Norway horse riding holidays offer visitors the chance to experience life in one of Europe's least densely populated countries. Because of the low habitation rates, the countryside is completely unspoilt and visitors can enjoy the peace and relaxation that accompanies a riding holiday through mountainous regions, remote valleys, across high plateaus and around vast lakes. The west coast of southern Norway and the coast of northern Norway present some of the most visually impressive coastal sceneries in the world. These fjords are what the native Fjord horse breed is named after. Norway has a wide variety of native flora and fauna and in some areas, herds of wild horses can be seen grazing peacefully in their natural habitat.
Non-riders will be spoilt for choice, with carriage driving and snow sledding available as alternatives to riding. These activities are also available as bolt-ons for keen equestrians who wish to step outside of their comfort zone and learn new skills. These activities are held in the central portion of Norway with its famous Rondane National Park, and Røros UNESCO Heritage town renowned for an abundance of reindeer.
Other activities on offer are hiking, skiing, fishing, marine rafting and scuba diving. The islands are among Norway's best surfing spots and offer visitors the chance to glimpse puffins and otters in the wild.
Norwegian Horse Breeds & Equestrian Culture
Norway is home to four native horse breeds, the Norwegian Fjord Horse, the Dølehest heavy horse, the North Norwegian Mountain horse and the Norwegian work horse. These resilient breeds are superbly adapted to endure the country's harsh winter temperatures. The Fjord Horse, one of the world’s oldest horse breeds, is likely closely related to the ancient North Asian wild horse and is distinguished by its dorsal stripe. Renowned for their versatility, Fjord Horses excel in both driving and riding and navigate steep mountain slopes and rough terrain with remarkable surefootedness. Additionally, the national horse breed of Iceland, the Icelandic pony which is widely ridden throughout Scandinavia, descends from the Norwegian Viking horse.
Horse trips in Norway offer a unique opportunity to learn about the country's rich history and culture. With a strong Viking heritage and a focus on outdoor activities, it's no surprise that equestrian sports are hugely popular across the country. Top riders compete internationally in various disciplines and showcase their skills annually each February at the prestigious Norwegian Horse Festival.
Our Horseback Riding Vacations in Norway
We currently offer two horseback riding vacations in Norway. One based in the mountains of the central region, and one within the arctic circle, encompassing some of the most quintessentially Norwegian scenery and culture:
The Lofoten Islands Northern Lights tour is perfect for experienced riders, offering 4 to 6 hours of daily exploration over six days. Nestled in a remote Norwegian archipelago far beyond the Arctic Circle, these islands in the Norwegian Sea are known for their unusually mild climate, distinctive scenery with dramatic mountain peaks and sheltered bays, and abundant marine and bird life. The region boasts majestic mountains, stunning fjords, vibrant seabird colonies, sandy beaches, and the world’s largest deep-water coral reef. It's also a prime spot for whale watching, with minke and sperm whales frequently gracing the waters. Here the sun does not set from 25 May to 17 July and it does not ride above the horizon from 4 December to 7 January, making it an ideal place to view the Northern lights.
Experience the adventure on Icelandic horses, perfectly suited for navigating the steep and rugged terrain. Tours are available from April to October, with accommodations in cozy lodges featuring wood-burning stoves and high-quality traditional meals.
If you're looking for something a little bit different, then our Blue Mountain Carriage Trail is an excellent option. On this trip, you'll learn how to harness and drive a traditional Fjord horse and carriage, with expert tuition available for beginners through to experienced drivers. The trail will take you through the foothills of the Blue Mountains, where you'll get to see the incredible scenery of Rondane National Park from a different perspective. With options to drive a single horse or try your hand at pairs or four in hand, visitors can customize their experience to their skill level. Spend 4-8 hours per day on this adventurous journey, mostly in walk and trot, and take in all the benefits of a riding holiday without actually riding!
The Best Time of Year to Book a Horseback Riding Vacation in Norway
The southern and western parts of Norway experience more precipitation and have milder winters than the southeastern part. The lowlands around Oslo have the warmest and sunniest summers but also cold weather and snow in winter.
Because of Norway's high latitude, there are large seasonal variations in daylight. From late May to late July, the sun never completely descends beneath the horizon in areas north of the Arctic Circle (hence Norway's description as the "Land of the Midnight Sun"), and the rest of the country experiences up to 20 hours of daylight per day. Conversely, from late November to late January, the sun never rises above the horizon in the north, and daylight hours are very short in the rest of the country.
At Unicorn Trails, we offer the Lofton Islands Northern Lights tour on specific dates from April to October. Our Blue Mountain Carriage Trail is exclusively available in August and September, when daytime temperatures typically peak at 15°C.
Getting to Norway
Flights are available from major cities in the UK and North America to Norway’s main airports. Flights from London to Oslo are typically very affordable, and budget airlines also offer direct flights to Norway from various European cities. Once you arrive, it's easy to travel within the country by train, bus, or rental car with the main north/south train line accessed from beneath Oslo Airport. Both of our trips include transfers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey from the airport/train station to your accommodation.
Book your Horseback Riding Trail in Norway with Unicorn Trails
To discuss our available horseback riding vacations in Norway, please contact Unicorn Trails today. We are passionate horse lovers and experienced travel experts, ready to assist you in creating the perfect itinerary for your trip, whatever your preferences and budget may be. We will offer you independent advice and guidance on the best trails, accommodation options, and activities to ensure your vacation is everything you want it to be and more. So don't hesitate, contact us today and let us help you plan your dream horse riding holiday in Norway!
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