Lofoten: Guided Horse Riding Tour Over Hov and Hovsund

The Arctic coast makes a fine saddle view. This gentle ride from Hov Gård takes you along Gimsøya’s shoreline, across Hov beach, and toward the fishing village of Hovsund. I like the friendly Icelandic horses and the way the route connects natural scenery with old Viking remains and traditional fish-drying racks.

I also like that you receive a short riding lesson before setting off, with a helmet, gloves, boots, and weather clothing included. The main point to consider is the pace: this is a relaxed walk, not an energetic horseback adventure, so experienced riders may find it too quiet.

Key points to know before booking

• Ride across an Arctic beach: The route begins over Hov, with open coastal views and a slow, steady pace.
• Meet Icelandic horses: These trained horses are used for riders with no previous experience.
• Look for sea eagles in summer: Local bird life can appear along the coast, although sightings are not guaranteed.
• Pass Viking-era remains: The ride gives you a quick look at ancient settlement traces along the route.
• See traditional fish racks: You may spot the wooden racks used to dry Norway’s famous stockfish.
• Plan for a quiet outing: The 1.5-hour tour is designed for beginners and cannot be adapted for faster riding.

Starting at Hov Gård on Gimsøya

Your visit begins at the stables at Hov Gård in Gimsøysand, on Gimsøya Island in Nordland County. You need to make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The meeting point matters here. This is a stable-based activity, not a city excursion with a coach transfer, so you should allow enough time to reach Hov Gård before the scheduled start. The tour ends back at the same stable, which keeps the outing simple and easy to fit into a day of exploring Gimsøya.

At the stable, you meet your guide and horse. The operator asks for each rider’s name, weight, height, age, and experience level in English when booking. This is not pointless paperwork. The information helps the staff match riders and horses safely.

The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds. Children under eight cannot take part, and the ride is not suitable for pregnant women. These restrictions are important to check before you pay.

Getting comfortable with an Icelandic horse

You do not need riding experience for this tour. Before leaving the stable, your guide explains how to handle the reins and gives you a basic introduction to riding. You are also fitted with a helmet.

That short briefing is especially useful if you have never ridden before or if your last horseback ride was years ago. You learn enough to feel more in control without spending a large part of the tour in a riding arena.

The horses are Icelandic, friendly, and trained for this kind of outing. Their steady nature suits the route, which follows a slow pace rather than a series of fast movements. You should still listen carefully to your guide and follow instructions around the horses. A calm approach is better than trying to force the experience into something more exciting.

The stable provides gloves, rubber boots, and rain or warm clothing for the ride. You should still wear long pants and bring comfortable shoes for arriving at the stable and getting settled. Backpacks are not allowed, and professional cameras are also prohibited. That makes sense on horseback, where loose straps and bulky equipment can get in the way.

Crossing Hov beach at a gentle pace

The first riding section takes you over Hov, an Arctic beach. This is likely to be the most memorable part for many people because the horse gives you a low, open view of the coast while you move at an easy pace.

The slow speed lets you look around rather than concentrate on staying with a fast-moving group. You can take in the beach, the surrounding coastal scenery, and the changing views from the saddle. One especially useful detail is that the route is not limited to a fenced riding area. You are out among the actual shoreline and countryside of Gimsøya.

That calm pace also explains the tour’s main limitation. If you already ride regularly and hope to trot or canter, this outing will probably feel restrained. The activity cannot be adapted for more experienced riders, so it works best when you see it as a scenic introduction rather than a riding lesson for advanced equestrians.

Summer may bring extra interest in the form of local bird life. You might be lucky enough to see a sea eagle along the coast. The wording matters: this is a possible sighting, not a wildlife guarantee. Bring your attention, not a firm expectation.

The coast can also be exposed to changing weather. The included rain and warm clothing are helpful, but you should still prepare for a cool or damp ride. The right attitude is simple: in Lofoten, the weather is part of the setting, and practical clothing makes it easier to enjoy the views.

Following the route toward Hovsund

After the beach section, the ride continues toward Hovsund, a fishing village. The route includes a gentle climb, adding a little change in elevation and opening up more views over the area.

This part of the ride helps you see more than just the beach. Lofoten’s appeal comes from the way shorelines, settlements, working fishing areas, and old traces of human life sit close together. On horseback, you move slowly enough to notice those connections.

Hovsund also adds a local working character to the outing. This is not only a scenic horseback loop designed for photographs. You pass through an area linked to fishing and see signs of the traditional trade that still shapes the islands.

The climb is described as gentle, so you should not expect a demanding mountain ride. Still, the terrain means you need to remain attentive to your horse and the guide’s directions. The steady pace is suitable for beginners, but it is not the same as walking along a perfectly flat path.

Spotting fish-drying racks and Viking remains

One of the tour’s best details is the chance to see traditional fish-drying racks. These wooden structures are used for Norway’s famous dried fish, often called stockfish. You may pass them while riding toward Hovsund, giving you a quick view of a familiar Lofoten tradition in its working setting.

This is a small part of the route, but it adds meaning to the scenery. Instead of seeing the coast as empty wilderness, you get a glimpse of how people have used it for food, trade, and settlement over many centuries.

