Discover the Lofoten islands on this 6-day horseback ride on a remote Norwegian archipelago known for it's mild climate, distinctive scenery, and wildlife. Situated well above the Arctic Circle in the Norwegian Sea, it is the most northerly location that has temperatures above freezing all year round. It offers beautiful scenery; majestic mountains, deep fjords, huge seabird colonies, long, white sandy beaches and the world's largest known deep-water coral reef.
The riding is exclusively on Icelandic horses; sure-footed and reliable on the steep terrain. This horseback vacation will explore various islands on ancient Viking roads, riding for 4-6 hours per day. Depending on the time of year, there is a chance of horseback riding under the Northern lights (September to mid April) or the midnight sun late May to mid July).
Accommodation is in a cosy guesthouse complete with wood-burning stoves, and traditional dinners are served in the on-site restaurant. The food is of excellent quality! The itinerary includes a visit an organic goat cheese farm to taste the local produce. Ideal for intermediate horseback riders upwards who want to discover unusual destinations.
Read about Emma Hille's account of riding in Iceland in our blog article An Adventure on Horseback in Iceland
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from MG of Boca Raton on 04/06/2025
Day 1
Travel to the Lofoten Islands, 95 miles north of the Arctic Circle and arrive at either Leknes or Svolvaer airport. Guests will be collected by the hosts and transferred (a one hour drive) to the farm guesthouse, the base for the next 6 days. Check in and relax before dinner and meet fellow riders and guides over dinner at the farm's on-site restaurant. Meet the horses and take part in a short 2-hour evening ride where, depending on the time of year (September-March is most likely), riders may be able to spot the northern lights.
Day 2
Today riders will be exploring the island of Gimsøy, one of the nothernmost islands of the archipelago. Be set to spend up to six hours in the saddle today, riding along the old Viking roads. Enjoy an alfresco lunch with the horses in the valley. Once the riding is done, transfer by vehicle back to the farm in time for dinner.
Day 3
Today's ride takes guests to Aalan Gård; a local organic goat farm. Have lunch at the farm, and enjoy a tasting of the goats cheese produced on-site. In the afternoon's there are impressive views of the North Sea. After a total riding time of between 5-6 hours, transfer by vehicle back to the farm for dinner and overnight.
Day 4
Today will be another full-day ride (5-6 hours) on the island of Gimsøy. Travel from Gjendalen to the picturesque beach of Vinje on horseback. The beaches on Lofoten are almost tropical in appearance with white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. Have lunch in a local cafe and after the afternoon ride transfer by vehicle back to the farm for dinner and overnight.
Day 5
Today's ride is through some of the Islands most spectacular, and contrasting, scenery. Riding time is between 4-5 hours exploring the largest, and easternmost, island of the Lofoten chain, Austvågøya, a mountainous island with some of Lofoten's highest peaks.
Day 6
After breakfast at the lodge it's time to pack up and say goodbye. Transfer to either Leknes or Svolvaer airport for the journey home.
There is also a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course for golfing partners.
Read about Emma Hille's account of riding in Iceland in our blog article An Adventure on Horseback in Iceland
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
This stables has 50 horses to choose from, all of them are Icelandic horses, a unique breed of horse that originated in Norway and arrived in Iceland with the first Norwegian settlers. The Icelandic breed is known for being sure-footed and able to cross rough terrain. Your mount for this ride is also able to display an extra gait in addition to the typical walk, trot, and canter, gallop commonly displayed by other breeds. The gait is a four-beat lateral ambling gait called tölt known for it's acceleration and speed, it's a comfortable pace for covering plenty of ground. The horses range in height from 132 to 147 cm high. The stables have some horses which are more spirited and ideal for more experienced riders. They also have quieter horses for nervous riders. You will be matched with a suitable horse each day and will ride a variety of the horses during the holiday.
The pace of the ride is variable according to the groups wishes and the terrain. There are some sections when it is possible to go faster and other sections where riders will need to lead their horse (maximum 10 minutes) through steep ascents and descents.
This ride is for intermediate riders onwards. All riders need to be able to walk, trot and canter in open countryside and must be happy to mount and dismount unassisted. Some sections of the ride require riders to dismount and lead their horse due to steep climbs.
