Midnight sun tour

Midnight sun plus horse hooves is a rare combo. This 90-minute ride from Hov Gård on the island of Gimsøya is all about seeing the Lofoten coast and mountains in that slow, glowing “golden hour” light that feels almost unreal. I especially like the mix of gentle riding and real guidance, plus the way the route threads between ocean views and higher ground.

Two things I’d put at the top: you get before-you-ride instruction from your English-speaking guide, and you’ll be kitted out with safety and weather gear like helmets, warm layers, rain gear, boots, and gloves. One drawback to plan for: there is no hotel pickup, so you need your own way to reach the stables, and the ride is not designed for more advanced riders looking for something challenging.

Key things I’d mark on your mental map

• Midnight sun timing that keeps the light long and soft, even as the sun sits just above the horizon
• A guided intro to riding before you head out, so you are not guessing in the saddle
• Coast on one side, mountains on the other, with views opening after a gentle climb
• Hovsund stop with traditional fish drying racks, a small but memorable cultural detail
• Slow-paced route that prioritizes comfort and safety over speed or tricks

Where Hov Gård Lets You See Midnight Sun Properly

Hov Gård sits on the northern edge of Gimsøya, and that positioning matters. In the Lofoten area, “midnight sun” is not just a slogan. It’s a real lighting condition that changes how everything feels, from the color of the sea to how shadows (or the lack of them) behave. Starting the ride with the sun just above the horizon gives you that best-case window where the sky looks painted and the coast feels calm rather than harsh.

The ride also has a practical advantage: you start right at the stables, so you can arrive, get fitted with the right gear, and focus on the experience rather than figuring out complex logistics. A small group setup also helps. With a limit of 8 participants, you’ll get more personal attention while learning how to move with your horse at a relaxed pace.

One more thing I appreciate: you’re not pushed into a “sporty” mindset. This is a slow-paced ride, built for people who want to enjoy the views and the atmosphere, not people who want technical riding. That makes it a strong option for first-timers.

The 90 Minutes: Stables, Gentle Climb, Ocean, and Hovsund

This is a short tour by design, and that’s good news. You get enough time to feel like you traveled somewhere, but you are not committing your whole evening. Expect a total ride time of about 90 minutes, with the experience starting at the stables where your guide is waiting.

Here’s how the route typically unfolds:

1) You begin at the Hov Gård stables while the light is still golden. The sun is slowly dipping just above the horizon, which creates that never-ending late-day glow that makes Lofoten look extra cinematic.

2) You ride a gentle climb, and this is where the views open up. One side brings ocean views, while the other side shows mountains rising in the background. If you get motion-sick easily, the slow pace and gradual terrain change usually help.

3) You make your way toward Hovsund, passing a traditional fish drying rack along the route. This is one of those everyday Arctic working traditions that you can actually see with your own eyes during the ride, not just read about afterward.

4) You head back toward an Arctic beach, then slowly ride home. That gradual return keeps the experience from feeling rushed, and the beach area gives you a sense of the coastline scale.

Two small considerations. First, you’ll be riding at a calm pace, so if your idea of fun is fast transitions or more advanced trail techniques, this specific tour may feel too gentle. Second, because you will be outdoors for the full 90 minutes, you’ll want to trust the gear provided and dress for changing Arctic conditions, even in summer.

How the Riding Lesson Works Before You Leave the Stables

The standout feature here is that you do not just get handed a horse and told to enjoy yourself. You receive a riding lesson from your guide before leaving, so you can understand what your horse expects and what you should do with your body.

Even if you are brand new, you’re not starting from zero. The guide covers basics and gives instructions that match the ride’s slow pace. You’ll also get helmets and riding boots, plus gloves and rain gear if needed, which helps you feel secure right away.

Safety is clearly treated as a priority. If weather conditions become unsafe, the tour is rescheduled. That matters in a place like Lofoten where conditions can change quickly, even when it’s summer and the sun stays up for hours.

In one positive review, people specifically praised a guide named Liss for helpful feedback during the ride. Another mentioned a calm, trustworthy horse named Maja. Those details line up with what you should look for in a beginner-friendly experience: steady pacing, clear coaching, and horses that keep things predictable.

Lofoten Views You Actually Get, Including Ocean and Arctic Beach

A lot of tours promise views. This one delivers them in a way that feels connected to the route you’re riding.

During the ride, you’ll get:

• Ocean views on one side, which give you that classic Lofoten sense of water, sky, and coastline depth
• Mountain views on the other side once the route opens up after the gentle climb
• A traditional fish drying rack as you pass toward Hovsund, adding a cultural layer beyond just scenery
• Time near an Arctic beach on the way back, which helps you feel how close you are to the sea

What makes these moments valuable is the way they arrive slowly. Because you’re not rushing, you have time to look up, take in the light, and even notice small details like the rack forms and how coastal work has shaped the area.

If you love photographing, this is also one of the better setups for summer light. With the midnight sun glow, you’ll often get softer color and less harsh contrast than you do earlier in the day. Just be ready that you’re riding, so you should keep phones secure and avoid anything dangling.

What You Pay: Value at About $156 for a Guided Horse Ride

At $156 per person for 90 minutes, the price is not “cheap,” but it also isn’t outrageous for a guided horse experience in the Lofoten region when you factor in what’s included.

Here’s what you are paying for:

• A small group (up to 8 participants)
• A guided experience in English
• Pre-ride riding instruction
• A horse-based route along coast and back
• Gear: helmets, warm clothes, rain gear, boots, and gloves

That gear piece is important. In practice, it can save you money and packing space. It also reduces the stress of figuring out what to wear in Arctic summer conditions. When you compare the all-in feeling of the experience, the price starts to make more sense.

Things that are not included are also clear, which helps you plan realistically:

• No food and drinks
• No hotel pickup or drop-off

So if you’re budgeting your total evening, plan to eat beforehand or afterward. And if you are staying away from Hov Gård, you’ll need your own transport to get to the stables.

Who This Tour Fits, and Who Might Find It Too Limiting

This is a ride designed for comfort and accessibility to the activity, within reasonable limits.

You should consider it if:

• You want a beginner-friendly introduction to riding
• You want a slow-paced ride where the main goal is views, light, and atmosphere
• You like guided coaching and safety-first rules
• You are excited about seeing midnight sun in a slower, more sensory way

You might skip it if:

• You already have riding experience and you want something more advanced. The tour cannot be adapted for more experienced riders.
• You weigh more than the maximum weight of 95 kilos
• You are traveling with children under 8 years
• You are pregnant
• You have mobility impairments

Those limits are not hidden, and you should take them seriously. Horses are not just vehicles, and riders need the right conditions for everyone’s safety.

Practical Logistics: Getting to the Stables and Packing Smart

This tour is straightforward once you know the rules, but a couple details can trip people up.

Meeting point: your guide waits for you at the stables at Hov Gård. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That means you need a plan to reach the location on your own.

One review issue that came up is basically transport expectations. If you do not have a car or a reliable way to reach the stables, you can end up stressed at the last minute. So I’d treat transport as part of your booking decision, not an afterthought.

What to bring and wear:

• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes

What not to bring:

• Backpacks
• Open-toed shoes

Since warm clothes, rain gear, boots, and gloves are provided, your main job is to arrive in the right baseline clothing. Long pants and closed-toe shoes also help you stay comfortable while you mount, ride, and dismount.

Also, you’re required to inform the provider about your name, weight, height, age, and experience level in English when you book. Do this early. It supports higher safety standards for both guests and horses.

Should You Book This Midnight Sun Horse Ride?

I’d tell you to book this if you want a guided, beginner-friendly Lofoten experience that puts midnight sun light at the center and keeps everything calm and controlled. The combination of pre-ride coaching, safety gear, and a route that includes ocean views, a fish drying rack, and time near an Arctic beach is a rare mix of nature and culture without being complicated.

I’d think twice if you are an advanced rider chasing a harder route, or if transport to Hov Gård is a challenge for you. Since there’s no pickup, your ability to get there matters as much as the ride itself.

If you’re flexible with the pace and you appreciate clear instructions, this is the kind of tour that turns Lofoten summer light into a memory you actually feel, not just see.

FAQ

How long is the midnight sun horse riding tour?

The tour duration is 90 minutes.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet your guide at the Hov Gård stables.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need any riding experience?

No experience is required. The tour is designed for everyone, with instruction provided before you ride.

Is the tour suitable for experienced riders looking for a challenge?

It is slow-paced and cannot be adapted for more experienced riders looking for something advanced.

What is included in the tour?

The horse riding tour is included.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring long pants and closed-toe shoes.

What is the weight limit?

The maximum weight is 95 kilos.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 8 years, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments.

Is the tour in English, and what happens in bad weather?

The live tour guide is English. If weather conditions are unsafe, the tour will be rescheduled.