Mountains of Lofoten

Although our Icelandic horses are strong, our weight limit is 95 kilos. On longer tours, the weight limit may depend on your riding skills and experience.

We offer helmets, gloves, thermal suits and rain gear, but we recommend for everyone visiting Lofoten to bring a layer of wool just in case. Dress for the weather as far as possible.

Riders on multi-day tours stay at Hov Gjestehus on the farm. The guesthouse has 6 twin bedrooms and 3 shared bathrooms, plus a living room, kitchen and laundry room. It has a large veranda and views of Hovstranda and the open sea, and is a gem for enjoying the midnight sun or the Northern Lights, depending on the season.

We recommend that you bring nuts, energy bars or similar with you on your trip, as sometimes the weather can delay meals – or simply because our energy levels are different. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the price.

We can offer transport to and from Leknes and Svolvær for guests participating on our Multi Day tours on arrival and departure dates, between 08:00 and 18:00 at no extra charge.

We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner every day from check-in to check-out on multi-day tours. However, it can be a good idea to bring along some snacks like energy bars, nuts and so on in case you need some extra during the rides

All our Multi-day rides are designed for riders who have good riding experience and can control a horse at all gaits in open terrain. You must be able to sit balanced in the saddle, saddle on and off yourself and set your own stirrups. You must also be able to get on and off the horse without assistance. Please note that on the tour: “Mountains of Lofoten” it is a prerequisite that the riders have good physical fitness, and are prepared for the fact that there are parts that are too steep to travel on horseback, so we have to take the legs. Participants on these tours must have experience of off-road riding and be able to trust the horse in steep sections.

Our horses are icelandic horses. They are the best horses

CHECK IN

Check-in is from 4:00 pm.

Early check-in is subject to availability.

To request early check-in, please contact the reception before you arrive to info@hovgard.no

CHECK OUT

We kindly ask you to check out before 11:00 am on your departure day.

If you think you will need to check out before the reception opens, please let us know upon arrival so we can arrange something.

RECEPTION

May 15th to Oct 15th:

You’ll find us at Hov Gård from 09.00 until 21.00.

Address: Tore Hjortsvei 471, 8314 Gimsøysand

Oct 16th to May 14th:

You’ll find us at Låven Restaurant at Hov Gård.

Address: Tore Hjortsvei 471, 8314 Gimsøysand.

The Lofoten Islands are located at 68° North, above The Arctic Circle.

We also experience an anomaly called The Gulf Stream that pushes warm ocean currents from the south, creating much milder temperatures that other Arctic places.

That being said, it is still important to remember that we can also experience 4 seasons in one day.

Which is why you need to bring smart clothes on your Lofoten trip.

We highly recommend the following:

1. Merino wool underwear for all body parts
2. A rain and windproof jacket
3. A solid pair of boots – especially if you plan to do any sort of hiking or walking
4. Hat, gloves, scarf
5. Layers
6. If you visit us from May to September, you should bring a sleeping mask as it is daytime during the nighttime and can be harder to sleep.

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 hikes all year-round, along the beach, under the midnight sun and under the northern lights. We have different hikes for different 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 (368 moh) 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 you enjoy a meal in the restaurat or go on tour with us. Our parking is next to the road, immediately when you get to the farm.