Beginner horse riding and yoga holiday in Norway
Learn to ride whilst exploring beautiful mountain trails on horseback
Stay in a traditional mountain hotel with great views
Unwind with yoga for all levels
Connect with nature in this wild and beautiful location
Saunas and wild swimming
Meet new friends, adventures created for solo travellers
The Adventure
Join us in Norway for a 4-day horseback riding adventure in the breathtaking Rondane National Park. Created for beginners, our horse riding holiday is your chance to explore majestic mountains and awe-inspiring landscapes on horseback, even if you've never ridden before!
Our passionate local instructors guide you every step of the way. In a safe and supportive environment, you'll build confidence with horses. Learn essential horsemanship skills through a combination of theory lessons, practice sessions, and most importantly, daily adventures exploring the diverse beauty of Rondane.
Explore the wide range of landscapes, including meadows bursting with wildflowers, enchanting forests, and majestic mountain trails. Each day offers a new way to connect with nature and experience the park's majesty from a truly unique perspective.
After conquering the trails, unwind with rejuvenating yoga sessions, take a refreshing dip in the lake In the evenings, experience a traditional sauna, a perfect way to soothe your body and embrace Norwegian customs!
Stay in a cosy mountain hotel with incredible panoramic views, your perfect basecamp for adventure. Savour delicious, locally-sourced meals, full board included, to fuel your body for each day's exploration.
location
We’ll be visiting Venabydsfjellet, a stunning mountain plateau on the edge of Rondane National Park, north of Lillehammer. This beautiful location offers diverse riding trails and spectacular views encompassing lakes, mountains, and forests. We'll enjoy horse riding and hiking right from the hotel’s doorstep, immersing yourself in the peaceful and natural surroundings.
LEARN TO RIDE
This horseback holiday is designed for novice riders, to build your confidence and skills while you explore breathtaking mountain scenery. Each day starts with hands on lessons to build your knowledge, from understanding body language, building a connection with the horse, feeding and caring for the horses. Morning arena lessons refine your riding skills, where you'll gain control and master new techniques. Then, afternoons we'll venture out on to trails into the mountains, on guided tours through breathtaking scenery.
THE HORSES
During your stay, you'll be paired with a Døla horse, known for its gentle nature and suitability for beginner riders. This bonding opportunity enhances your learning experience as you navigate the basics of horseback riding. The stable prioritises safety and animal welfare, holding a certification for Norwegian riding standards, "Hest i Turistnæring." With a strong reputation and decades of experience since the 1970s, the stable ensures a secure and enjoyable riding experience.
HIKING
After two full days riding, we will take a much-needed day off to allow our bodies to recuperate. On the third day, we will embark on a beautiful hike through the meadows, leading us to an old summer farm in the heart of Gundbrandsdalen. Here, we will enjoy in a delicious local lunch, consisting of traditional Norwegian cuisine, while learning about the history and folklore of the mountains from the local farmer.
In the afternoons, you are welcome to take a self-guided hike on the nearby trails, accessible right from your hotel. These trails offer stunning views of the breathtaking surroundings, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore at your own pace.
Yoga
To complement our long active days, we’ll unwind with 4 yoga sessions. The classes are great for all levels and if the weather suits, we'll take our practice outside by the lake!
FITNESS
Trip Difficulty: We've rated this trip as moderate based on the physical demands of the activities. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to get the most from your time with us.
Duration: Gear up for 2 - 3 hours of riding and another 3 hours of work in the stables (grooming, saddling, and theory) for two days, as well as a day of hiking and a morning ride on the day you depart.
Hours in the saddle: If you’re not used to riding, even a few hours in the saddle can leave your body aching. Expect to have to push through some muscle soreness!
Consecutive Days: Prepare for 3.5 consecutive days of activity, which may be physically demanding
Hiking: Our hike to the summer farm will be 12 km in total, so including a good stop for lunch this makes for a full day hike. The terrain is likely to be rough and uneven and will have some hills, with 270m of ascent and descent.
Weather Considerations: While we hope for sunny days, the weather can change rapidly. Come prepared with appropriate clothing for riding and hiking in various weather conditions, including rain.
Hotel
Staying in a family-run mountain hotel. Breathtaking panoramic views greet you from every window, while the welcoming lounge, sauna, and wild swimming lake (weather permitting) offer post-adventure relaxation. Rest comfortably in simple yet inviting rooms - the perfect retreat after a day in the outdoors.
FOOD
We’ll be treated to delicious food for breakfast and lunch and enjoy a 3 course meal each evening as well as a chance to sample delicious Norwegian dishes!
We can cater for all dietary requirements.
THE PLAN
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Your adventure will begin with us once you arrive at Ringebu train station where we will meet you. Fly into Oslo on a morning flight and hop on a train to Ringebu. A beautiful scenic route through stunning landscapes.
Please see our FAQs under “Travel Information” for details on train timings and booking so that you can choose flights to fit the trains we will be meeting.
Once you’ve arrived at the hotel there will be an opportunity for a sauna before our first dinner together.
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Start your day with a delicious hotel breakfast before heading to the stables.
You'll be assigned a horse for the week, beginning with a theoretical session on basic horse care and communication. After learning and practicing saddling and mounting, you'll have your first riding lesson on the track, focusing on essential riding skills.
Enjoy a hearty hot lunch, then head out for a gentle ride in varied terrain, perfect for beginners, with views of Rondane's stunning landscapes.