The route also passes ancient remnants connected with the Viking age. You should not expect a large museum or a fully reconstructed settlement. These are remnants along the riding route, so the value comes from seeing the traces in their natural surroundings and hearing your guide explain the area.

That guide commentary is an important part of the experience. Without it, a low mound or scattered remains could be easy to miss. With a little context, the ride becomes more than a pretty beach outing. You begin to connect the shoreline with the people who lived and worked here long before modern visitors arrived.

The tour then returns to Hov Gård. Since it ends at the starting point, you do not need to arrange a second pickup from Hovsund or another part of the island.

What the 1.5-hour duration really gives you

The tour lasts 1.5 hours, including the stable introduction and riding time. That makes it a manageable addition to a day in Lofoten, especially if you want one outdoor activity without committing to a full-day excursion.

You will not cover every corner of Gimsøya in this time. The route is compact enough to suit beginners and keep the horses comfortable. The reward is a focused coastal ride with several different points of interest: beach, fishing village, bird life, fish racks, and Viking remains.

The timing can also work well for people who are sharing a holiday with companions who do not ride. It is long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough that the rest of the day remains open. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when choosing your date.

The tour is offered with a live English-speaking guide. If you want detailed information about the area while you ride, that direct guidance is more useful than simply renting a horse and following a marked route.

Is $126 a fair price?

At $126 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend an hour and a half. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the guide, Icelandic horse, helmet, gloves, rubber boots, and rain or warm clothing.

You are also paying for a supervised route through coastal scenery that would be difficult to experience in the same way on foot. The beach, gentle climb, Hovsund approach, Viking remnants, and fish racks are bundled into one guided activity.

I would call it reasonable value for a first-time rider or for someone who places a high value on a memorable setting. The price is less attractive if you already ride and mainly want time in the saddle. Since the pace cannot be increased or tailored for advanced riders, experienced equestrians may get more satisfaction from another activity.

There is no food or drink included, so plan around the ride rather than expecting a full outing with refreshments. Hotel transport is also excluded. You should budget for your own travel to Hov Gård and bring anything you need before or after the ride.

The strong rating of 4.8 from 97 reviews fits the tour’s main strengths: the setting, the horses, and the guides. Specific praise focuses on the friendly horses, helpful guides, beach views, and the feeling that the ride is special even for people with no riding background. One practical highlight is that a guide may take pictures during the outing, though you should not treat photography as a guaranteed service.

Who will enjoy this ride most?

I would recommend the tour to beginners, couples, families with children aged eight and above, and anyone who wants a slow outdoor experience with a clear sense of place. You do not need to arrive knowing how to ride, and the included equipment reduces the amount of gear you need to pack.

It is also a good choice if you want something gentler than a strenuous hike. You still get outside and move through coastal scenery, but the horse carries you along the route. The guide’s explanation of the reins and handling gives first-time riders a useful starting point.

The tour may suit photographers who prefer to look rather than constantly walk, but professional cameras are not allowed. A phone may be more practical, although you should keep it secure and avoid letting photography distract you from the horse.

I would think twice if you are over the weight limit, pregnant, under eight, or uncomfortable around horses. I would also skip it if you want a fast ride, technical riding, or a long day in the saddle.

Practical clothing and comfort advice

Wear long pants. Riding in ordinary shorts can be uncomfortable, and the operator specifically asks you to bring long trousers.

Comfortable shoes are also recommended, although rubber boots are provided. Bring layers you can adjust, since the coast may feel colder than sheltered areas. Rain and warm clothing are available for the ride, which is a useful safeguard in Lofoten’s changeable conditions.

Do not arrive with a backpack or professional camera. The equipment restrictions are simple but easy to overlook. Keep your personal items to a minimum and use the gear provided by the stable.

You should also give accurate details about your height, weight, age, and riding experience when booking. This supports the operator’s safety standards and avoids an unpleasant surprise at the stable.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Lofoten schedule depends on weather or changing plans.

My verdict: book it for the setting, not the speed

I would book this ride if I wanted an easy introduction to horseback riding in a memorable coastal setting. The combination of an Arctic beach, Icelandic horses, Hovsund, dried fish racks, Viking remains, and possible sea eagle sightings gives the short tour real variety.

I would not book it for fast riding or advanced practice. The 1.5-hour route is deliberately slow, and that is its strength for beginners but its weakness for experienced riders.

Before booking, confirm the 95-kilogram weight limit, arrange your own transport to Hov Gård, and check the starting time. If those details work for you, this is a well-focused way to see a quieter side of Lofoten from the saddle.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour start?

The tour starts at the stables at Hov Gård in Gimsøysand on Gimsøya Island.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at Hov Gård, the same place where it begins.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is riding experience required?

No. The tour does not require previous riding experience, and the guide gives you a short introduction to handling the reins before departure.

What type of horses are used?

The tour uses friendly, trained Icelandic horses.

What equipment is included?

A guide, Icelandic horse, riding helmet, gloves, rubber boots, and rain or warm outfits for the ride are included.

What should I wear?

Bring long pants and comfortable shoes. The stable provides rubber boots and weather clothing for the ride.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to arrange your own transportation to Hov Gård, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a rider weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds.

Can children join the tour?

Children must be at least eight years old to take part. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women.