Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Lofoten. This exhilarating itinerary combines scenic trail rides, gravel roads, and challenging mountain climbs, offering a perfect mix of classic routes and new, off-the-beaten-path trails. Designed for experienced riders, you'll tackle varied terrain and master all gaits while soaking in the rugged beauty of Norway’s coastal wilderness. Highlights include an overnight stay in a pre-set tent camp, a comfortable base at Hov Gård Guesthouse, and an epic boat ride to a remote island for some thrilling “island jumping” on horseback. The Lofoten Island Ride is more than a tour—it's an extraordinary blend of adventure, nature, and Nordic charm.

Hov is one of the oldest places in Lofoten. Many historical monuments have been found here including burial sites of two Viking ships, a huge amphitheater that was likely used for sacrifices and pagan rituals, and various Norse Viking graves. We believe that the resident Viking chieftain, Tore Hjort, was located here over 1000 years ago. He is mentioned in the Viking sagas and was killed by King Olav Tryggvason during the Christianization of Norway.

The horses of Hov Gård Horse Farm are Icelandic, descendants of the horses from the Viking Age in Norway. Icelandic horses are known worldwide for their docile demeanor, sure-footed agility on mountainous terrain, and lovely gait: the tölt.

Riding Level: Intermediate to Advanced

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Riders should be capable of spending long hours in the saddle, tacking and untacking their own horse, and controlling the horse at all paces.

The Guesthouse at Hov Gård features twin/double or single rooms. One night will be spent at Brettesnes in a tent camp sharing tents with 3-5 others. The Guesthouse at Hov is newly and beautifully renovated and specially made for riding guests. It has 6 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and 3 bathrooms to share. The house is situated 50 meters from the stable and Låven restaurant.

The excellent Låven restaurant serves dishes with fresh local ingredients. Meals will be taken overlooking the beautiful view to the north and the white beach at Hov.

Transfers are provided to/from Leknes or Svolvær when you arrive and when you leave Hov Gård between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. Earlier and later transfers can be arranged at an additional cost. For environmental reasons, several transfers may be combined, so you may have to wait some time before you are picked up at the airport. This will be coordinated in advance so that you can use the time for some sightseeing in Leknes or Svolvær. We recommend Evenes (EVE) airport and the bus shuttle to Svolvær. There are direct flights to Evenes from several cities in Europe.

Day 1
Day 1
Arrival at Hov Gård and a Midnight Sun Ride
Check in after 4PM at the Guesthouse at Hov Gård. Settle in and soak in the scenic views and take a walk on the white sandy beach just a 100 meters from our guest house before dinner and meet our horses at the pasture nearby.

Dinner at Låven restaurant, where you will be introduced to traditional Norwegian cuisine crafted from fresh, local products. You will meet your guide for the week. We go through the week’s program together and you will get to know the history of Låven restaurant.

After dinner, take a 1.5 hour midnight sun ride. Get introduced to our horses and stable and learn more about the history of Hov Gård and the old ancient Viking settlement here. We start at 11:00 pm and plan to be back at the stable at midnight.
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Day 2
Day 2
Full day tour at Gimsøy
Breakfast at Låven before we get ready for our first longer ride. We ride to Vinje Beach over the nature reserve and the Viking Road. Lots of chances to test different gaits, canter at the beach and try some good tølt. We have an easy lunch with our horses at the tables outside the little local shop to get a taste of the local atmosphere at Gimsøy. Aprox 25 km long tour • Later in the evening we’ll enjoy dinner at Låven.

Distance: 25 km/15 miles
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Day 3
Day 3
Island jumping and Storemolla
Breakfast in Låven before we head to Svolvær. Spend some hours in Svolvær city center before we take the boat, first to Skrova island for lunch at the only restaurant at the Island and then we continue by boat to Storemolla where we spend the night. Upon arrival, check-in to the tent camp for the night at Brettesnes Gård. The tents will be prepared already, for 4 to 6 people in each tent by the beach. The horses will have already arrived at Storemolla via ferry and are already at the farm. Go for a short ride on an old road on the south side of the island and explore the small city center of Brettesnes on horseback to hear the story of this small fishing village.