After our day of riding, we'll enjoy a yoga session, swim in the lake and sauna before a 3 course dinner.
Riding time: 2h
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Begin your day with lakeside yoga (weather permitting) or in the studio, followed by breakfast.
In the stables, delve into understanding horse body language and their daily care—tailored practically to group preferences. This session includes a practical lesson in the arena and feeding the horses. After lunch, enjoy a scenic 2-hour horseback ride.
The day concludes with a delightful three-course meal showcasing Norwegian cuisine.
Total riding time: 3-4h
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Start with morning yoga by the lake or in the studio, followed by breakfast. Today, take a break from riding and hike to a summer farm, traversing beautiful landscapes. Enjoy a traditional lunch and learn about the region's history, folklore, and culture. Return in the late afternoon for relaxation in the sauna and optional wild swimming before dinner.
Hike: 12km
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Start your day with yoga and a hearty breakfast, making the most of your last morning. Today's highlight is a final two-hour trail ride through breathtaking landscapes, a perfect conclusion to your adventure. Afterward, you'll head back to Oslo by train, prepared with a packed lunch for the journey home.
Riding time: 2h
DATE
Mon 17 June - Fri 21 June
Mon 19 August - Fri 23 August SOLD OUT
Mon 2 September - Fri 6 September SOLD OUT
Mon 16 September - Friday 20 September
Mon 23 September - Friday 27 September
Price
Twin Room Ensuite £1150
Private Room Ensuite £1300
What’s Included
3.5 days of activities
2.5 days Horse Riding Course
2 arena horse riding lessons
3 guided horseback tours
theory and hands-on lessons in the stables
1 day guided hiking
4 yoga classes
Visit to a summer farm and lunch experience
4 nights accommodation in mountain hotel
All meals - breakfast, lunch and 3-course dinners
Free coffee and teas in lounge at all times
Gutsy Girls host
Transfers to and from Ringebu train station
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Train tickets - approx £30 each way
Personal travel insurance
Personal clothing
Alcoholic drinks
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The Gutsy Girls community is filled with bold and badass women from 18-70+ years old, we never ask your age, just that you are up for an adventure!
As a rough guide, most Gutsy Girls guests are 24-60 years olds, with around 60% in their 30s-40s.
We can’t stress enough that your age doesn’t matter for our adventures! You’ll leave our trips with a group of great new friends, whatever your age.
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Over 95% of our guests join our trips solo. With activity-filled days and group dinners you’ll be in great company throughout the trip.
Once you’ve booked your spot, you’ll be invited to a WhatsApp group, and many guests arrange to meet at the airport before flying to us, some choose to share a hotel at the airport.
If you book a twin room, you’ll be sharing with another Gutsy Girl.
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This trip has a maximum of 5 guests
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Flights are not included in our packages.
We recommend a morning flight to Oslo on arrival and an evening flight out of Oslo on departure.
From Oslo airport, catch the train to Ringebu and we will collect you from there!
Please see our FAQs under “Travel Information” for details on train timings and booking so that you can choose flights to fit the trains we will be meeting.
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A 30% deposit is required to secure your spot. Remaining balance is due 45 days before travel.
We do not offer payment plans.
QUESTIONS?
Bookings for this adventure are now open, you can secure your spot here.
Packing List
NORWAY SUMMER HORSE RIDING & YOGA ADVENTURE
Even in Norway's summer the weather can be fairly cool so we would suggest dressing as for the UK in autumn.
Our packing list reflects this. We encourage you to check the forecast soon before your trip so that you can amend your packing list accordingly for a warm or wet week! You can check the weather here
WE PROVIDE
Helmets
Waist bags for small items while riding
YOU WILL NEED
Personal
Water bottle
Toiletries
Personal medication
Daypack for bringing snacks, water and layers to and from the stables (you won’t bring much on the rides with you)
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Sunglasses
Thermos for hot drinks (optional)
Snacks
Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!
Hand warmers if you’re a cold person and it’s a cold week
Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots for the hike day (preferably waterproof) - these could be the same as you wear for riding but don’t have to be
Clothes - Riding
Your riding clothes will get dirty, but it’s fine to re-wear these the following day as they’ll just get dirty again!
Boots / shoes for riding - you can use any sturdy shoes or boots but ideally:
Boots should preferably have a some grip
Not too chunky as they need to fit in the stirrup
The shoe should cover the foot, preferably also the ankle, but with some ankle flexibility
They should be sturdy/water resistant/muck proof for stable work
Warm socks (hiking socks are good)
Hardshell jacket (waterproof) (mandatory)
Waterproof overtrousers (or a long knee length riding waterproof coat)
Gloves for riding - with a grippy palm (riding, cycling, leather gloves all work)
Insulated jacket (lightweight down or synthetic) in case you get cold
Trousers for riding - jodhpurs or any trousers without a rough / hard inside seam (as this will rub when you’re riding) - a pair or two will suffice NB you can’t ride in shorts
Warm base layers (top and bottom in case of cold weather)
Thin and thicker mid layers
T-shirts - lightweight and fast drying if the weather is warm
Fleece or jumper
Layers you can take on and off throughout the day as the temperature changes
Buff
Clothes - Hotel
When you’re in the hotel, you’ll need to wear some cleaner, non-riding clothes! The hotel is very relaxed though so there’s no need to dress up.
Relaxed evening clothes (remember it might be cool in the evenings)
Slippers - you can wear these round the hotel
Swimwear & small travel towel for lake swimming and the sauna
Yoga wear