Venture Across the Lofoten Islands on Horseback
Norway’s Lofoten Islands are pure magic — jagged peaks, turquoise seas, midnight sun and brave Icelandic horses carrying you across beaches, mountains and secret coves in endless daylight. Based on peaceful Gimsøya with cosy rooms, gourmet meals and a steamy sauna for Arctic plunges, you’ll explore this wild archipelago exactly as few ever do, from midnight beach rides to mountaintop picnics high above the shimmering sea.
Trip Highlights
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Riding beneath the midnight sun along hidden Arctic beaches where sea and sky blur into gold
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Feeling your horse’s smooth tölt along deserted stretches of white sand
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Taking a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the Arctic Ocean after a cosy wood-fire sauna
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Tasting local delicacies at the on-site restaurant
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Tackling high ridge lines and winding valleys where reindeer graze and eagles circle overhead
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Climbing mountain trails to panoramic lookouts over the Lofoten Islands
• 8 days, 7 nightsRiding levelStrong Intermediate • Advanced Centre-based You ride out from the same destination every day.
Details
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Riding levels
All the riding itineraries are designed for riders who have multiple years riding experience and can control a horse at all gaits in open terrain. You must have experience riding off-road on varied terrain, be able to sit balanced in the saddle, tack and untack your horse yourself, and set your own stirrups. You must also be able to mount and dismount without assistance (remember Icelandic horses are on average 13 to 14 hands high).
Northern Lights Adventure, Islands of Lofoten Ride & Classic Tour: Strong intermediate to advanced riders.
Mountains of Lofoten Ride: Advanced riders.*
*It is a prerequisite for the Mountains of Lofoten Ride that all guests must be in good physical shape, as some steep sections will require you to dismount and lead your horse on foot both up and down sections of the mountains.
**If you suffer from vertigo or have a debilitating fear of heights, the Mountains of Lofoten Ride is NOT for you.
Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
English and/or Icelandic saddles (similar to dressage saddles). Saddle bags are provided.
- Horse breed
Icelandic horses.
- Accommodation
Twin share rooms in a cosy guesthouse with 3x shared bathrooms.
- Pace
The pace varies on a daily basis when the terrain permits. You will get to experience the Icelandic horses at a walk, trot, tölt and fast canter.
- Weight limit
A maximum of 95kgs / 210lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
A maximum of 10 guests.
- Minimum age
12 years of age
- Time in Saddle
On average from 4 to 6 hours daily, except on day 1 which is an introductory 2-3 hour ride. There is also one rest day in the itinerary.
NB: The Northern Lights Adventure in winter has slightly shorter rides than in summer to suit the crisp winter air (on average 2 to 4 hours per day), but no less spectacular.
- When to go
Winter tours are offered January to March, and summer tours April to October.
- Weather
The ride takes place in the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago in northern Norway, well above the Arctic Circle — yet surprisingly mild thanks to the warm Gulf Stream. The climate here is coastal subarctic, with dramatic shifts in light and weather rather than extreme cold. Summer (June – August) This is the season of the midnight sun, when daylight lasts 24 hours and temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C (50 – 64 °F), occasionally reaching 20°C (68 °F) on clear days. Expect bright, crisp air, green mountainsides, and calm seas. It’s perfect riding weather, though layers are essential, especially if the rain comes down. Autumn (September – October) The light softens, the mountains turn gold and red, and the first snow dusts the peaks. Temperatures drop to 5°C to 12°C (41 – 54 °F), with fresh winds and occasional showers. It’s a quieter, more contemplative time of year — ideal for photographers and those who love dramatic skies. Winter (November – March) The polar night brings short daylight hours, but the darkness is far from empty — the northern lights dance across the sky, and snow transforms the landscape into a silent white world. Temperatures usually hover between –5°C and 4°C (23 – 39 °F), milder than expected for its latitude. Spring (April – May) The islands awaken as sunlight returns, birds migrate north, and wildflowers bloom in coastal meadows. Temperatures rise from 2°C to 10°C (36 – 50 °F), and the days lengthen rapidly, hinting at the endless light to come.
- Languages
Instructions spoken in English.
Guides speak Norwegian, Danish and English.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- All meals (from day 1 dinner through to day 8 breakfast)
- Accommodation with shared bathrooms
- All riding activities outlined in the itinerary
- Round-trip transfers from Leknes or Svolvær Airports within certain timeframes on the first and last days of the ride
- All ground transportation throughout the itinerary
Excluded
- International or regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Beverages (other than tea & coffee that are available at breakfast, and water is freely available)
- Any additional activities outside the itinerary
- Lunch on the non-riding day on the Northern Lights Adventure
Itinerary
Please note, this is a sample itinerary only. It is subject to change at your guides’ discretion due to weather conditions and other influencing factors.
