Location: Lofoten Islands, Norway

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights / 6 riding days

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Dates: Set dates

Riding Level: Intermediate

Group Size: 2-10 riders

Lofoten Ride & Gourmet emphasises a rich gastronomic experience together with scenic horseback riding, and we guarantee an unforgettable week in the stunning Lofoten Islands with a variety of experiences and activities.

You’ll learn about local food traditions and ingredients, go on a currant safari into beautiful fjords and participate in cooking classes and prepare delicious meals together with super-skilled chefs.

And of course you’ll experience our beautiful horses and trails, under the supervision of our experienced guides.

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

Speed: walk-trot-canter

Distance: varies

Ride Time: 4 full-day rides and 2 half-day rides

Tack: Icelandic saddles (similar to Dressage saddles)

Terrain: beaches, mountains, gravel roads, dirt trails

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

6 nights at Hov Gjestegård, and one night at Kvitnes Gård.  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. Learn about Norwegian food traditions and local ingredients, and even go foraging for some yourself. Enjoy cooking glasses to learn how to make recipes specific to the Lofoten region.

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.