Midnight sun tour

The sun does not set properly here in summer. It hovers above the horizon, turning a short horse ride into a long golden hour over Lofoten’s ocean and mountains. From Hov Gård on Gimsøya, you ride toward Hovsund, pass old Viking settlement sites and a traditional fish-drying rack, then return by the Arctic beach.

I like the gentle pace and the careful start, with time to learn how to ride before leaving the stable. I also like the small group limit of eight, which gives the English-speaking guide room to help each rider. The main drawback is that this is a calm introductory ride, not a fast or advanced horseback outing, and you must arrange your own transport to the farm.

Key points at a glance

• Midnight sun setting: Ride while the sun hangs just above the horizon, creating a long stretch of warm evening light.
• Coast and mountain views: After a gentle climb, you see the ocean on one side and mountains on the other.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: Your guide explains how to ride with your horse before the group leaves the stables.
• Viking-era traces: The route passes ancient settlement sites that add a layer of history to the scenery.
• Small group size: No more than eight people ride together, with English-speaking guidance.
• Practical limits: Helmets, warm clothing, rain gear, boots, and gloves are supplied, but the weight limit is 95 kilos.

Riding into Lofoten’s endless evening light

Hov Gård sits on the northern edge of Gimsøya, in Nordland County. That position matters. The farm is placed well for watching the midnight sun dip toward the horizon without disappearing, so the ride takes place in a softer, warmer light than you would get during the middle of the day.

You begin at the stables while the sun is slowly lowering. This is not a dramatic sunset with a fixed endpoint. In the midnight-sun season, the light lingers, and the whole ride can feel like one extended evening.

I like this timing because it gives the outing a clear sense of place. You are not simply riding a horse in Norway. You are riding at a time of year that shapes life above the Arctic Circle. The changing light becomes part of the route, not just something to photograph at the beginning.

The tour lasts 90 minutes. That is long enough to leave the stable area, reach the open views, follow the route toward Hovsund, and return without making the experience physically demanding for most beginners. It is also short enough to fit around a busy Lofoten itinerary.

A careful start at Hov Gård

Your guide meets you at the stables. Before you ride out, the guide shows you how to work with your horse and helps you get comfortable with the basics. This first instruction is important if you have never ridden, or if your last ride was years ago and your confidence needs a small boost.

The tour is designed for people with no previous experience. You do not need to arrive knowing how to mount, steer, or manage a horse. The guide also asks for your height, weight, age, and experience level in English when you book. That information helps the stable match the ride to the people and horses taking part.

A named guide from the experience is Liss, who gives useful feedback during the ride. That detail matters more than it may seem. A beginner outing works best when the guide keeps an eye on each rider, rather than giving one general talk and sending everyone off.

Helmets are provided. The stable also supplies warm clothes, rain gear, boots, and gloves, which is a real help in coastal Arctic weather. You should still arrive in long pants and closed-toe shoes. Do not bring a backpack, and open-toed shoes are not allowed.

From a gentle climb to wide coastal views

The route begins with a mild climb. As you gain a little height, the view opens in two directions: ocean on one side and mountains on the other. That contrast is the main visual reward of the ride.

You are not covering the ground at speed. Lofoten by horse is slow-paced, and that is useful here. The relaxed rhythm gives you time to look around, notice the coastline, and stay aware of your horse. A faster ride might cover more distance, but it would work against the quiet character of the midnight sun.

For an inexperienced rider, the slow pace also reduces pressure. You can focus on the guide’s instructions and your position in the saddle instead of trying to keep up with a fast-moving group.

The route is especially suited to people who want scenery without a strenuous walk. You still need enough mobility for a horse ride, but the outing does not ask you to hike up steep slopes or spend several hours in the saddle.

Hovsund, fish racks, and old settlement sites

The ride continues toward Hovsund. Along the way, you pass traditional fish-drying racks, a familiar part of northern Norwegian coastal life. These wooden structures connect the scenery to the region’s fishing culture and remind you that Lofoten is more than dramatic views.

The route also passes ancient Viking settlement sites. You should not expect a large museum or a restored archaeological complex. The value is in seeing these traces in their natural setting, along a route that still follows the coast and open ground.

For me, this is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The route combines three things that fit Lofoten well: horses, coastal scenery, and old settlement history. None of them takes over the ride, but together they make the outing feel more rooted in the island.

The fish-drying rack and settlement sites are brief points along the route, not extended stops with formal presentations. If you want a detailed history lesson, this is not the right tour. If you like small historical details woven into an outdoor activity, you get enough here to add meaning to the scenery.