- Islands of Lofoten
- Classic Tour
- Mountains of Lofoten
- Northern Lights Adventure
This tour brings together some of Lofoten’s most scenic and exciting rides — a mix of mountain trails, gravel roads and winding paths through the archipelago’s wild landscapes.
The riding ranges from medium to demanding, so you’ll want solid experience in the saddle, confidence across varied terrain, and the ability to handle all gaits.
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Day 1: Arrival & Midnight Ride
2 to 3 hours in the saddleWelcome to the Lofoten Islands, globetrotters, one of the most picturesque places in the world! Check-in at the guesthouse is after 4pm, giving you plenty of time to settle in, take in the views, and stretch your legs with a walk along the white sandy beach just 100 metres from the front door before dinner. While you’re at it, wander over and say hello to the horses grazing peacefully in the nearby pastures.
Dinner is served at Låven Restaurant, where you’ll be introduced to traditional Norwegian cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients. This is also where you’ll meet your guide for the week, run through the programme ahead, and hear the story behind Låven itself.
Later in the evening, thanks to the midnight sun, the adventure continues rather than ends. You head out on your first ride, getting acquainted with the horses and stables while your guide shares the history of the farm and the ancient Viking settlement once located here.
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Day 2: Gimsoy
3 to 5 hours in the saddleBreakfast will be at Låven this morning, before you’ll saddle up for your first longer ride of the week — the classic tour to Vinje Beach. The route winds over a nature reserve and along the historic Viking Road, with plenty of opportunity to test the Icelandic horses’ different gaits, canter along the beach, and enjoy a smooth tölt.
You’ll stop for a simple lunch out in nature with the horses, soaking up the relaxed rhythm of island life. In the evening, you’ll gather again at Låven Restaurant for a well-earned dinner.
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Day 3: Vestvågøy
4 to 6 hours in the saddleOnce breakfast is done, you’ll meet at the stables to load the horses and set off exploring. Today’s ride takes in both sea and mountain, giving you the chance to enjoy the Icelandic horses across all their gaits. Along the way, you’ll visit our good friends at Aalan Gard to learn about the philosophy and history behind their award-winning cheese.
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Day 4: Sightseeing
Non-riding dayWith breakfast behind you, the day is yours. Take some time to relax, or lace up your boots for a hike up Hoven, the small mountain rising behind the farm — the trail takes around 2 to 2.5 hours round trip and rewards you with a stunning 360-degree view over Lofoten. Lunch is enjoyed out in nature. Come afternoon, there’s an optional trip to the old fishing village of Henningsvær for those keen to explore further afield (highly recommend).
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Day 5: Storemolla
4 to 5 hours in the saddleThis morning, once breakfast is done, you’ll head to Svolvær to join a RIB boat excursion in search of the majestic sea eagles that call this coastline home. You’ll wrap up the boat trip at Storemolla, where the horses will already be waiting. From here, you’ll ride out along old gravel roads, exploring the island and its magical hidden bays — Storemolla offers long distances and plenty of gaits to enjoy.
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Day 6: Greenland
4 to 5 hours in the saddleBreakfast will be at the restaurant again, before you’ll meet at the stables once more for another ride across the island, this time heading towards what we affectionately call “Greenland.” The horses carry you confidently along rocky paths, their sure-footedness a marvel to witness. You’ll enjoy lunch in the open air after passing Greenland’s hidden beaches, before riding back to base for a relaxing sauna session and a refreshing dip in the Nordic Sea. Today’s route covers around 20 kilometres of technical terrain.
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Day 7: Unstad
4 to 6 hours in the saddleToday you’ll load the horses once again and head to neighbouring Vestvågøy to explore another beach and enjoy some riding through the mountains. Expect a good mix of gaits, plus a visit to a local cheese producer along the way. In the evening, you’ll gather at Låven Restaurant for a memorable farewell dinner, swapping stories from an unforgettable week of adventure.
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Day 8: Departure
Non-riding dayEnjoy a final breakfast at Låven before checking out at noon. As you leave the Lofoten Islands, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of breathtaking rides, spectacular landscapes, and the warm flavours of the farm that was home for the week.
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Non-Riders
For non-riders, the Lofoten Islands are every bit as much of an adventure playground. Right behind the guesthouse rises Hoven mountain, and while the climb to its 368-metre summit is a proper leg-stretcher, the reward is a spectacular 360-degree view across the archipelago — on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Vesterålen Islands. From there, the hiking only opens up further, with the wider islands offering everything from coastal trails to fishing, kayaking and cycling depending on the season. Golfers, meanwhile, need only stroll next door to Lofoten Links, the world’s northernmost links course, set just 600 to 700 metres from the guesthouse (green fees are payable locally and not included in the tour price).