The minimum age for this ride is 12 years old although occasionally participants as young as ten can be accepted if they are very good riders and able to spend up to 6 hours per day in the saddle.
The maximum weight is 90 kilos.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Guests spend the duration of the holiday staying at the farm guesthouse. Situated just off the beach, they make the perfect northern lights base camp. The guesthouse has complimentary WiFi, hairdryers and towels. After a days riding, come back to enjoy the northern lights (visible between Sept-April) from the comfort of the sofa and warmth of the fireplace.
A short walk from the guesthouse is the on-site, rustic restaurant Lavan. The restaurant is where the group's breakfast and other meals will be served. Lunch is either a picnic taken in the saddle bags each day, or at a local cafe during the ride. The Restaurant Låven offers traditional local food as well as a modern cuisine. There is a changing menu which also features fish, meat and a vegetarian option. The restaurant can also cater for vegan or gluten-free guests but require advance notice, so please let your travel advisor know. Delicious home baked cakes are available at the restaurant every day.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.
NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures
Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.
In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/norway
In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Norway.html
In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/norway
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
The Lofoten Islands are quite an anomaly when it comes to climate, as they experience relatively warm temperatures for their high Arctic latitude thanks to the warm Gulf stream. This warmth makes them an ideal place for exploring in summer as you can make the most of the midnight sun. Between mid-May and mid-July, the sun provides its warming light while you can experience the Northern Lights from September to mid-April.
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.
In Norway, all public hospitals are funded from the national budget and run by four Regional Health Authorities owned by the Ministry of Health and Care Services. In addition to the public hospitals, a few privately owned health clinics are operating.
To contact the Norwegian emergency services, call 110 (fire), 112 (police) or 113 (ambulance).
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in the Norway and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
Health precautions required: A tetanus shot is recommended
In Norway the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.
Electricity is available in your accommodation each night for charging cameras and batteries. There is free Wifi available in the lodges and in the restaurant. Please note that should you be using a GoPro, please ask the permission of the group if they are happy to be filmed.
Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:
ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards – (some locations, mostly in the EU, can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
Riding boots designed for riding and walking
Chaps
At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best for anything, except western riding (Jeans)
Long sleeved shirts
Lightweight waterproof jacket
Water bottle
Mobile phone
Layers are best
Waterproof coat, gloves & trousers
(Seat savers will soak up water in wet weather so bear that in mind)
Provided by hosts
- Saddle bag
- Riding Helmet
- Overalls which are warm and waterproof
This is a 6 day/ 5 night programme available on set dates between April and October
2025: 13, 20 Apr; 4 (FULL), 18, 25 May; 31 (FULL) Aug; 7, 14, 28 (FULL) Sep; 12 Oct
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 6d/5n | 5 | double - deluxe room pp | 2,269 |
| 2025 | 6d/5n | 5 | single supplement | 305 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 6d/5n | 5 | double - deluxe room pp | 2,659 |
| 2025 | 6d/5n | 5 | single supplement | 359 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 6d/5n | 5 | double - deluxe room pp | 3,195 |
| 2025 | 6d/5n | 5 | single supplement | 415 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 6d/5n | 5 | double - deluxe room pp | 29,905 |
| 2025 | 6d/5n | 5 | single supplement | 3,915 |
Johan Bojer's novel The Last of the Vikings (1922) tells the story of the Lofoten cod fishermen
Out Stealing Horses
For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com
Norway's diverse landscapes offer unparalleled opportunities for hiking, skiing, fishing, marine rafting or diving. The islands are also ideal for surfing - they are among Norway's best and the world's northernmost surfing spots.
Thanks to its varied topography, the Lofoten Islands are home to a huge variety of wildlife both on land and out to sea. The southern islands actually lie on the Røst Reef which boasts the world’s largest deep water coral reef. Other wildlife that can be seen includes birdlife such as sea eagles, cormorants and puffins and otters which are common throughout the fjords. Look out for moose and other bird species that nest in the mountains and cliffs. During the summer, the islands are a great location for whale watching with minkes and sperm whales being seen off the coast.
There is also a spectacular 18-hole championship course nearby which is beautifully situated in nature making this holiday ideal to share with a golfing partner.
Seek local advice if you intend to eat mussels harvested off the coast and certain types of fish from lakes and fjords.
