National parks on horseback in Norway

By: Nestor Imberti Posted: 03/09/2021

Horse riding in Norway means an opportunity to admire the natural wonders of Scandinavia first-hand. In this article, we want to show you different options for your horseback riding vacations in Rondane, Dovrefjell and Sunndalsfjella national parks.

Norway has 47 national parks, and in total there are more than 3,000 protected areas in the country. These parks are there to ensure the preservation of different types of nature for future generations.

Nearly 85 percent of Norway's national parks are mountains, from gently rolling high plateaus to sharp peaks, ravines and glaciers.

Norway is an icon because of its glaciers, vast valleys and high peaks. The scenery consists of countless steep cliffs, lakes and unbelievable views, which make this country a unique alternative.

Doubtlessly, the dramatic fiords in the south west are the most spectacular and characteristic part of Norway that you can visit.

These equestrian trails will take you through deep valleys, hills and open spaces where you can gallop freely. In this country, adventure is superlative if you ride a true Norwegian horse specially trained for this kind of equestrian trips.

There are many other reasons to travel to this land, with a small population and lots of places to see. As in other countries of northern Europe, here in North Cape you have the Midnight Sun with all its splendor, a visual spectacle worth seeing.

Scandinavian horse breeds for horseback riding in Norway

During your horseback rides, you will usually see Icelandic horses or one of the old Norwegian horse breeds.

• Dølahesten, or the Dole Gudbrandsdal, horse: is a large and strong workhorse breed originating in the Gudbrandsdalen valley that is frequently used in trotting races.
• Nordlandshesten, or the Northlands, horse: is a smaller but sturdy breed, which has its origin in Northern Norway. During the Vikings Age, the ancestors of current Norwegians trotted around Borg, in Lofoten.
• Fjord horse: is one of the most unique Norwegian horse breeds, native to Fjord Norway. It is a small but strong animal, with a characteristic beige coat and a white mane with a black stripe down the middle.

Icelandic horses are frequently used in the Norwegian Trekking – an arduous horse trip called this way due to its roughness.

Different riding options in Norway

Next, we will see what Kvistli Islandshester has to offer. This local horse riding outfitter has very good horses and extensive experience in providing equestrian services.

Kvistli Islandshester

They are located near the most important National Parks in Norway – Rondane, Dovrefjell and Sunndalsfjella.

The hosts, Anne Margrethe and Morten Sæterhaug, live on the Kvistli Farm with their children, Mathias and Maren.

The farm is a great starting point for riding tours in the nearby mountains. The hosts have extensive experience in mountain riding in the area and they have been in business since the 1980s until today.

You will live on the farm with them. Nights are spent in the rooms of the main farmhouse and all meals are served around a long table in the dining room.

If you are looking for a family atmosphere, then this is the right place. At these tables, all together can share their riding day experiences.

What is their horse riding holiday offer like?

These are the so-called "centre-based" riding holidays, which include half-day or full-day horseback rides starting out in different directions each day and returning to the same accommodation each night. All these rides leave from the main facilities of the farm, which is where you will be staying.

You can go for a different ride each day.

What’s more, based on those itineraries they organize the so-called week program:

• Breakfast at 9 am.
• Assistance at the stables at 10. You get your horse and saddle, and head for your itinerary for the day.
• Light lunch during the tour, an hour break and, then, you continue with the ride.
• You come back home at about 5-6 pm. Dinner is at 7 pm.

Their horses

All their mounts are Icelandic horses. This breed is relatively small and its height varies from 130 cm to 150 cm.

They are strong but there is a limit in the weight they can carry. When an intense activity is required in the terrain, the weight limit is 95 kg comprising rider and riding gear.

Where do their routes and trails take you?

With Rondane, Dovrefjell and Sunndalsfjella National Parks as their nearest neighbours, they can offer you exclusive rides in Norway’s finest riding terrain.

Their amazing Icelandic horses will take you through different equestrian trails as you visit old villages, abandoned mines, river crossings and majestic pine forests.

You will climb up the high peaks of its mountains, ride across immense extensions of land and gallop through an exuberant birch grove.

They have tours that are suitable for beginners and advanced riders.

Riding programs with overnights outside the farm

They also organize several horseback trips with mountain lodging. You will see the true rural Norway.

These full-board equestrian tourism programs are multi-day itineraries. You can join tours of different duration (3 – 6 days).

Riders spend the night in cottages, tents, or hotels. It depends on the type of trip you choose.

From Kvistli to Røros in Six Days

This is the longest program they offer.

This is a trip for adventurous and experienced riders, who appreciate the solitude of equestrian routes, good food and great horses.

In Røros, over dinner, locals will tell you amazing stories of riders who roamed this area during the dramatic war between Norway and Sweden from 1700 to 1721.

You can find further information about their rides on their web site: https://kvistli.no/

Are you also passionate about the idea of travelling Europe on horseback?

As you can see, exploring the world on horseback is exciting. If you want to discover other European destinations and ride their own horse breeds, download our free eBook on Equestrian Tourism in Europe.

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