Lofoten Islands

Horses & Riding

Tack

Typical Icelandic tack. The saddles are similar to dressage saddles, with a relatively flat seat that is either plain or quilted. Stirrups are usually kept long but the riding style is similar to English. Bridles are normally simple snaffles with detachable nosebands and clip-on reins.

Horses

Icelandic Horses, which are renowned for their extra gait - the tolt - which has similar footfalls to a walk but is much faster and usually very smooth.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

• Following in Vikings' Footsteps is a based ride

Ages

Children over 8 years of age are welcomed provided they are competent riders

Health

General good health and fitness

Weight

90 kg / 198 lbs / 14 stone 2 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Breakfasts and evening meals (two courses) are taken at the on-site restaurant which serves great local food and is also open to non-residents.

Lunches are taken out on the trails.

Fish and seafood are plentiful but other local specialities are seasonally on offer, such as reindeer (venison).

Drinks and additional courses (starters/desserts) can be purchased locally.

Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice for your meals taken at the restaurant (breakfast/dinner), but there are less options on the lunches, particularly where you dine with local farmers and they would struggle to accommodate gluten-free/dairy-free/vegan, however a vegetable soup and fresh bread is always available for vegetarians.

Accommodation

All nights are spent in lodges which are newly built and situated just off the beach. Each lodge has three bedrooms and a small loft room. Each bedroom contains double/twin beds and a private bathroom with shower and WC. Each lodge also has a communal large living rooms with fireplace, kitchenette and terrace.

There are also two private luxury lodges which have outdoor wood-fired hot-tubs - these are available on payment of a supplement for families or groups - please enquire.

The lodges face north with spectacular views of the northern lights in autumn and winter, the midnight sun in summer and the great ocean.

The restaurant and coffee shop is located in a converted barn at the stables, It also has large windows to appreciate the view, hand-made tables, a large fireplace and soft retro-style chairs to create a cosy atmosphere on dark winter evenings.

Itineraries

Following in Vikings' Footsteps Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

One of the areas best golf courses is a short walk away. There is also great hiking in the area and a plethora of Viking sites to explore.

Travel

Transfers are included from either Svolvaer (SVJ) or Leknes (LKN) airport.

There are no direct flights and it is likely that you will need to change at least once. Depending on the time of year, you may find a direct flight from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands, or you may need to connect through Bodo. It is possible that you will need to spend at least one night in Oslo to allow for flight connections.

Testimonials

Courtney C., Nov. 6, 2023

It far exceeded my expectations, it was my favourite riding holiday I've ever done. The views of the island on our last riding day were a real highlight - and my first tolt! The lodges were beautiful and the restaurant food was delicious. Dalur was my favourite trail horse I have ever ridden! He had so much personality and was very comfortable. I wish I could have brought him home with me. Inge and Lea were amazing guides. They were so friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. I loved chatting to them and they were so knowledgeable.

Chavaunne T., Sept. 29, 2023

Lovely well cared for horses, beautiful scenery, fun rides and lovely staff. (Guides?) Very friendly, looked after everyone well and loved the horses.

Laura S., Oct. 19, 2022

Stunning location, very lucky with weather (no rain & very sunny) - perfect for riding. Loved the Icelandic horses, full of personality. The riding was sometimes quite “technical” in the mountains, and skills were tested in learning to tolt. Lovely beaches for some faster work. Great accommodation and food. Hosts were very welcoming and helpful. (Favourite memory?) All of it! But I’ll probably have to say the Northern Lights, which were on display every night! Very, very lucky. The time of year was great, for appreciation of the autumn colours.

G.D., Oct. 12, 2022

Excellent riding on well trained, safe, fit, keen little horses. The rides were well led by the young guide team and the two most challenging and enjoyable days were still well within our group's capabilities. Some horses were skilled in tolt, but others slightly less so. Favourite memory? The ride from Aalan Gard goat farm over the mountains produced the most spectacular views and a real sense of achievement as we reached the top of our steep climbs. Walking through the lake was also a unique and wonderful experience.