These riding tours through the mountains and valleys of Norway alternate itineraries from week to week. The general flow of the trips is similar - just different valleys and mountains to traverse. First and last night are usually in hotel accommodations and the other five nights are in rustic and cozy mountain huts along the way. Not fancy, but a good place to get out of the weather. For most days you will be packing your belongings in your saddle bags with you - so pack lightly.

2010 Schedule:
6/27/2010   Ramsjø Special
7/4/2010     Storvallen
7/11/2010   Helags Glacier trip
7/18/2010   Uncle Zeb tour
7/25/2010   Storvallen
8/1/2010     Ramsjø special
8/8/2010     Uncle Zeb tour
8/15/2010   Helags Glacier trip
8/22/2010   Wilderness Tent trip
8/29/2010   Tent trip - new destination


Sample Itineraries

Uncle-Zebs-Tour - Mountain Gourmet tour:
Stir your spirit of adventure with this incredible ride deep into the mountains of Norway.  Ford crystal clear rivers, admire sparkling waterfalls in this remote and glorious landscape. The tough but sweet tempered Icelandic horses and superbly competent guides make for an inspiring and exhilarating riding experience.  We recommend that you be in good physical condition as this is a long and challenging trip.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1  Arrival and transfer to the charming village of Stugudal.  You will have a glimpse of the picturesque countryside of Norway along the way.  Upon arrival at the inn at Stugudal, there will be a quick briefing about what to expect during your exciting week of riding.  Then meet the horses for a short assessment ride.  Enjoy a welcome dinner in the warm hospitality of the congenial staff and excellent cuisine of the inn at Stugudal.  
Day 2  After a hearty Norwegian breakfast, we ride out to the charming mountain cottage at Nedalel.  Break for a picnic lunch in a tranquil meadow by the side of a brook.  We will build a  campfire, make coffee and tea, and enjoy getting acquainted with the horses and each other.  We end our day with a traditional Norwegian dinner.  
Day 3  Ride alongside the Sylene mountain ridge with its breathtaking views of a landscape that has changed little over centuries.  The steep ascent makes for a  welcome break for lunch for people and horses.  Saddle up for a lively afternoon ride over excellent riding terrain to the grand cottage at Storerikvollen, situated on the shores of the Essand Lake.  After a long tolt along the sandy shores of the lake, make your way back to the hospitality and comfort of the cottage for  a delicious home-cooked dinner.   
Day 4  Today we continue deep into the wilderness, crossing many small streams in our ascent .  We will pass the highest point of the tour at 1000 meters above sea level on our way to the Schultz cottage where we spend the night.  If we are lucky, we may see some of the reindeer and grouse that are native to the Norwegian tundra. Dinner and overnight in the cozy Schultz cottage.  
Day 5  From Schultz, we descend gently through unspoiled wilderness, then down several challenging rocky hillsides.  Break for a picnic lunch.  This afternoon's ride takes us through the soft beauty of hills and valleys to the Ramsjo cottage, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Ramsjo, commanding panoramic views of the Fongen mountains.  Dinner and overnight at Ramsjo.
Day 6  Trek from Ramsjo back to Storerikvollen, with superb views to be had all day.  Delight your senses in the colossal scale of the Norwegian landscape, and finish up your day with a refreshing dip in Essand Lake.   
Day 7  A bittersweet day, still surrounded by the exquisite mountains and forests, but heading back to civilization!  We finish up the ride returning to the attractive hotel at Stugudal for a festive farewell dinner, reminiscing about our fabulous trip in the mountains.
Day 8   Depart after breakfast with a transfer to Trondheim Airport.

