Welcome to Norway, globetrotters! Having arrived in Oslo a day or two early, today you will fly into either Leknes or Svolvær, where your hosts will collect you for the drive to our home for the week, a gorgeous guesthouse in a truly otherworldly setting on the island of Gimsøya. Prepare to gasp as you set eyes on the white sandy beach just steps away from the front door, and Hoven Mountain rising straight up out of the lowlands behind. After settling in, we will head to the pasture and meet the friendly herd of Icelandic horses, then visit the on-site restaurant for a relaxed evening meal of fresh, local cuisine, and a discussion of the week ahead with our knowledgeable guide.

Thanks to the midnight sun, it’s not too late for a ride! Mounting up at 10pm, we will ride out to a hidden beach – the perfect place to test the Icelandic horses’ unique paces – with the most memorable midnight snack of our lives along the way. Returning to the stables at 2am, we will already have around 15 to 20 kilometres under our belt!

After our late night adventure, a sleep-in is on the cards. We’ll have a late breakfast and mount up at midday for a ride towards Storknubben, a nearby peak offering sweeping views over the Lofoten archipelago. The 20-kilometre ride climbs steeply up to around 300 metres above sea level, where we will have our lunch, then either sit back and enjoy the view or take a guided hike to the summit, 300 metres higher again. Afterwards, we will descend to Gjendalen, the valley where the horses will stay overnight. A short vehicle transfer brings us back to base for a well-earned dinner at the restaurant.

Following breakfast, our hosts will drive us back to Gjendalen to rejoin the horses. Today’s ride takes us through the countryside to Vinjestranden, a pristine, solitary beach where we can savour our horses’ smooth gaits on the firm sand. We will dismount for a simple lunch at a small store nearby, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of island life. Returning to the guesthouse, we’ll take full advantage of the traditional steam sauna, followed by a bracing dip in the Arctic Ocean for those feeling brave!

Today we’re heading to the neighbouring island of Vestvågøy, connected to our home island of Gimsøya by a short bridge. Here, the horses will be waiting for us in the valley of Tjønndalen. We will ride up to the top of Veten Mountain (400 metres above sea level) for another spectacular panoramic view across an entirely different region of Lofoten. Riding back down to the lowlands, we will visit Aaland farm for a scrumptious lunch featuring their award-winning goat and cow cheeses. Finally, we will tölt our way back toTjønndalen, where the horses will spend the night while we’re driven home for another tasty dinner.

Another big day is planned on Vestvågøy, once again starting from Tjønndalen, but this time heading west. Our guide will lead the way across valleys, over wetlands, down quiet country roads and up mountains, all mind-bogglingly unique and beautiful. Lunch will be enjoyed near the summit of Kamman Mountain (400 metres above sea level). Once again, the horses are staying in the green pastures of Tjønndalen.

Today the horses get a break while we enjoy a late breakfast and spend the day at our leisure. Options include joining a guided hike to one of several nearby mountains, exploring the charming fishing village of Henningsvær, or simply soaking up the serenity in this stunning, remote pocket of Lofoten.

This morning, we will return to Tjønndalen for the final leg of our riding journey. More scenic valleys pave the way to the tiny seaside village of Bøstad, then the trail veers east across the mountains to Lofoten Gardsysteri, a family-run dairy known for its fabulous goat cheeses. After lunch at the dairy, we’ll take the old road to the village of Unstad, where one last thrilling beach tölt caps off our incredible week in the saddle. Back at base, the chefs will present a celebratory tasting menu while we share laughs and memories our incredible Norwegian adventure. If we haven’t yet made use of our second sauna session, now is the time! There’s no curfew under the midnight sun, so let the good times roll.

After a final unhurried breakfast at the restaurant, and perhaps a dip in the sea, we will check out at noon and take a transfer to either Leknes or Svolvær, hearts filled to the brim by hearty Norwegian hospitality, small-but-mighty horses, and the unforgettable beauty of Lofoten.

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.

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.

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 12 midday 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.