Lofoten: Guided Horse Riding Tour Over Hov and Hovsund

Ride the Arctic shore on an Icelandic horse. This 1.5-hour outing from Hov Gård gives you coastal scenery, old Viking traces, and a look at traditional fish-drying racks without rushing the ride. I like the slow pace and the chance to see Lofoten from horseback, especially along Hov beach.

I also like that the stable supplies helmets, gloves, boots, and warm rain clothing, which matters in changeable weather. The main drawback is clear: experienced riders looking for a faster or more active session may find the gentle pace too tame, and the 95-kilogram weight limit excludes some riders.

Key details that make this ride special

• Hov beach on horseback: Begin at an Arctic beach, where the open coast gives you broad sea views and a calm setting for getting used to your horse.
• Friendly Icelandic horses: The horses are trained for this type of guided ride, and no previous riding experience is required.
• A glimpse of Viking-age Lofoten: The route passes ancient settlement remains, adding a little archaeology to the coastal outing.
• Hovsund fishing village: The ride climbs gently toward this small coastal community and its traditional fish-drying racks.
• Good clothing support: Helmets, gloves, rubber boots, and warm rain outfits are included, a practical benefit in northern Norway.
• A genuinely relaxed outing: The ride is designed for beginners and cannot be adjusted for more experienced riders who want speed or challenge.

Starting at Hov Gård on Gimsøya

Your ride begins at the stables of Hov Gård in Gimsøysand, on Gimsøya Island in Nordland County. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the farm and arrive at the meeting point in the stables.

The setting is part of the appeal. You are not being taken to an indoor riding arena or a purpose-built tourist attraction. The route begins from a working horse farm and heads directly into the coastal surroundings of Hov.

Before you mount, you meet your horse and receive a short introduction to handling the reins. The guide explains the basic controls, helps fit your helmet, and gets you ready for the ride. This makes the tour suitable for first-time riders, provided you are comfortable sitting on a horse and following instructions.

The stable supplies gloves, rubber boots, and warm or rainproof clothing for the ride. You should still bring comfortable shoes and long pants. Do not bring a backpack, and professional cameras are not allowed. A phone may be more practical for photographs, although you should keep your attention on the horse and the guide while riding.

You must provide each rider’s name, weight, height, age, and riding experience in English when booking. This is not needless paperwork. The stable uses the details to match riders with horses and maintain safety for both people and animals.

Riding across Hov beach at a gentle pace

The first section takes you over Hov and along an Arctic beach. This is the part I expect many people will remember most clearly. From horseback, you sit above the shore and move slowly enough to notice the scale of the coast, the sea, and the open sky.

The pace is deliberately calm. Your horse carries you while the guide leads the group and helps you settle into the rhythm of riding. If you have never ridden before, this gives you time to understand the reins and your position without being hurried.

The tradeoff is that this is not a lesson in advanced riding. The tour cannot be adapted for experienced riders who want a faster pace, more technical riding, or a longer time in the saddle. You are paying for an easygoing sightseeing ride rather than an equestrian workout.

The open beach also provides a strong sense of place. Lofoten is often pictured through sharp mountains and fishing villages, but this outing shows a quieter side of the islands. The coast feels spacious, and the horse gives you a slower way to take it in.

In summer, you might also spot local bird life along the coast, including the sea eagle. This is a possibility, not a promised part of the tour, so bring realistic expectations. The main attraction is the shoreline itself, with bird sightings as a welcome bonus.

Climbing toward Hovsund and the fish-drying racks

After the beach, the route heads toward Hovsund, a fishing village. The ride includes a gentle climb, which changes the view and gives you a higher look over the coast.

This section adds more variety than a simple beach ride. You move from open shore toward a lived-in coastal settlement, with the scenery changing as the horse carries you uphill. The guide provides information about the area along the way, so the ride is not just a silent circuit.

One of the most distinctive sights is the traditional fish-drying racks. Stockfish, especially dried cod, is closely linked with northern Norway, and these wooden structures are an everyday part of the region’s fishing culture. Seeing them from the route gives you a useful connection between the scenery and the food traditions of Lofoten.

You do not stop for a meal, and food and drinks are not included. Still, the fish racks offer something more meaningful than a quick photo stop. They show how the local economy has shaped the villages and coast for generations.

The gentle climb may be the most active part of the ride, but the pace remains easy. If you are nervous about horses, tell the guide what you need before setting out. The introductory instruction is intended to help you feel comfortable, and the tour does not require previous experience.

Passing ancient Viking settlements

The route also passes remnants of ancient Viking settlements. These are not presented as a long archaeological tour, and you should not expect a major museum or a fully excavated site. Their value comes from seeing traces of early settlement in the same coastal setting where people still live and work.

That context makes the ride more than a scenic loop. You are crossing an area shaped by fishing, farming, seafaring, and settlement over a long period. The guide’s explanation helps connect the visible remains with the wider story of Hov and Gimsøya.

For some people, the Viking remains will be a small detail beside the horses and views. For others, they will be the feature that gives the tour its character. I like this combination because it avoids separating history from the countryside. You see the remnants as part of the route rather than as an isolated display.

The guide speaks English, and the tour is led in English throughout. If learning about local history matters to you, listen closely during the ride. The route is short, so the amount of explanation may be brief, but the combination of Viking traces, fishing culture, and coastal scenery gives the outing a clear sense of place.

