Horseback Riding Vacations in Norway

Why tour Norway on horseback?

Spending a horse riding holiday in Norway is to discover nature in all its splendour. Its landscapes, with its countless cliffs, steep mountains, lakes and unbelievable views, makes this country a unique alternative.

Oslo, its capital, is a city of green areas and museums. In addition, Norwegian cities showcase Scandinavian design talents: Bergen,Trondheim and Ålesund are among the most beautiful European cities.

Northern Norway is, by far, the least populated and largest part of mainland Norway and comprises more than a third of the country. It extends from the idyllic Helgeland region in the south to the northernmost point of the European continent, near the North Cape.

Visible during the long nights of the Arctic winter (between October and March), the Northern Lights move through the sky in curtains of green or white light, with their changing intensity and shapes. A spectacle not to be missed

However, Norway’s most outstanding attractions are its impressive fjords, in that they have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most beautiful one is the Geiranger Fjord.

In between Norway’s many fantastic mountain peaks lies a number of beautiful valleys, where you’ll often go through beautiful cultural landscapes or past mountain farms. Besides, the valleys are more shielded from the weather with their bucolic surroundings.

Norwegian wildlife is spectacular. You can go whale-watching on the coast of Andenes, Saint or Tromso, while wild reindeer, prehistoric musk oxen, moose or arctic foxes can be found inland. And in Norway’s High Arctic, in Svalbard, you can find polar bears and walruses.

Equestrian tourism in Norway

Equestrian activities in Norway are famous for its stunning landscapes, which are all perfect for horseback riding.

Riding in Norway is to appreciate the natural wonders of the Scandinavian countryside personally.

Get ready to ride on riding trails that take you through deep valleys, steep hills and open spaces where you can gallop freely.

Adventure is superlative here if you ride a true Norwegian horse specially trained for this kind of equestrian trips.

The dramatic fiords in the southwest are the most spectacular and characteristic part of Norway that you can visit.

Norway is an icon because of its glaciers, vast valleys and high peaks. Icelandic horses are frequently used in Norwegian trekking – an arduous horse trip called this way due to its roughness.

In Jostedalsbreen, there is the largest glacier in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy it through outdoor equestrian activities, such as the wilderness ride – a not-to-be-missed tour.

Rondane, Dovrefjell and Sunndalsfjella National Parks are excellent equestrian tourism alternatives in Norway and you have some amazing tour sof the most beautiful setting in the country.

Choose an operator in Norway

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

Ampascachi suggests the provider Kvistli Farm for your horse routes.

Kvistli Farm

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. Have extensive experience in mountain riding in the area and they have been in business since the 1980s until today.

The farm is a great starting point for riding tours in the nearby mountains. They have an exciting and varied equestrian menu with tours that are suitable for beginners and advanced riders, with day rides and also three-, four- and six-day tours, all of them with a different theme.

With Rondane, Dovrefjell and Sunndalsfjella National Parks as their nearest neighbours, they can offer you exclusive rides in the most beautiful setting in Norway.

Their Farm Stay Week Program is highly recommendable:

• From Monday to Sunday.
• Breakfast at 9 am. Assistance at the stables at 10 where the day's itinerary starts.
• Light lunch during the tour and an hour break.
• You come back home at about 5-6 pm.
• Dinner is at 7 pm.

Their Icelandic horses will take you to new adventures while visiting old villages, abandoned mines, river crossings and majestic pine forests.

Since all their mounts are Icelandic horses, there is a weight limit. 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 involved. That is 95 kg comprising rider and riding gear.

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 environment, then this is the right place.

They also organize several horseback trips with mountain lodging. You spend the night in cottages, tents, setters or hotels. It depends on the type of trip you choose.

You can find more information about their tours, which are numerous and very appealing, on their web site: kvistli.no.

Norway is Nature in its Purest Form. From the majestic mountains, glaciers and crystalline fjords to the deep green valleys, this country offers horseback rides like you've never seen before. Enjoy this unspoiled landscape and submerge yourself into its beautiful views.

Do you also love the idea of exploring Europe on horseback?

Download our free eBook on equestrian tourism in Europe and discover Norway and other European countries. It includes countries, tour operators and horseback tours of the European continent recommended by the Ampascachi team.