Lofoten by horse

This is our most popular tour. This is a great nature experience and horseback ride that is suitable for everyone, even those with no riding experience.

We’ll ride through the amphitheatre and the Viking god’s head from which the place name Hov most likely comes. We pass the boat docks for longships that the Vikings who once lived at Hov used in their raids, and then onto the white sandy beach. After the beach, we ride over a ridge and over the cliffs by the sea with great open views towards the outer side of Gimsøy. We’ll then ride past fish racks used in stockfish production and out to the small, cosy fishing port of Hovsund. We adapt the horses to the riders’ qualifications, but this is not a tour for those who want speed and a fast pace. The tour takes place at a walking pace. The tour can be customised for families and groups who want to do a nice activity together.

Frequently asked questions

TERMS – BOOKING AND CANCELLATION

Day tours and shorter rides (no sleepover)

Cancellation policy and cancellation fee:
No fee for cancellation that is made 48 hours or more before departure.

100% cancellation fee for cancellation less than 48 hours before departure.

Cancellation policy and cancellation fee for group bookings of 9 or more guests:
No fee for cancellation more than 7 days before departure.

50% cancellation fee for more than 48 hours but less than 7 days before departure.

100% cancellation fee for cancellation less than 48 hours before departure.

Multi Days Tours

Deposit and payments:
The tour paid in full to confirm the booking.

Cancellations:
All cancellations must be given in writing and will be charged as follows:
Cancellations more than 91 days prior to arrival: A 5% administration fee is charged.
90-61 days prior to arrival: 50% of the full price is charged.
60 days prior or less: 100% of the full price will be charged.
We offer tours year-round, along the beach, under the midnight sun and under the northern lights. Tours are available for all levels.

Hov Gård is also where our restaurant, Låven, is located. We have very good chefs working constantly for our guests to experience great food in this stunning area.

On Hov beach in front of the farm, you can rent our wood heated sauna, take a dip in the sea and enjoy its white sands.

Hoven mountain is located directly behind Hov Gård. It is a stunning hike, with 360° panoramic views of Lofoten.

In addition, we accommodate special events like business meetings, weddings, birthday parties and so on.

Explore more activities in Gimsøy here.

Fishing, hiking, kayaking and bicycling are great options during the milder months.

Snowshoeing and ice skating are also possible during the winter months.

Explore more activities in Lofoten here.

Let us help you plan your trip!

Email us at info@hovgard.no
Yes!

We have a little shop in the reception from may until october where we sell logoed equipment. Don’t forget to buy a memory of your experience at Hov Gård or a gift for another horse lover at the farm before you leave!
We offer free parking whilst on tour with us. Our parking is next to the road, immediately when you get to the farm.
You book your ride here, online.

If you’re interested in a private tour, please throw us an email with the names, weight, height, age and level of experience from 1 to 5 where 1 is beginner and 5 is professional of everyone in your group, and we’ll send you an offer.

If you’re in the area, feel free to drop by our reception (may-oct) to see if there’s any available spots last-minute.
The northern lights season is from late August until April.

Which means that it’s absolutely possible to ride under the northern lights. Please book your spot on one of our Northern Lights Tours, available all season at 22.00 – as long as it’s not too windy.

Sometimes they show up for minutes, sometimes for hours. Sometimes not at all.

Their dance can be faint and light green, or strong and pink.

Either way, it is 100% worth it.
It must be dark to see the northern lights. Thus, the northern lights season starts around mid-August, when it starts getting dark again, and lasts until around April.

You can ride and see the northern lights by night from around mid-August until April.

If you wish to see the Northern Lights, we welcome you to stay with us at our camping or in our Guesthouse.
Up here in the Arctic, on an island in the sea, the weather is unpredictable and fast-changing. This poses a challenge in accurately predicting the weather.

If it’s predicted to be too windy we will cancel the ride.

Snow and rain is normally no reason for us to cancel, our fantastic, icelandic Viking horses embrace the weather all year.
As the weather can be shifty we always recommend to bring a thin layer of wool just in case. You can borrow helmet, rain gear, overall, gloves and boots from us.

Technically you don’t have to bring anything to join our rides.