Norway - Fjell Tölt Ride

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Day 1
Arrive at your guesthouse in the afternoon and settle in before meeting the team and fellow riders. Discuss the upcoming week and take part in the always-fun horse allocation process, ensuring riders are paired with the perfect mount for the adventure ahead. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner before turning in for the night. 

Day 2
After breakfast riders gather at the oval track for an introduction to the tölt, Icelandic horses' unique and smooth gait. This is the chance for riders to get a feel for their horses before setting off. After lunch at the centre, riders head out for an afternoon ride along soft forest trails, with long stretches perfect for practicing the tölt. Return to the ride centre for dinner, and overnight.

Day 3
After breakfast, embark on a full-day ride through a vast network of scenic forest paths, with plenty of opportunities for cantering and tölt. A pack-horse joins the group, carrying everything needed for a picnic lunch in a spot many describe as the most beautiful in Northern Europe. Return for dinner and overnight.

Day 4
A full day riding in nature awaits. Following breakfast, the group head out accompanied by a pack-horse with the day's necessities. The route leads through varied terrain that offers some excellent fast riding sections. Lunch is a picnic around a campfire while the horses relax in a paddock close by. If the weather permits, riders have a chance to take a dip in the lake, with or without the horses which is always fun. Return to the ride centre to relax and freshen up before dinner. 

Day 5
Today is a rest day for both the riders and the horses. Start the day with a leisurely breakfast before choosing how to spend the day. Riders can just relax at the centre, take a sauna and a refreshing swim, explore the area on walking trails or canoe, rent a bike (must be booked in advance), visit the Olympic town of Lillehammer (transfers can be arranged at an extra charge). Dinner and overnight.

Day 6
After a well-earned rest and breakfast, set off on a mini trail into the mountains. Tonight we stay in Sjusjøen, a cross country ski destrination in winter. The route starts in forest terrain and crosses the tree line into the mountains where the riders will be met with spectacular views. Take a break for a picnic lunch around a campfire next to a lake, with another chance to take a dip with the horses if the weather permits. In the afternoon continue to Sjusjøen where the group stay overnight at the Rustad Hotel & Fjellstue, where riders luggage will be waiting for them.

Day 7
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back to the  guesthose. Taking a different route, this day features plenty of fast riding sections, perfect for a final tölt. Luggage is transported seperately. Arrive around 1pm to enjoy lunch and pack before departing for the airport which is less than 2 hrs away (by train or car).

If you would like to extend your stay and depart the following morning after breakfast please let us know in advance.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There are 50 Icelandic horses on this family run farm and the owners are Icelandic horse specialists and qualified riding instructors. They have been running the farm for 40 years with over 30 years of experience of Icelandic horses and guiding. The Icelandic horse thrives on a life outdoors in summer and winter and is a lively and hardy horse breed with a special gait, the fast four-beat tölt. This makes the Icelandic horses perfect for the forest and mountain terrain.

The riding is through terrain that includes forest paths and mountain trails, with long, full-day rides on two days.

Riders should be riding fit who and comfortable at all gaits as they are spend long hours in the saddle. The pace is varied with daily opportunities for faster riding. Not suitable for non-riders. Teenage riders under 19 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum rider age limit 13 years. Maximum weight limit 90kg.
No previous experience of Icelandic riding or horses is necessary, you will be given tips/instructions on the Icelandics' unique gaits.

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation during the trip is at the comfortable on-site guest house, a short walk from the riding cenre, and one night at the Rustad Hotel in double/twin rooms with shared bathrooms. All meals are included in the programme and include hearty breakfasts and dinners, with lunches either at the guesthouse or as picnics while en route. Meals feature local ingredients and specialities along with favourites that will appeal to all tastes. Special diets can be accommodated with prior arrangement.

The on-site guest house has 14 bedrooms, most ahve double/twin beds anda few are triple or single. Bathrooms are shared on the corridor as are separate showers. 

The hotel has double or twin en-suite rooms. Farm Guest House

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Norway.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/norway

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

Visitors to Mesnali can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year, the location is very seasonal. Spring brings beautiful flower meadows, summers are warm and sunny but not hot, autumn colours are spectacular and winter brings lots of snow. Average daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 20°C in July. In January, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a very cold -3°C.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

In Norway, all public hospitals are funded from the national budget and run by four Regional Health Authorities owned by the Ministry of Health and Care Services. In addition to the public hospitals, a few privately owned health clinics are operating.

To contact the Norwegian emergency services, call 110 (fire), 112 (police) or 113 (ambulance).

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the Norway and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Health precautions required: A tetanus shot is recommended

In Norway the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Devices can be charged at the accommodation and there is free Wifi available in the guest houses and hotel. If using a GoPro, please ask the permission of the group if they are willing to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Layers of clothing are best
Waterproof coat, gloves & trousers
(Seat savers will soak up water in wet weather so bear that in mind)

Nice to have extras
Cycling shorts/padded underwear/seat saver if not used to long days in the saddle

7 days / 6 nights / 5 riding days available on set dates all year round except April (which is too muddy with snow melt for pleasant riding).

2025: 12 - 18 July

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Johan Bojer's novel The Last of the Vikings (1922) tells the story of the Lofoten cod fishermen

Out Stealing Horses - Per Petterson

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Rent a bike to explore the area, canoe the nearby lakes, optional trip to Lillehammer Olympic village (not included).

The popular Norwegian film 'Birkebeinerne (The Last King)' was partly filmed at the riding centre in 2015, with their horses being used in many of the film's sequences. Since then, this area of Norway has risen in popularity in the industry, and film locations have become an important part of the riding centre. Numerous TV series, comedies like the acclaimed Lillehammer Netflix series, adverts and promotional films have been shot in the area and on the farm.

Seek local advice if you intend to eat mussels harvested off the coast and certain types of fish from lakes and fjords.