The spectacular landscape of Norway is the perfect place to play outdoors this summer.

From golfing and horseback riding to water sports, the northern coast is an unexpectedly ideal address for adventure getaways. In the Lofoten archipelago, the Lofoten Links will test your mettle against the natural elements on 18 holes laid out beside the sea. Golf beneath the Northern Lights, or play in the wee hours bathed in the midnight sun on the par 71, 18-hole course. Located on Gimsøy Island, the Jeremy Turner-designed course is set upon a historic Viking location that includes two ancient Viking tombs. According to historians, this site was once home to Viking chieftain Tore Hjort, made famous in the Viking sagas. There’s lodging on site, along with a driving range, putting and chipping greens and a clubhouse with a full-service pro shop and equipment rentals.

Close by, you can explore even more Viking heritage from the back of a horse at Hov Hestegard, where half-, full-day and multi-day riding tours take in the white, windswept beaches of Vinje, the Viking Age Trail and Gimsøy Nature Reserve. Experienced guides will entertain you with more legends of Hjort, including his demise at the hand of King Olav Tryggvasson. Tours are geared toward both beginners and experienced riders, and the collection of outstandingly trained, friendly horses assembled by owner Frode Hov guarantees an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the dramatic landscape.

Despite the latitude and longitude, don’t forget about water sports: This land of fjords, lakes and seacoast is coveted by kayakers, surfers and sailing enthusiasts. North of the Arctic Circle, owner and professional guide Jann Engstad of Lofoten Aktiv leads day and overnight eco tours that have garnered awards for Tourism and Conservation in the Arctic from the World Wildlife Foundation for best practices that include Leave No Trace techniques. His collection of fascinating tours include Northern Lights expeditions, snowshoeing, hiking, cycling and sea kayaking trips from a single half-day to 10 day excursions with camping.

Next, suit up for a surf lesson in Unstad at one of the most coveted big wave locations in Northern Europe. Also located within the wild and stunning Lofoten archipelago, Unstad Arctic Surf provides state-of-the-art equipment with professional surfing instruction from top teachers certified through the International Surfing Association. From June till August, group courses are available, though individual instruction can be specially arranged at other times. Even beginners are accommodated, with tips and practical sessions in how to paddle, catch a wave and stay safe. Weekend camps run from Thursdays to Sundays, and include cabin accommodations, board and wetsuit rental, hot sessions in one of two wood-fired saunas, soaks in the hot tub and airport transfers. Along with long boarding, short boarding and stand-up paddling, you can also enjoy fishing, hiking, bouldering and rock climbing. Just don’t get so busy you forget to take an afternoon break for traditional Norwegian waffles and coffee.