
    • Be comfortable with three back-to-back active days at the stables
    • Know basic horse care and be excited to learn more.

Important: For safety reasons, if you don’t have the required riding experience when you arrive, you won’t be able to join the trail rides.

Fitness: This trip isn’t the most physically demanding one we run, but three consecutive days in the saddle, plus hours at the stable, requires a decent base fitness to get the most out of the week.

What riding experience do I need?

You need to be confident at walk and rising trot, know how to steer and stop, and be happy to try canter. This is an improvers trip for riders who have the basics down and are ready to take their riding onto the trail. If you’ve never been horse riding or haven’t for a long time, this is not the right starting point. (we’ve got an excellent beginners trip for that!)

What are the Norwegian Døle horses like?

The Døle horse (Dølahest in Norwegian) is a breed native to the region and built for mountain terrain. Calm, sure-footed and sturdy, they give riders a real sense of security on uneven ground. They also have a lot of personality, which you’ll discover as the week goes on. You’ll be paired with your own horse at the start of the week and ride them throughout.

How fast will we go?

You’ll stick with walk and trot for most rides, with the possibility to canter if the whole group is up for it.

Is there a weight limit?

The horses can carry riders up to 100kg. If you’re over this weight, contact the Bookings Team before booking and we’ll check with the stables to see if we can accommodate you.

Women horse riding on horseback in Norway countryside with mountains and pine trees in the background

Sleep & Eat

Accommodation

You’ll be based for the entire trip at a family-run mountain lodge with views across lakes, mountains and open landscape from every window. The place is cosy and well set up for an active week, with a communal lounge, bar, complimentary tea and coffee 24/7, a yoga studio and a sauna. WiFi is also available in all rooms and communal areas.

Rooms are simple, light and airy with en-suite bathrooms and mountain-style decor. Many have mountain views.

The hotel is dog-friendly with two or three resident dogs. They won’t enter bedrooms, but you’ll see them in the lounge – worth knowing if you have allergies or aren’t a dog person.

Important note on clothing: Clothes worn at the stables cannot be worn around the hotel. Pack separate sets for the stables and hotel time.

Food

All meals are included, from arrival dinner to departure breakfast. Breakfasts are a generous buffet to set you up for the day, while lunch is a plentiful buffet at the hotel or a packed lunch to eat at the stables made from the range at breakfast. Dinners are a three-course set menu each evening using quality local ingredients.

Alcoholic drinks are not included, although there is a bar with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to purchase separately.

Important: Dinner is a set menu and cannot be changed on the day. Include your dietary requirements and anything you really won’t eat clearly on your check-in form after booking.

What is the hotel like?

A family-run mountain lodge at the edge of Rondane National Park. Cosy en-suite rooms with mountain views, an open-fire lounge, bar, yoga studio, sauna and complimentary tea and coffee. It’s a warm, welcoming base and the food is excellent.

Does the hotel have WiFi?

Yes, there’s good WiFi in all rooms and communal areas.

Are towels and hairdryers provided?

Yes. Towels are in your room, hairdryers are available in the cabinet at the end of the corridor on each floor, along with spare towels.

Are there laundry facilities?

No. Bring travel wash or soap flakes if you want to hand-wash anything, or pack enough for four nights.

What is the food like?

Traditional, homemade and a real highlight. A generous breakfast and lunch buffet (or a packed lunch to eat at the stables) and a three-course set menu dinner each evening using local produce. The kitchen prioritises quality local ingredients and healthy, homemade cooking.

Can you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. Please include your dietary requirements on your check-in form after booking and we’ll make sure it’s taken into account. Dinner is a set menu, so flag anything you can’t or won’t eat well in advance of arrival as it may not be possible to make changes on the day.

Are drinks included?

No, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are not included. The hotel has a bar where you can purchase these.

Tea and coffee is available 24/7 in the lounge.

Is there a lunch break at the stables?

Yes. On the longer riding day, you’ll pack your lunch at breakfast and eat it at the stables.

Horses grazing on a grassy field beside a large residential building on a cloudy day
Norwegian wooden cabin bedroom with single bed, chair, desk and window view.

Weather

Norwegian summers are beautiful but unpredictable. Dress as you would for a UK autumn: layers, a waterproof jacket and riding clothes that can handle a bit of mud and ever changing conditions. Even on a warm week, temperatures tend to be low in the morning and evenings, so you may need an extra layer for first thing at the stables.

Rides go ahead in most weather conditions. Your guides know the terrain and will adjust the plan where needed. Keep an eye on the forecast in your customer portal in the week running up to your trip and adjust your packing accordingly.

What is the weather like in July?

Norwegian summers can be warm and sunny, but also cool, wet and changeable. Pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the forecast. Even warm weeks can feel cool in the mornings and evenings. Dress as you would for a UK autumn and check your customer portal closer to your trip for the most accurate forecast.

Do rides go ahead in bad weather?

Yes, in most conditions. Your guides know the terrain, can suggest alternative routes and will make the call if conditions are unsafe. Pack for everything and expect to ride in it.

Is the itinerary flexible?

Yes. Guides adjust daily plans based on conditions where needed. Safety comes first throughout the week.

What should I bring for the wild swimming?

Swimwear and a small travel towel. Wild swimming is optional, not mandatory, and the sauna is available whether you swim or not.

Women horse riding across grassy tundra beside a pond

Good to Know

Communication: There’s good WiFi in all rooms and communal areas at the hotel.

Money: Everywhere on this trip accepts card, so you won’t need Norwegian krone.

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.

Why aren't all guides and instructors female?

We work with the best guides available, male or female. There are fewer women in outdoor guiding roles, so we prioritise expertise and guest experience. We vet every guide carefully and monitor feedback closely to ensure all guides align with our ethos and standards. We also hope more trips like ours encourage more women to find new activities and become guides themselves.

Are train tickets included?

No. Train tickets between Oslo Gardermoen and Ringebu must be booked separately at approximately £30 each way. Book via vy.no/en or sj.no as soon as tickets go on sale (60–90 days before travel).

When should I buy travel insurance?

As soon as you book, not the week before you fly. Booking early means you’re covered if you need to cancel before departure, not just for issues while you’re away. Your policy should cover travel delays, missed connections, trip cancellation, medical emergencies and evacuation, baggage and equipment loss, and all activities on your itinerary.

How many guests will be on this trip?

Max 5 guests.

Woman cuddles a bridled horse during an outdoor riding session by the sea
Women horse riding along a gravel path through green valleys and mountains in the countryside

Packing List

What We Provide

    • Riding helmets
    • Waist bags for small items while riding

What You Need to Bring

Riding Kit

    • Riding footwear – riding boots are ideal, but hiking boots work too
    • Riding trousers or jodhpurs (no rough or hard inside seam as this will rub in the saddle)
    • Long-sleeve tops, fleeces or jumpers
    • Lightweight, fast-drying t-shirts
    • Waterproof jacket
    • Waterproof overtrousers (optional)
    • Lightweight insulated jacket
    • Gloves with a grippy palm (riding, cycling or leather gloves all work)
    • Warm socks (hiking socks are good)
    • Buff

Note: riding clothes will get dirty. It’s fine to re-wear them the next day as they’ll just get dirty again, just don’t wear them around the hotel!

Hotel Clothes

    • Relaxed evening clothes (it can be cool in the evenings)
    • Slippers for the hotel
    • Swimwear and a small travel towel for the lake and sauna
    • Yoga wear

Essential Kit

    • Water bottle
    • Small daypack for bringing snacks, water and layers to and from the stables
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • Insect repellent
    • Compeed or moleskin blister plasters
    • Personal medication
    • Snacks
    • Thermos for hot drinks, optional

Packing Tips

Footwear: Wear boots or shoes with some grip, but nothing too chunky (they need to fit in the stirrup). They also need to cover the foot entirely and preferably the ankle, with some ankle flexibility. They should be sturdy, water resistant and muck-proof for stable work. Riding boots are ideal, but hiking boots work well.

Riding clothes: Go for riding trousers or jodhpurs and avoid anything with a rough or hard inside seam as this will rub in the saddle.

Layers: Norwegian summer weather is unpredictable. Bring long-sleeve tops, fleeces or jumpers, a lightweight jacket and a waterproof jacket. Waterproof overtrousers are optional but useful.

Gloves: You need gloves with a grippy palm – riding, cycling or leather gloves all work.

Hotel clothes: Clothes worn at the stables cannot be worn around the hotel. Pack a separate set for mornings and evenings, plus yoga wear and slippers for the lodge.

What footwear do I need for riding?

Just wear the boots you usually wear horse riding and the stables. Riding or jodhpur boots are ideal, hiking boots are a good alternative. Check with the Bookings Team if you’re unsure.

Do I need to bring a bag for the rides?

No. Rides won’t be longer than a couple of hours and we have waist bags you can borrow for small essentials. Bring a small daypack to carry your stuff to the stables, but you won’t take it on the horses.

Can I bring my own riding hat?

You’re welcome to bring your own riding helmet, however the stables have a wide range of high-spec hats in various sizes to save you space in your suitcase.

Woman horseback riding on a hillside overlooking a Norwegian lake and mountains.
Women standing in a calm lake with mountains in the background

Trip Code NORVENHRSI – Include this code in any message so we can find your trip straight away.