Hov Gård · Gimsøy
Hov Gård puts beginners on calm Icelandic horses for a slow 90-minute ride along an Arctic beach on Gimsøy and up toward the fishing village of Hovsund. Pick it for something different from boats and buses, and for the beach, which you'd otherwise only see from the E10.
Hov Gård is a farm at Gimsøysand on Gimsøy, the small island between Austvågøya and Vestvågøya. Visit Lofoten puts it about 45 km south-west of Svolvær, off the E10 at the Sundklakk bridge. That's in the middle of the islands, which helps: Svolvær, Henningsvær and Leknes are all within an hour. The listing includes hotel pickup and drop-off; confirm the details with the farm after booking.
The ride itself is gentle. You get a helmet, a short lesson on the reins, and a horse matched to the details you gave at booking. Then it's a walk along the beach toward Hovsund, a short uphill, fish-drying racks and Viking-age remains. In summer, sea eagles sometimes circle over the shore. The pace stays slow throughout: the listing says it's not adapted for experienced riders.
The limits are strict. 95 kg is the maximum weight, the minimum age is 8, and pregnant guests can't ride. Big cameras and backpacks aren't allowed either, so bring a phone in a zipped pocket.
Name, weight, height, age and riding experience, so the farm can match you to a horse.
Hotel pickup per the listing, or drive to Hov Gård on Gimsøy, about 45 km from Svolvær.
Helmet fitting, boots and rain gear if needed, then a short lesson on the reins.
A walk along the Arctic beach toward Hovsund, a gentle climb, drying racks and Viking-age remains.
Time with the horses, then food and drinks, which the listing includes.
★★★★★The length of the tour was just right for beginners
★★★★★The Icelandic horses were very affectionate and easy to steer.
★★★★★It felt very comfortable and relaxing on the ride
★★★★★the horses are adorable and the views are unbeatable!!
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No. The ride is slow and made for beginners, with a short lesson first. The listing says it isn't adapted for experienced riders.
On this ride, 95 kg. Hov Gård applies the same limit to all its riding tours, per Visit Lofoten.
At Gimsøysand on Gimsøy, about 45 km south-west of Svolvær. Turn off the E10 at the Sundklakk bridge. The listing includes hotel pickup.
From age 8. Give each child's height and weight at booking so the farm can pick the right horse.
Ready to book
A slow ride on gentle Icelandic horses along an Arctic beach on Gimsøy, pickup included.
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