Storvallen-Tour into Sweden:
The hand of man has rested lightly on the wilderness of Norway's hills and mountains.  Renew your spirit in the tranquility of the ancient byways through forests of birch and pine, ascending challenging slopes to the glorious views from the mountaintops. Life quickly takes on the quieter and more gracious rhythm of a bygone era.   The Icelandic horse is ideally suited to this traditional mode of travel.  Strong and sure-footed, Icelandics were bred especially to carry people for long distances over difficult terrain.  Their patient, sweet disposition adds immeasurably to this inspiring and exhilarating ride.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1  Arrival and transfer to the charming village of Stugudal.  You will have a glimpse of the picturesque countryside of Norway along the way.  Upon arrival at the inn at Stugudal, there will be a quick briefing about what to expect during your exciting week of riding.  Then meet the horses for a short assessment ride.  Enjoy a welcome dinner in the warm hospitality of the congenial staff and excellent cuisine of the inn at Stugudal.  
Day 2  Start the day with a stunning ride over soft forest roads into the hills to the mountain cottage of Nedalel, overlooking a lovely scenic lake. Lunch will be spent around a campfire, chatting and exchanging horse stories.   This evening we will be able to enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake, while the horses graze nearby.
Day 3  Ride deep into unspoiled wilderness over fairly rugged terrain to the Storerikvollen Chalet, situated on the shores of the Essand Lake, with magnificent views of the Sylane mountains all around.  Stop for lunch near one of the region's many rushing rivers..  Evening will find us settling the horses, enjoying the exhilaration of a long and rewarding day of riding.  
Day 4 This day's ride has us follow the historic trail ridden by the Swedish King Karl 13th's fabled Karolinere soldiers in the eighteenth century, crossing the mountain border from Norway into Sweden.  This evening we will leave the horses at pasture in ….  while we enjoy the comfort of the charming inn at Storvallen.  While at the inn,  we will have the opportunity to swim in an outdoor swimming pool before joining our hosts for a delicious welcome dinner.  
Day 5  Trek back into Norway, crossing the border in the morning, stopping for a lunch packed in Sweden and eaten in Norway!  We end our day at the delightfully cozy mountain cottage at Bjorneggen, gathering in the evening for a home-cooked  traditional Norwegian dinner.  
Day 6  Returning through dense forests of native birch and pine, we will cross  pristine mountaintops to the Storerikvollen Chalet for a second night.   
Day 7   The final day of the ride will descend over undulating highlands back into civilization.  After lunch, tack up for the last ride back to Stugudal, where we will spend a bittersweet evening reminiscing about our fabulous trip in the mountains!
Day 8   Depart after breakfast with a transfer out.

Helag Mountain into Sweden:
Ride deep into unspoiled wilderness over fairly rugged terrain to the Storerikvollen Chalet, situated on the shores of the Essand Lake, with magnificent views of the Sylane mountains all around.  Ride across the border into Sweden.  Traveling in much the same fashion as early Scandinavians, we cross rolling forested hills towards Sylstation in Sweden.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1  Arrival and transfer to the charming village of Stugudal.  You will have a glimpse of the picturesque countryside of Norway along the way.  Upon arrival at the inn at Stugudal, there will be a quick briefing about what to expect during your exciting week of riding.  Then meet the horses for a short assessment ride.  Enjoy a welcome dinner in the warm hospitality of the congenial staff and excellent cuisine of the inn at Stugudal.  
Day 2  After a hearty Norwegian breakfast, we ride out through dense birch forest over excellent riding terrain into the unspoiled wilderness of hills and mountains. This is a great opportunity to get to know your horse.   Stopping by a rushing river, we will build a campfire to make tea and coffee and swap horse stories over a picnic lunch.  The afternoon ride takes us to the charming cottage at Nedalel for a traditional home-cooked dinner.  
Day 3   Ride deep into unspoiled wilderness over fairly rugged terrain to the Storerikvollen Chalet, situated on the shores of the Essand Lake, with magnificent views of the Sylane mountains all around.  Stop for a picnic lunch near one of the region's many rushing rivers..  Evening will find us settling the horses, enjoying the exhilaration of a long and rewarding day of riding.  
Day 4  Today's ride takes us across the border into Sweden.  Traveling in much the same fashion as early Scandinavians, we cross rolling forested hills towards Sylstation in Sweden.  Break for a picnic lunch, then dinner and overnight at Sylstation.  
Day 5   Continuing on into Sweden, we will reach the foot of the Helags Mountain by nightfall.  From here you will be able to see one of Scandinavia's southernmost glaciers.  The Helags Mountain at 1796 meters is the county of Jamtland's highest mountain.   Dinner and overnight at the Helags mountain cottage, nestled in the folds of the foothills.  
Day 6  Returning to Norway, we follow the ancient byways first used by pilgrims in the twelfth century on their way to the holy city of Trondheim and the Cathedral of Nidaros.   
Day 7  A bittersweet day, still surrounded by the exquisite mountains and forests, but heading back to civilization!  We finish up the ride returning to the comfortable accommodations of the  hotel at Stugudal for a festive farewell dinner, reminiscing about our fabulous trip in the mountains.  
Day 8   Depart after breakfast with a transfer out.