Because so much of what makes Lofoten special is spread across the islands, we’d strongly recommend hiring a car for the week — it’ll give you the freedom to explore at your own pace while the riders are out on tour.
Transfer information
Transfers are available from either Leknes or Svolvær Airports between 8am and 6pm on the first and last days of the ride at no extra charge. Collection outside these times can be arranged at an additional cost. For environmental reasons, the hosts will try to co-ordinate pick ups as much as possible, meaning if you arrive quite early there may be some waiting time, but they will inform you of this.
Self-driving via rental car is also an option. Hov is about 45 kilometres southwest of Svolvær and about 50 kilometres northeast of Leknes. Follow the E10 motorway and exit at Sundklakkbrua bridge on Gimsøy and follow signs for Hov. About 1 kilometre past the well-known Lofoten Links golf course, Hov Gård is on the left-hand side of the road.
Check in is after 4pm on day 1, and check out is by 11am on the final day. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to coordinate your flights and transfers – the ride location is not a particularly easy place to get to and you’ll need a few hours of travel time depending on where you choose to fly in/out of.
Please note
From Oslo Gardermoen you can fly via Bodø to Svolvær or Leknes. We recommend that you book your ticket all the way through one provider, at www.sas.no or www.wideroe.no. That way, you’re covered if your flight across the fjord is delayed or cancelled. It’s also possible, and more predictable, to fly to Evenes and take a bus or rental car from Evenes to Svolvær.
Accommodation
You will be in a cosy guest house where there are 6x twin share rooms spread over two floors, and 3x bathrooms (two with showers and one with a bathtub), a living room, kitchen and a spacious hallway with a reading corner. All bathrooms are on the ground floor as well as one bedroom, the other five bedrooms are on the second floor. There is also a laundry room with both a washing machine and tumble dryer. The location of the guest house sees you enjoying a view of either the mountains or the sea, no matter which window you look out of.
Guests will also have use of the woodfire sauna two times during their stay, after which you can enjoy a refreshing cold plunge in the sea.
Food
All breakfasts and dinners will be eaten at Låven Restaurant, an unpretentious, genuine and relaxing place with flavoursome local food rooted in the farm’s history and food traditions.
Breakfast is typical European fare - cereal, yoghurt, fruit, cold meats and cheese, hard-boiled eggs, bread and croissants.
Lunch will be enjoyed out whilst on the ride, both in nature and also at a local cheese farm.
Dinner is a highlight of the day, with a 3-course meal served every evening. Be prepared to loosen your belt buckle on this ride!
Only water is included in the ride price and tea/coffee at breakfast only. All other beverages (including alcohol) can be purchased onsite at Låven Restaurant.
Reviews
Tracy B
Leslie J
Sarah B
3 reviews
Tracy B
‘THIS TRIP. From incredible high peak views to fast beach gallops, you can experience it all on your trusty Icelandic Horse. My horse, Klaki, was my little white knight, who kept my fear of heights in check with sheer brilliant competence. He had amazing endurance for long days on the trail, with plenty of tolting and fast canters that thrilled as much as the amazing scenery. The beds in the guest house were amazingly comfortable and the dinners were the perfect combo of farm to table and haute cuisine. The cold ocean felt amazing after heating up in the wood sauna, and the off horse excursions were both meaningful and fun. This is not the ride to overestimate your riding ability as the terrain often required technical skill and physical ability of the rider to lead their horse across the trickiest sections, but the guides were amazing and kept all riders and horses safe and comfortable. There was not a thing about this ride that I didn’t love, and I would return in a heartbeat. If you love incredible scenery that just doesn’t quit and safe, fast, fun horses, this is the ride for you.’
Leslie J
‘I expected the Lofotens to be beautiful, but I didn’t expect to be carefully picking my way down rain and wind swept ridges with drop offs that took my breath away. It was the best possible way to witness the dramatic beauty and charm that is core to the islands.
Also…so amazing to ride on the beach at midnight watching the last midnight sun of the year…the last time the sun didn’t fall below the horizon until next June.
Finally, the unexpected treasure that seems to be core to Globetrotting- making and reconnecting with wonderful friends’
Sarah B
‘This ride is amazing in every respect. The scenery is incredible and the jagged mountain backdrop quite unique with riding along deserted beaches under the midnight sun, through mountain meadows scattered with cloudberries and along high ridges with panoramic views. The wonderful Icelandic horses fly along the beaches at great speed but also make their way carefully along narrow, rocky paths with steep gradients. Lunch at wayside farms consists of delicious local produce and the dinners at the lodge are exceptional. A truly wonderful experience.’
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