In the evening, dinner will be served in the boathouse by our hostess for the night. After dinner we meet at the bonfire before going to sleep by the sea. Toilets and shower are available at the farm close by.
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Day 4
Day 4
Explore Storemolla
Breakfast at the main building at Brettesnes gård. After breakfast we get our horses ready and go for a ride to the other side of the island on perfect gravel roads. We do lots of tølting and explore the whole island. Enjoy an easy lunch during the ride before we head back to Brettesnes. We’ll return to Svolvær by boat and drive back to Hov for a delicious dinner at Låven.

Distance: 25-30 km/15-20 miles
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Day 5
Day 5
Hidden beach at Gimsøy
Breakfast at Låven and some free time until lunch. Maybe hike Hoven, the small mountain at the farm. A 2-2.5 hour hike with a beautiful 360 degrees view.

After lunch at Låven we take a half-day tour to Vik on the west side of Gimsøy and end up on a hidden beach where we test different gaits with our horses and have some easy snack before we head home. Dinner at Låven.

Distance: 15-20 km/10-12 miels
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Day 6
Day 6
Mountains and Storknubben
Breakfast at Låven before we start the last full day ride. We head towards Gjenndalen and climb on horseback towards Trolltjønna, 350 meters above sea level. We enjoy a stunning view while having a break by our basecamp by the small lake. After the break we head home to Hov and a warm sauna and swim in the Nordic Sea. Soak in the week’s adventures with a delicious dinner at Låven.

Distance: 20-25 km/12-15 miles
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Day 7
Day 7
Relax and Recharge
After a very active week we suggest a later breakfast at Låven. Optionals for the day include a guided hiking tour to a nearby mountain or visit Henningsvær and spend the day at this picturesque fishing village. Tonight’s dinner will be served in our rustic boathouse.
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Day 8
Day 8
Farewell and Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast at Låven. Check-out at 12 PM. Depart from the Lofoten Islands, taking home unforgettable memories of gastronomical delights and breathtaking horseback adventures.
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Day 1

Arrival at Hov Gård and a Midnight Sun Ride

Check in after 4PM at the Guesthouse at Hov Gård. Settle in and soak in the scenic views and take a walk on the white sandy beach just a 100 meters from our guest house before dinner and meet our horses at the pasture nearby.

Dinner at Låven restaurant, where you will be introduced to traditional Norwegian cuisine crafted from fresh, local products. You will meet your guide for the week. We go through the week’s program together and you will get to know the history of Låven restaurant.

After dinner, take a 1.5 hour midnight sun ride. Get introduced to our horses and stable and learn more about the history of Hov Gård and the old ancient Viking settlement here. We start at 11:00 pm and plan to be back at the stable at midnight.

We had a fantastic time. Our hosts/guides were kind and very nice. The horses were great and so adorable.

By Julie S for Iceland - Northern Lights on Mar 27, 2025

Thank you Julie! I'm glad you had a fantastic time, and aren't the Icelandic horses just the best? Thank you for booking with us.

By Equescapes Equestrian Adventures on Mar 27, 2025

I had a wonderful time. Our driver and guide were very knowledgeable and took their time explaining the sites we visited and saw along the way. There was so much packed into one day I think I would have skipped Seal Island and spent a bit longer at some of the other sites.

By Nancy E for South Africa - MORIN on Mar 15, 2025

Thank you Nancy! There are truly so many amazing things to do in Cape Town, it's hard to fit it into one day! I'm glad you had a wonderful time, and hope you travel again with us next time!

By Equescapes Equestrian Adventures on Mar 15, 2025

**** Awesome Adventure. Oliver of Flower Hill Equestrian Center was the perfect host, manager, and trainer for us to get up to speed! His horses were not only beautiful but world class jumpers and brave! I can not say enough about his operation and him as a person. He made it fun! Alicia Bertone