Returning by the Arctic beach

After Hovsund, the ride turns back toward the Arctic beach. The return route gives the experience a different mood from the opening climb. Instead of looking mainly across the coast from higher ground, you move back toward the shore and the water.

The beach section is also a good fit for the tour’s quiet pace. You can take in the open setting while the sun remains low, with the light changing gradually rather than disappearing. The route ends by slowly making its way back to Hov Gård.

That slow return is worth noting before you book. This is not a trail ride built around speed, trotting, or technical riding. The horses and group move at an easy pace, and the tour cannot be adapted for more experienced riders who want a harder challenge.

If you already ride regularly, you may find the 90 minutes too restrained. Hov Gård offers longer tour options for riders seeking more time in the saddle or a more advanced outing. This particular tour is best viewed as a gentle introduction to riding in Lofoten, not as a test of horsemanship.

What $156 means in practical terms

At $156 per person, this is not a low-cost sightseeing activity. The price makes more sense if you value a small group, riding instruction, supplied clothing, and access to a setting that combines the midnight sun with a horse ride.

You are paying for more than a standard coastal viewpoint. The activity includes the horse, guide, stable support, riding equipment, and a planned route through coastal and historical sites. Helmets, boots, gloves, warm clothes, and rain gear are included, which can reduce the need to buy or pack special items for one evening.

The small group limit of eight also helps explain the cost. A guide can offer more direct help when the group is limited, especially during the first lesson and while riders are getting used to their horses.

Still, you should compare the price with your interests. If you mainly want to see the midnight sun, you can find less expensive viewpoints around Lofoten. If you want an advanced horseback ride, this tour may not offer enough time or challenge for the money.

I see the best value here for a first-time rider who wants a structured, memorable way to experience Gimsøya. The experience combines transport by horse, instruction, equipment, and scenery in one package.

Getting there and planning your evening

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Hov Gård on your own, and a car may be necessary. Check your route carefully before booking, since arriving at the stable is your responsibility.

The meeting point is the stable, where your guide will be waiting. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. The tour is offered in English.

You should send your name, weight, height, age, and riding experience in English when booking. The maximum weight is 95 kilos. This is a firm safety requirement for both riders and horses, so do not treat it as a minor detail.

The tour is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. These limits are especially important because horseback riding requires you to mount, sit securely, and respond to basic instructions.

Weather can also affect the plan. If conditions are unsafe, the stable will reschedule the ride. Coastal Norway can change quickly, so the supplied rain gear and warm clothing are useful, but they do not remove the need to keep your schedule flexible.

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

Who will enjoy this ride most

This outing suits you best if you fit one or more of these descriptions:

• You are new to horseback riding and want clear instruction before setting off.
• You want a calm way to see the midnight sun without a long hike.
• You like combining scenery with small touches of local history.
• You prefer a group of eight or fewer to a large commercial outing.
• You are prepared to arrange your own transport to Hov Gård.
• You are comfortable with a slow pace and do not need advanced riding.

The tour is also a good choice for a short Lofoten visit. Ninety minutes leaves room for other plans, while the evening timing gives the ride a special setting.

You should choose another option if you want speed, longer hours in the saddle, or a technically demanding route. The stable makes clear that this tour cannot be changed to suit advanced riders.

My verdict on the midnight sun tour

I would book this ride if I were a beginner, a casual rider, or someone looking for a distinctive way to see Gimsøya at midnight. The strongest features are the gentle instruction, the small group, the mountain and ocean views, and the route past fish-drying racks, Viking settlement sites, and an Arctic beach.

I would pause before booking if I did not have reliable transport, if the $156 price stretched my budget, or if I wanted an athletic ride. The experience is deliberately calm.

For the right person, that calm is the point. You get time to settle in with the horse, watch the light hold above the horizon, and take in Lofoten at a pace that suits the setting. Bring long pants, use closed-toe shoes, provide your riding details when booking, and think of this as a scenic introduction rather than an advanced equestrian tour.

FAQ

Where does the midnight sun horse ride take place?

The tour begins at Hov Gård on the northern edge of Gimsøya in Nordland County, Norway.

How long does the tour last?

The horse ride lasts 90 minutes.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The tour is suitable for people with no riding experience, and the guide teaches you how to ride with your horse before leaving the stables.

What is the maximum weight?

The maximum weight is 95 kilos.

What clothing and equipment are provided?

The stable provides helmets, warm clothing, rain gear, boots, and gloves. You should bring long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must arrange your own transport to the stables.