Ramsjø Special
Riding along the high ridges of the Sylane mountains, we will trek from Storerikvollen, venturing deep into remote valleys and dramatic mountaintops to the delightful cottage at Ramsjo.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1  Arrival and transfer to the charming village of Stugudal.  You will have a glimpse of the picturesque countryside of Norway along the way.  Upon arrival at the inn at Stugudal, there will be a quick briefing about what to expect during your exciting week of riding.  Then meet the horses for a short assessment ride.  Enjoy a welcome dinner in the warm hospitality of the congenial staff and excellent cuisine of the inn at Stugudal.
Day 2  After a hearty Norwegian breakfast, we ride out through dense birch forest over excellent riding terrain into the unspoiled wilderness of hills and mountains. This is a great opportunity to get to know your horse.   Stopping by a rushing river, we will build a campfire to make tea and coffee and swap horse stories over a picnic lunch.  The afternoon ride takes us to the charming cottage at Nedalel for a traditional home-cooked dinner.  
Day 3  Ride out over rugged terrain to the Storerikvollen Chalet, beautifully situated on the shores of Essand Lake.  Superb views of the Sylane mountains are to be had all around.  Lonesome trails lead us to the tranquil valley where we will stop for a picnic lunch.  Lush grazing for the horses and a bit of quiet refreshment for the people and we're ready to saddle up for an exciting afternoon riding up to Storerikvollen Chalet.   
Day 4  Riding along the high ridges of the Sylane mountains, we will trek from Storerikvollen, venturing deep into remote valleys and dramatic mountaintops to the cozy cottage nestled in the folds of the hills at Bjorneggen. A welcome dinner and overnight at Bjorneggen after this long and rewarding day.  
Day 5  Trek from Bjorneggen through woodland paths and the soft beauty of the highlands to the delightful cottage at Ramsjo. Break for a picnic lunch in the quiet stillness of a peaceful valley.  Ramsjo cottage commands stunning views of the Fongen Mountains and Lake Ramsjo, where you can enjoy an invigorating swim.  Dinner and overnight at Ramsjo.  
Day 6  A morning departure over rolling forested hills into the glorious Fongen Mountains, where man has not tampered with nature much.  Ford swift running rivers where weather permitting you can go for a lunchtime swim.  Picnic lunch and we're off into reindeer territory as we return to Storerikvollen.  With luck, you will see some of the reindeer and grouse native to the Norwegian tundra.  Dinner and overnight at Storerikvollen.
Day 7  Saddle up for our final ride, retracing our steps back to Stugudal.  We finish up this long and challenging ride with a festive farewell dinner at the inn at Stugudal, going over the map and reminiscing about our fabulous trip in the mountains!  
Day 8  Depart after breakfast with a transfer out.  

Given Norway’s extreme northerly position, its mainland climate is surprisingly mild. 

Norway is the northernmost country in the world to have open waters. This is due to the trade winds forced across the Atlantic Ocean by the American continent and the warm currents flowing north from the Equator towards the Norwegian Sea, where the angle of the Norwegian coastline and an open path to the Arctic Ocean help to guide the temperate air and waters to a more northerly latitude.

Norway’s climate fluctuates greatly from year to year, especially in its most northern parts, which are located at the edge of the global temperate zone. The lowest minimum temperature recorded is -51°C in Kárášjohka-Karasjok in northern Norway. The average annual temperature swings from some 8°C along the western coast to below freezing in the mountains. The coldest months of the year are January and February and the warmest time in the inland areas is mid-July, while the coastal and mountains regions may reach their peaks somewhat later.

