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Last Update: 06 Aug 2010

Riding Holidays | Norway

Norway is the furthest west of the Scandinavian countries, next to Sweden and it is rich in beautiful scenery, known for its deep western sea fjords and glacial valleys, surrounding by stunning high mountains. It has huge areas of unspoilt wilderness, many of which are designated as national parks. These attract many visitors in winter for skiing and snowboarding and in summer for hiking, mountain biking, river rafting and fishing.

Horse riding is extensive in Norway with equestrian centres and horse farms around many of the towns and villages. Lots of riding centres offer weekend trail rides to visitors and can arrange overnight accommodation. Farm stays are very popular, particularly for families with young children, offering pony rides and lessons as part of a wide variety of activities. For serious horse riders horseback trail rides are available lasting from a couple of days up to a full week and exploring some of the remotest regions. Some are centres based stays and others are guided pack trips, camping out each night in a different location. For these trips you need to have previous horse riding experience and be happy riding out in the open over uneven terrain.

Maybe join a trail riding vacation in the mountains near Rondane and experience riding on the high open plains or through birch forest, through sheltered gorges and past waterfalls, looking out for wild reindeer. Or stay for a week in central Norway at a horse farm having dressage or show jumping lessons combined with scenic rides through the local area. Similar riding holidays are available in the south near Rauland. Here riding tuition is available for people of all ages, including children with flatwork and jumping lessons, plus cross country jumping and guided riding trails through the breathtaking landscape.

Icelandic horses are very popular in Norway and can be found at many riding stables. There are also three native Norwegian horse breeds. Probably the best known is the Norwegian Fjord horse, one of the world’s oldest breeds and easily identifiable by its classic dun colour, dark dorsal stripe, two toned mane and tail and small but strong build. The Norwegian mountain horse is similar in looks to the fjord horse, but rather smaller in size. The Norwegian forestry horse is taller and stronger than the other breeds, a fast trotter with good intelligence and a calm sensible manner.

In he north of the country during summer months the sun never sets, giving the country the nickname of ‘The land of the midnight sun’. It is well worth spending a few days at the end of your horse riding holiday visiting the western fjord area. The Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord are especially beautiful and are UNESCO world heritage sites.