What the Icelandic horses add

Icelandic horses are a good fit for a beginner-focused outing. The horses used by Hov Gård are described as friendly and trained, and the ride is planned at a slow pace.

That does not mean you can treat the horse like a sightseeing vehicle. You still need to listen to the guide, handle the reins correctly, and follow safety instructions. The pre-ride introduction is important, even if you have ridden before.

For a first-time rider, the calm format is a strength. You get a short explanation before leaving, protective gear is supplied, and the route does not demand advanced ability. The guide can focus on helping the group ride safely while pointing out the coast and local sights.

For a confident rider, the same features may feel limiting. The experience is not designed to be adapted to your skill level, and there is no faster option within this tour. Choose it for the setting and the relaxed ride, not for speed.

The 95-kilogram maximum weight is strict and should be checked before booking. The tour is also not suitable for children under eight or for pregnant women. These rules protect both riders and horses, but they mean this is not a suitable family activity for every age group.

Is $126 a fair price?

At $126 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Lofoten coast. The ride lasts 1.5 hours, and that price does not include transport to Hov Gård, food, or drinks.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If you already ride regularly and mainly want saddle time, the slow pace may not justify the cost. You could find the short duration disappointing, especially since the ride cannot be made more challenging.

For a first-time rider, the calculation is better. The price includes the horse, guide, helmet, gloves, rubber boots, and warm rain clothing. You are also paying for a guided route that combines the beach, Hovsund, fish-drying racks, Viking remains, and possible bird sightings.

That saves you from arranging riding equipment in a remote northern setting, where suitable clothing and transport can be awkward. The package is especially useful if you are visiting Lofoten with limited outdoor gear or uncertain weather.

The high rating of 4.8 from 97 reviews supports the idea that the experience delivers what it promises. The strongest praise centers on the guides, the horses, and the views. One particularly useful detail is that a guide took photographs during a ride, but this should not be treated as a guaranteed service unless Hov Gård confirms it.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your plans are still moving around. Those terms do not change the price, but they reduce the risk of booking too early.

Weather, clothing, and practical comfort

Lofoten weather can change quickly, so the included warm and rain outfits are a real advantage. The stable also supplies rubber boots and gloves. You should wear long pants and bring comfortable shoes for time around the stable.

The clothing is functional rather than fashionable. That is fine. Horseback riding along a northern coast is one of those activities where dry feet and warm hands matter more than looking polished.

Do not bring a backpack. It can interfere with riding and may be difficult to store, and backpacks are specifically not allowed. Professional cameras are also prohibited, so plan to use a smaller device if photography is important to you.

The tour ends back at Hov Gård, which makes planning easier if you are driving yourself. Since there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, allow enough time to reach Gimsøysand before the starting time. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Who will enjoy this Hov Gård ride?

I would recommend this tour to:

• First-time riders who want instruction and a slow introduction
• Couples looking for a scenic outdoor activity
• Families with children aged eight or older, provided everyone meets the weight and safety requirements
• Visitors who want to combine nature with Viking and fishing history
• Riders who value views and local context more than speed
• People without suitable riding gear, since much of the clothing is supplied

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced rider hoping to canter, cover more ground, or receive advanced instruction. The tour is intentionally gentle and cannot be modified for a more demanding ride.

I would also check the age, pregnancy, weight, and clothing rules before paying. These are firm restrictions, not minor suggestions. If one person in your party does not meet them, this may not be the right group activity.

My verdict on the 1.5-hour route

I like this ride because it gives you several sides of Gimsøya in a short period. You get an Arctic beach, a fishing village, fish-drying racks, old settlement remains, and broad coastal views, all while riding a friendly Icelandic horse.

The best part is the balance between scenery and ease. You do not need riding experience, the guide explains the basics, and the supplied gear removes some of the usual practical worries. The gentle format also makes it easier to look around instead of concentrating on a difficult route.

The limits are just as clear. The outing is short, there is no food or transport included, and confident riders may want more action. At $126, you should book it because you want a carefully guided coastal experience, not because you are seeking a bargain or a serious riding session.

Should you book this Lofoten horse ride?

Book it if you want a calm, scenic way to see Hov and Hovsund, especially if you are new to horseback riding. The horses, guide, supplied clothing, Viking remnants, and views make the price easier to justify for a first-time or occasional rider.

Skip it if you need a faster pace, advanced riding, or a longer tour. Before booking, confirm that every rider is under 95 kilograms, at least eight years old, not pregnant, and comfortable with the slow format. For the right rider, this is a memorable way to meet the Lofoten coast at horse speed, which is pleasantly unhurried.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

It begins in the stables at Hov Horse Farm in Gimsøysand on Gimsøya Island.

Where does the tour end?

The ride ends back at the Hov Horse Farm meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The guided ride lasts 1.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must arrange your own transport to and from Hov Gård.

Is previous horseback riding experience required?

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

What type of horse will I ride?

You will ride an Icelandic horse. The horses are described as friendly and trained for the activity.

What equipment and clothing are included?

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

What should I wear or bring?

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

Is there a weight limit?

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

Can children and pregnant women join?

Children under eight and pregnant women cannot join this activity.