Norway

Horse Riding and Yoga Holiday for Experienced Riders

Travel

  • Step 1: Book Your Flights

    • Arrival: Book a morning flight to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. Ensure you land at least 1 hour (preferably more) before your train departs.

    • Departure: For your return, book an afternoon or evening flight. Allow at least 2 hours between your train’s arrival and flight departure.

    Step 2: Book Your Train to Ringebu

    Arrival Day: Choose one of the following trains from Oslo Gardermoen to Ringebu:

    • Depart 14:29, Arrive 16:53

    • Depart 16:29, Arrive 18:49

    Saturdays Only:

    • Depart 14:29, Arrive 16:53

    • Depart 15:59, Arrive 18:35 (Train to Lillehammer, then bus VY710 to Ringebu).

    Booking: Use Vy or SJ to book your train. Tickets become available 60–90 days before your trip.

    Step 3: Transfer to Hotel

    We’ll pick you up from Ringebu station at the time you’ve provided in your Booking Portal. The transfer to the hotel takes about 20 minutes.

    Step 4: Departure from Ringebu

    Departure Day: We’ll transfer you to the Ringebu station for one of the following trains to Oslo Gardermoen. Please book an afternoon or evening flight out of Oslo to give you ample time to catch the train from Ringebu back to the airport:

    • Depart 12:06, Arrive 14:21

    • Depart 14:27, Arrive 17:04

    Important Notes

    • Train Station Location: Oslo Gardermoen Airport’s train station is located downstairs within the arrivals terminal.

    • Timetable Updates: Train and bus schedules are finalised 60 days before travel. Double-check your train times before booking flights.

    • Web Check-in: Let us know your train details through the Booking Portal.

    • Responsibility: Travel to Ringebu is not included in our package. You’re responsible for reaching Ringebu station, where we’ll meet you

  • Later trains or train-bus combos are available. Check Vy for options. However, arriving later means you may miss dinner (non-refundable) and will need to take a taxi to the hotel (approx. NOK 275). We can pre-book this taxi for you; email bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk.

  • Booking your train is straightforward! Trains to Ringebu can be booked via Vy or SJ. The station staff at Oslo Gardermoen are friendly, speak excellent English, and everything is well signposted.

    Ringebu is on the Dovre railway line, about 2.5 hours from Oslo Gardermoen. Once you’ve booked your flights, secure your train tickets promptly, as seats can sell out quickly. We will collect you from a choice of two departures from Oslo Gardermoen airport (these trains originate in Oslo Sentral so you can catch the same train from there if you wish).

  • We’ll set up a WhatsApp group for your trip, making it easy to coordinate travel with fellow Gutsy Girls.

Accommodation & Food

  • We’ll stay at a charming, family-run fjellhotell—a cosy, down-to-earth mountain retreat that perfectly blends comfort with nature. Think warm cabin vibes with breathtaking views of lakes, forests, and mountains.

    The rooms are simple yet comfy, with a bright, airy, mountain-inspired style. The dining room and many of the bedrooms boast spectacular views, and there’s a spacious lounge (stua) with an open fire and a bar for unwinding. Complimentary teas and coffee are always available in the lounge to keep you warm and fuelled.

    A note for dog lovers (or those less keen): This is a dog-friendly hotel with three gentle resident dogs. They won’t enter bedrooms but do roam the lounge area. Feel free to avoid them if you prefer; the lounge is large enough for everyone to relax comfortably.

  • Yes, both are provided, so no need to pack your own!

  • Unfortunately, no. If you think you’ll need to freshen up your base layers, we recommend bringing some travel wash or soap flakes.

  • The food is a standout feature of this trip! Expect hearty, homemade Norwegian cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients that let the flavours shine.

    • Dinner: A three-course set menu every evening.

    • Breakfast: A generous buffet to fuel your day.

    • Lunch: Another plentiful buffet to keep you going.

    The hotel prides itself on sourcing quality ingredients from local producers and catering to a range of dietary needs—all while keeping things both delicious and safe for everyone.

  • Absolutely! We’ll collect your dietary preferences and allergies before your trip. Please note that dinner is a set menu, so if there’s anything you can’t or won’t eat, let us know in advance to ensure your needs are accommodated.

Activities

  • Absolutely! This trip is designed for experienced riders who are comfortable with both trot and canter. Please note, there’s a weight limit of 100 kg for the horses.

  • Unfortunately, no. This trip is specifically for experienced riders. However, we do offer a beginner-friendly riding trip—feel free to check it out!

  • This trip is best suited for those with solid riding experience. If your skills are minimal or you’re still gaining confidence, it might not be the right fit.

  • We’ll mostly ride Dole horses (Dølahest), a Norwegian breed known for their calm temperament (“cold head, warm heart”) and suitability for mountain terrain. These sturdy, friendly horses are between 145 and 170 cm tall, making them perfect for uneven ground. They’re strong, obedient, and even trained to respond to voice commands in the forest.

  • Yes! We aim for you to bond with one horse for the duration of the trip. Occasionally, changes might be needed, but this is rare.

  • Our sessions, developed by Ingeborg (Rider in Balance certified trainer and physiotherapist), are tailored for experienced riders. You’ll learn about balance, strength, and exercises to improve your riding. There’ll also be lessons on grooming, saddling, horse care, and communication with horses.

  • Only if you want to! We’ll cover horse grooming and saddling, but mucking out is optional.

  • This is a trip for experienced riders, so expect a mix of trot and canter. We’ll have half-day rides each morning and a full-day ride on our final day.

  • Yes, mounting blocks will be available for getting on and off your horse.

  • You’ll mostly be riding on flat or gently rolling terrain, gravel paths, and through woodland.

  • Yes, our horses can comfortably carry riders up to 100 kg. If you’re over this limit, please email us at bookings@gutsygirls.co.uk to discuss options with the stables.

  • You’ll need a good level of fitness, as we’ll be riding and working with the horses for four consecutive days. If you have a medical condition that might make falling off a horse a concern, please contact us before booking.

  • Even in summer, Norway can feel a bit autumnal. Pack as you would for a UK autumn, and check the forecast closer to your trip for any last-minute adjustments.

  • The yoga sessions focus on stretching and recovery to help your body unwind from the rigorous riding sessions.

Gear & Packing

  • Yes! You can find a detailed packing list here.

  • You’re welcome to bring a small bag for essentials. We also have waist bags you can borrow.

Other

  • Absolutely not! Adventurous women of all ages are welcome. Our guests range from 18 to 70+, with most in their 30s and 40s. Age doesn’t matter when you’re living your best life.

  • Not at all! Everywhere we visit accepts cards, so there’s no need to withdraw Norwegian Krone.

  • Yes, please do! Most of our guests come on their own, and you’ll leave with new skills, newfound friends, and vivid memories.

  • We work with the most experienced and friendly guides, regardless of gender. While we’d love to see more women in the industry, it’s still a male-dominated field. Rest assured, we’re always listening to feedback to ensure our guides deliver an amazing experience.