Hamish & Andy’s Euro Gap Year: June 21

Fresh from a good start to their new season, this week Hamish and Andy will take viewers on a whirlwind trip to Finland, Germany and Sweden.

Hamish and Andy travel to snow-covered Lapland to meet the champion reindeer racer, Ari Niiles. After intensive training they are put to the test and compete in a fast and furious timed reindeer race against each other. The loser must take the plunge into an ice-covered river.

“We found out the only thing that makes a reindeer angrier than no carrot being left out for it on Christmas Eve is having an Australian strapped to the back of it,” Andy said.

Introducing themselves to a new world of food and local delicacies, Hamish and Andy try the Swedish speciality of Surströmming – a dish consisting of fermented, rotting fish, renowned for its pungent, vomit-inducing odour.

Back in London, the boys gain an insight into the world of the infamous British tabloids. Hamish and Andy spend a day with the paparazzi, managing to steal the scene and make their own news copy in the process.

In an epic Hamish v Andy race, the boys have 24 hours to hitchhike as far as possible across the continent of Europe. Starting on opposite sides of the road on the outskirts of Frankfurt in Germany, the winner is the athlete who travels the furthest distance possible within 24 hours.

“Hitchhike racing was something we’ll never forget but is not a sport we’re keen to try again,” Hamish said.

“For one thing, it can be very confusing and difficult to get home after a 24-hour event.”

8.00pm on Thursday on Nine.