The climate in Norway differs from that of the rest of Scandinavia. The high mountain ranges dividing mainland Norway provide protection from precipitation to large areas of inland eastern Norway, giving this area a more continental climate than would be expected in light of its proximity to the coast. Some of these areas east of the mountains have an annual rainfall of less than 300 mm. Most of the precipitation from the sea falls along the west coast of Norway, with some areas recording a maximum rainfall of 3000 mm annually.

The most important agricultural areas have an annual rainfall of between 500 and 1000 mm, with most rain falling in July and August. There are about 100 rainy days in inland Norway and some 150-200 rainy days on the coast. The strength and direction of the wind in Norway varies greatly as a result of fast-moving pressure fronts, and the winds along the coast and in the mountains are often quite strong. 

Below you will find our recommendations.

We strongly suggest you follow it and do not delete any items.

The mountains can be beautiful, but dangerous if ill equipped. 

·          Sleeping bag, or quilt cover
·          Rain clothes – trousers and jacket
·          Tracking boots – water resistant or wellingtons
·          A warm sweater
·          A wind resistant – outdoor jacket
·          Gloves/mittens, scarf and long Johns
·          Sock – warm
·          Towels/toiletries
·          2-3 trousers or pants
·          T-shirt
·          Shoes for indoor/outdoor trainers
·          A cup, to use for coffee/tea during the lunch
·          Sunglasses – sun cream
·          Wool underwear

Bring your own sleeping bag; baggage is carried in saddle bags; rustic adventure

Saddle bags are provided; keep in  mind that everything has to fit into duffle bag and good sized saddle bags. Each guest is allowed a 30 liter maximum!

The first and last night of the trip you are staying at nice facilities with your own private room, shower and little kitchen.
During the rest of the ride you will stay at rustic huts with shared showers and toilets. All the huts are heated (some have saunas).

On the wilderness camping ride will you be staying in tents.

We are offering you a Norway as it is. Breathtaking, rough, friendly, and adventurous. This is a group tour where everyone takes part in the day to day chores. Bring along some flexibility, enthusiasm and team spirit.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Horses:

Our partner who has been conducting riding tours throughout the region of the Swedish/Norwegian border since 1970, imports his horses directly from Iceland.  These horses have been selected because of their strength and surefootedness required in mountainous terrain.

The Icelandic horse

Often called the horse of the Gods.

It came across the ocean with the first Nordics whom settled on Iceland around the 7^th century.

It originates from the early breeds of horses. And for over 1000 years it has lived isolated on Iceland.

It has kept the primal-race special trot or canter the “tølt” or its flying pass. This special pace or paces have made and increased the Icelandic horses popularity and has become its speciality.

“Tølt” is a fast four paced movement, and is the same movement as the trot.

When the horse “tølts” it lowers its back and raises its head and neck.

“Tølt” is called the gift of the Gods by the Icelandic people, because it is a very comfortable way of riding.

The rider is sitting almost still in the saddle, and the horse almost flows across the fields.

Tack:		English
Horses:		Icelandic
Pace:		Moderate with walk, trot, tolt and some canter, approx 100 miles, 5-6 hours daily | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3 to 3 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 14	Max 70
Weight:		Max 209 lbs
Riders:		Min 5 riders	Max 15 riders

Horses:

Our partner who has been conducting riding tours throughout the region of the Swedish/Norwegian border since 1970, imports his horses directly from Iceland.  These horses have been selected because of their strength and surefootedness required in mountainous terrain.

The Icelandic horse

Often called the horse of the Gods.

It came across the ocean with the first Nordics whom settled on Iceland around the 7^th century.

It originates from the early breeds of horses. And for over 1000 years it has lived isolated on Iceland.

It has kept the primal-race special trot or canter the “tølt” or its flying pass. This special pace or paces have made and increased the Icelandic horses popularity and has become its speciality.

“Tølt” is a fast four paced movement, and is the same movement as the trot.

When the horse “tølts” it lowers its back and raises its head and neck.

“Tølt” is called the gift of the Gods by the Icelandic people, because it is a very comfortable way of riding.

The rider is sitting almost still in the saddle, and the horse almost flows across the fields.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. Some EU nationals may be required to present a valid passport in addition to a national ID card; they should contact the embassy to check.
Passport Note
On 25 March 2001 Norway became a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements