Lofoten: Guided Horse Riding Tour Over Hov and Hovsund

The best part of this 1.5-hour horseback ride is its setting: you move slowly from Hov Gård across an Arctic beach, with the sea and open Lofoten scenery around you. The route then climbs gently toward Hovsund, where fish-drying racks and Viking remains add a strong sense of place.

I like two things right away. First, the friendly Icelandic horses make this a realistic choice even if you have never ridden before. Second, the stable supplies a helmet, gloves, rubber boots, and warm or rain clothing, which matters in Lofoten’s changeable weather. The main limitation is just as clear: this is a calm walking tour, not a fast or technical ride for experienced equestrians.

Key points to know before you book

• Arctic beach riding: The route begins over Hov’s coastline, giving you broad views without a demanding pace.
• Beginner-friendly Icelandic horses: Your guide explains how to handle the reins before you leave the stable.
• Viking and fishing history: You pass ancient settlement remains and traditional racks used to dry Norway’s famous fish.
• Possible summer wildlife: You might spot local bird life, including a sea eagle, depending on conditions.
• All-weather riding gear included: Helmets, gloves, rubber boots, and rain or warm outfits are provided.
• Important limits: Riders must be at least 8 years old, weigh no more than 95 kilograms, and cannot be pregnant.

Starting at Hov Gård on Gimsøya

You meet your guide inside the stables at Hov Gård in Gimsøysand. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the farm. The tour also finishes back at the stable, which keeps the outing simple if you are visiting this part of Gimsøya by car.

Before mounting, you are matched with an Icelandic horse and fitted with a helmet. The guide gives you a short lesson on handling the reins and working with your horse. That briefing is valuable for first-time riders because it removes much of the uncertainty before you head outdoors.

You also receive gloves, rubber boots, and clothing for rain or cold weather. Still, bring comfortable shoes and long pants. The supplied gear deals with the main weather concerns, but long pants remain the sensible choice for comfort in the saddle.

You must provide each rider’s name, age, height, weight, and riding experience in English when booking. This is not needless paperwork. The stable uses the information to match riders carefully and keep its safety standards consistent for people and horses.

Crossing Hov Beach at a relaxed pace

The ride begins with Hov, an Arctic beach, and this is where the tour’s character becomes clear. You are not racing along the shore or being pushed into advanced riding. The horses move slowly while you take in the coast and get used to the rhythm of riding.

That gentle pace suits beginners, families with older children, and anyone who wants to look around rather than concentrate on speed. It also gives you time to enjoy the unusual combination of horse, beach, sea, and mountains that makes Lofoten so memorable.

The tradeoff is important. If you already ride regularly and want a canter, more challenging terrain, or a lesson built around technique, this tour may feel restrained. The route cannot be adapted for more experienced riders, so you should book it for the scenery and the atmosphere rather than the riding challenge.

The horses are Icelandic, a breed well suited to this kind of outdoor outing. Here, the practical benefit is that you ride an animal described as friendly and trained, with a guide beside you from the start. You still need to listen carefully and follow instructions, but the experience does not require previous riding experience.

Looking for sea eagles along the coast

Summer can bring local bird life to the route, including the chance to see a sea eagle. This is a possibility, not a promised sighting, so treat it as an extra rather than the main reason to book.

The slow pace helps here. You have a better chance to notice birds and coastal details when you are not hurrying from one stop to another. Keep your eyes open, but do not expect the guide to turn the ride into a dedicated bird-watching trip.

Photography also requires some planning. Professional cameras are not allowed, and backpacks are not allowed either. You may be able to take simple pictures with permitted belongings, but you should not plan to carry a full camera bag or large daypack. One useful detail from the experience is that the guide may take pictures of riders, giving you a chance to enjoy the route without constantly managing a camera.

Riding toward Hovsund and its fishing racks

After the beach, the route heads toward Hovsund, a fishing village. You make a gentle climb, with more wide views along the way. This change in setting gives the ride more variety than a simple out-and-back along the sand.

The fishing connection becomes especially visible when you pass traditional fish-drying racks. Norway’s dried fish is one of the country’s best-known food traditions, and seeing the racks in their working setting makes that story more concrete than reading about it in a museum.

The racks are also a reminder that Lofoten is not only a scenic destination. Fishing remains part of the region’s identity, and the route lets you see a piece of that working culture while on horseback. You are not stopping for a food tasting, and meals and drinks are not included, but the view adds useful local context to the ride.

The approach to Hovsund also gives you a sense of how the coast and settlements fit together. You see the village from a slower, quieter position, rather than simply passing through by road. That change in pace is one of the strongest reasons to choose this activity over a standard sightseeing drive.

Passing Viking remnants beside the route

Ancient Viking settlement remains appear along the riding route. The tour does not present itself as a long archaeological visit, so you should not expect a detailed excavation tour or a large museum collection. Instead, the appeal comes from seeing traces of earlier settlement in the same coastal setting where people still live and work.

That connection adds depth to the outing. You begin with horses at a modern farm, pass a working fishing village, and then encounter remnants from the Viking age. The guide provides insight into the area as you go, helping you understand what you are seeing without turning the ride into a formal lecture.

For many visitors, this combination makes the route feel more meaningful than a short horse ride confined to a paddock. You are not simply circling a farm. You are moving through a place shaped by the coast, fishing, settlement, and long human use.

The exact detail you receive will depend on the guide and the conditions on the day, but the tour is conducted in English. If you want a history-heavy experience with extensive archaeological explanation, this may not be enough by itself. If you enjoy small historical clues woven into an outdoor activity, it works well.

Returning to the stable after 90 minutes

The route returns to Hov Gård after about 90 minutes. Because the tour ends where it starts, you do not need to arrange a separate pickup from Hovsund or another point along the coast.

The length is well judged for a first horseback experience. You get time to ride through several types of scenery, but the outing is not so long that a beginner is likely to feel trapped in the saddle for half a day. That said, the short duration also means the tour cannot cover every corner of Gimsøya or provide a long riding lesson.

The tour price is $126 per person. I consider that a fair but not cheap price for Lofoten. The value comes from more than the horse itself: you receive a guide, helmet, gloves, rubber boots, and protective clothing, plus a route that includes a beach, Hovsund, fish-drying racks, Viking remains, and possible bird sightings.

You are paying for a complete outdoor outing in a remote-feeling setting, not simply a short stable ride. The price makes the most sense if you would otherwise need to buy or pack specialist wet-weather gear, or if you want an activity that combines scenery and local history. It makes less sense if you mainly want to practise riding skills, since the pace is deliberately slow and the tour cannot be adjusted for stronger riders.

The activity has a rating of 4.8 from 97 reviews, and the most consistent praise centers on the guides, the horses, and the views. One especially useful detail is the repeated appreciation for the beach scenery. That tells you where the visual payoff lies: not in speed, but in the open coastal setting and the elevated views after the gentle climb.

Who will enjoy this Lofoten horse ride?

I would recommend this tour most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a carefully managed introduction
• Couples looking for a scenic outdoor activity
• Families with children aged 8 and older
• Visitors who like local history but do not want a formal museum tour
• Riders who prefer walking pace and time for photographs
• People who want a coastal activity that remains manageable in length

It is also a good fit if you are unsure how you will handle a horse. The guide introduces you to the animal, explains the reins, and stays with the group. You do not need riding experience, but you do need to be comfortable following instructions and accepting a slow pace.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to experienced riders. The tour is not adapted for advanced participants, and there is no promise of faster riding. If you are hoping for a demanding route, technical instruction, or a canter along the beach, choose a different activity.

The restrictions are firm. Children under 8 cannot join. Pregnant women cannot take part, and the maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds. Check these conditions before paying, especially if you are booking for a group.

Practical advice for a comfortable ride

Wear long pants and comfortable shoes, even though rubber boots are supplied. Avoid bringing a backpack, since backpacks are not allowed, and leave professional camera equipment at your accommodation.

Allow time to reach Hov Horse Farm in Gimsøysand on your own. Since transportation is not included, this tour works best when it fits naturally into a day exploring Gimsøya rather than as an activity with a city transfer attached.

Weather can shape the outing. The stable provides rain and warm clothing, but you should still arrive prepared for an outdoor experience. The beach and open coast are part of the attraction, yet they also leave you exposed to the elements.

Book with accurate rider details in English, including height, weight, age, and experience. This helps the stable plan safely and avoids an awkward correction at the meeting point. If your plans remain uncertain, cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Should you book this Hov Gård experience?

Book it if you want a slow, scenic horseback ride with a real sense of Lofoten’s coast and past. The strongest reasons are the friendly Icelandic horses, the beach route, the views near Hovsund, and the chance to see fish-drying racks and Viking remnants in one compact outing.

Skip it if you want serious riding practice, speed, or a long expedition. The $126 price is easier to justify when you value the supplied clothing and the setting, but it will feel high if you judge the experience only by its 90 minutes in the saddle.

For most beginners, the balance is good: clear instruction, trained horses, an English-speaking guide, and a route that offers more than a stable loop. Just bring the right clothes, leave the backpack behind, and book it for the coast rather than the thrill of speed.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start and finish?

The tour starts at the stables at Hov Horse Farm in Gimsøysand and finishes back at the same meeting point.

How long does the ride last?

The activity lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The guide gives you a short introduction to handling the reins before the ride begins.

What equipment and clothing are included?

The tour includes an Icelandic horse, guide, riding helmet, gloves, rubber boots, and rain or warm outfits for the ride.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and long pants. Backpacks and professional cameras are not allowed.

Who cannot take part in the tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or anyone weighing more than 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds.