Lofoten Handbook

Hov beach

White sandy beaches at Hov on the north side of Gimsøya, beside the Lofoten Links golf course and the Hov Gård horse farm. Hov Gård runs guided rides on Icelandic horses along the sand, and Hov Camping sits by the beach with views out to sea.

Last verified 16 September 2026

Nearest place to stay: Kabelvåg

Rules

  • Camping. Hov Camping is an organised campsite by the beach; maximum vehicle size 5 tonnes and 8.5 m (Hov Gård).
  • Fires. Norway's general ban on lighting fires in or near forest and other uncultivated land runs from 15 April to 15 September. Visit Lofoten says fires remain allowed where there is clearly no fire hazard, such as grilling on a beach well away from vegetation, or at municipal fire pits, unless the fire service declares a total ban, which also covers beaches and fire pits. The Lofoten outdoor recreation regulation recommends against disposable grills and recommends using designated fire sites.

Good for

  • horse riding on the beach with Hov Gård
  • midnight sun viewing in summer, weather permitting
  • combining with golf at Lofoten Links or the Hoven hike

Getting there

By road. Visit Lofoten's directions to Hov Gård: follow the E10 and turn off at Sundklakkbrua on Gimsøy; Hov is about 45 km south-west of Svolvær and about 50 km north-east of Leknes.

Parking

Hov Gård charges for parking: cars and motorhomes NOK 60 for up to 4 hours, then NOK 30 per hour; minibuses NOK 360 for up to 4 hours, then NOK 100 per hour; buses NOK 500 for up to 4 hours, then NOK 150 per hour. Parking is free for guests at Låven Restaurant or on a riding tour; unpaid parking incurs a NOK 1,000 charge on top (checked 16 September 2026).

Facilities

Hov Camping by the beach has pitches with and without electricity, changing rooms with showers and WC, a dumping station reserved for guests, and paid washing machines and dryers; Låven Restaurant is next door and a sauna can be hired (Hov Gård, Visit Lofoten).

Questions

Can you ride horses on the beach at Hov?
Yes. Hov Gård runs guided rides on Icelandic horses along the sandy beaches at Hov, for beginners and experienced riders.
Is there parking at Hov?
Hov Gård charges NOK 60 for up to 4 hours for cars and motorhomes, then NOK 30 per hour. Restaurant guests and riders park free.
Is there a campsite at Hov beach?
Yes. Hov Camping is by the beach, next to Hov Gård and about 700 m from the Lofoten Links golf course.

Sources

Details last verified 16 September 2026.