A Fjord horse standing in turquoise water with snow-covered mountains in the background, Nordfjord in Fjord Norway
A Fjord horse standing in turquoise water with snow-covered mountains in the background, Nordfjord in Fjord Norway
A man riding a Fjord horse in Norway
A couple of Fjord horses in Norway in the field
A couple of Fjord horses in Norway in the field
Two Fjord horses in the field near a forest in Norway
A Fjord horse running in snow
A man petting a fjord horse in Norway
A man petting a fjord horse in Norway
Several Fjord horses running around at the nature park Langedrag in Eastern Norway
A Fjord horse looking at the fjord

Meet the Norwegian Fjord Horse

Norway's national horse

We were born here in Fjord Norway, in the middle of high mountains and deep fjords.

And that is how we got our name.

We are one of the oldest horse breeds in the world and one of only three breeds that have their origins in Norway.

And we have been trotting around in the mountain hillsides for hundreds of years (without losing our balance)!

We are quite small, but strong enough to carry a grown man.

We are both sharp-witted and mild-tempered, which makes us calm and reliable – and popular with young and old riders alike.

And did you know that we are also used for therapeutic riding?

We can pull our fair share of heavy loads and carriages, which in former times made us the ideal workhorse for mountain farms.

And we are easy to recognise. Just look at our cool hairstyle!

This must be the most punk rock hair in the whole stable, right?

The characteristic black dorsal stripe really stands out when our bristle mane is cut short ...

We are also easy to spot thanks to our dun-coloured coat and the dark markings on our legs.

Some of us even sport zebra stripes on our knees and hocks!

Our steady gait will carry you safely through any riding adventure.

Despite our unique qualities, our species is endangered. There are only around 5,500 of us left in Norway.

There are just not enough foals being born each year.

You will find fjord horses in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany, but Norway oversees our preservation breeding.

The yearly stallion show in Nordfjordeid is a popular attraction. Once there, you can drop by the Norwegian Fjord Horse Centre as well.

Even though we originate in Nordfjord in Fjord Norway, you can come to meet us in several places around the country.

Like in Langedrag Nature Park, which houses a friendly herd of us and runs a breeding program for our conservation. Once there, you can also go trail riding or even try out vaulting – gymnastics on horseback!

Come join us for a ride!

Read more about horseback riding and see our list of riding tours in Norway.

Horse riding in Norway

From mountain trails to sleigh rides through snow-covered forests – find the perfect adventure.

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Tourists wave at passing boat while sailing througha norwegian fjord
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.

Discover more

People standing at the Stegastein viewpoint along the Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet
Norwegian Scenic Routes
Kids at a farm looking at the cows walking by in Trøndelag
Farm activities
White tailed eagle in Northern Norway, at winter
Wildlife safaris
  • People horseback riding at a beach at sunset in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Horse riding
    A woman traveling with Flåm railway
    Some of the world’s most beautiful train journeys
    Hiking in the Utladalen valley in Fjord Norway
    11 amazing valley hikes
    Two people cycling along the Rallarvegen Navvies’ Road in Fjord Norway, one of Norway’s top 13 scenic bike rides
    13 scenic bike rides