Hoven Gimsøya
Hoven Gimsøya offers a rewarding hike with stunning 360-degree views, famous for its midnight sun spectacle.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Midnight sun magic
Hoven Gimsøya
Best Time
Midnight sun magic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hoven Gimsøya offers a rewarding hike with stunning 360-degree views, famous for its midnight sun spectacle.
"Great 360o view from the top, a fun hike that starts from the golf course."
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
The trail can be very muddy and swampy, especially after rain. Waterproof hiking boots are a must!
☀️ Pack for All Weather
Even on sunny days, it can be windy and cold at the summit. Layers are key!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Midnight Sun Views
Summit of Hoven
Witness the magical phenomenon of the midnight sun casting an ethereal glow over the Lofoten Islands.

360-Degree Panoramic Vistas
Summit of Hoven
Experience breathtaking, unobstructed views of the surrounding islands, mountains, and the Norwegian Sea.

Unique Restaurant Experience
Top of Skredfjelle mountain
Enjoy a meal with unparalleled scenery at Hoven restaurant, accessible via the Loen Skylift.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Midnight Sun
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
The trail can be very muddy and swampy, especially after rain. Waterproof hiking boots are a must!
☀️ Pack for All Weather
Even on sunny days, it can be windy and cold at the summit. Layers are key!
🚗 Parking at Golf Course
Easy parking is available at the Lofoten Links golf course, though it may be paid.
🎒 Child-Friendly (with carrier)
This hike is manageable with a 1-year-old in a backpack carrier.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential
The trail can be very muddy and swampy, especially after rain. Waterproof hiking boots are a must!
☀️ Pack for All Weather
Even on sunny days, it can be windy and cold at the summit. Layers are key!
🚗 Parking at Golf Course
Easy parking is available at the Lofoten Links golf course, though it may be paid.
🎒 Child-Friendly (with carrier)
This hike is manageable with a 1-year-old in a backpack carrier.
📱 Use Navigation Apps
The initial flat section can be challenging to navigate, especially in wet conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking 360-degree views from Hoven Gimsøya, especially during the magical midnight sun. The hike is considered rewarding, though the trail can be muddy and challenging in wet weather. It's a popular spot for photographers and families alike.
"Really funny hike from Hov beach in the rain. The first part on flats was a bit challenging for navigation as water was literraly everywhere. First half of climb was also muddy, then it has improved.
Great 360o view from the top."
Miha Urbanija
"Trail to the 368m Hoven starts either by the campsite or by the golf course. The trail is partly steep but good for a walk. You need a bit more than 1 hour to get to the summit. The 360° view is amazing."
Dieter Knausenberger
"Secluded lonely peak with easy parking (paid) at the golf course. Swampy at the beginning so watch your step! A good simple hike up to quite a windy peak.
We hiked with our 1 year old in a child backpack and it worked out very well on this hike."
Jaakko Lahdenkauppi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hoven is located on the island of Gimsøya in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. The most common starting point for the hike is near the Lofoten Links golf course, where parking is available.
If you're looking for the restaurant experience, you'd take the Loen Skylift to Skredfjelle mountain.Yes, there is parking available, often at the Lofoten Links golf course. Some reviews mention it might be a paid parking area.
Public transport options to Gimsøya might be limited. Having a car is highly recommended for flexibility in exploring the Lofoten Islands and reaching trailheads like Hoven.
The trail to Hoven typically starts from the vicinity of the golf course or Hov beach. The golf course parking is often cited as a convenient starting point.
While the hike is described as doable in November for beginners,
winter conditions can make trails more challenging and potentially dangerous due to snow and ice. Always check local conditions before attempting any hike in winter.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The hike to Hoven itself does not require a ticket for entry. It's a natural trail accessible to the public. However, parking at the golf course might incur a fee.
There are no entrance fees for hiking the mountain. The primary costs would be related to transportation and potentially parking.
As a natural hiking trail, Hoven is accessible at any time. However, for the best experience, especially for the midnight sun, plan your visit during the summer months. The restaurant at the top has its own operating hours.
You don't need to book a visit for the hike. For the Hoven restaurant, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.
Tickets for the Hoven restaurant are typically booked directly through their website or the Loen Skylift service, which provides access to the mountain.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate. While some describe it as an easy walk,
it involves a significant incline (368 meters) and can be muddy and challenging, especially in wet weather.The round trip hike typically takes a little over an hour to reach the summit, with some reviews mentioning just under 2 hours return, including time at the top.
Expect stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Lofoten landscape, including mountains, the sea, and neighboring islands.
Yes, it's considered doable with young children if they are carried in a backpack, as one reviewer successfully did with a 1-year-old.
The trail's condition might be a factor for very young walkers.Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential due to the muddy and swampy terrain. Layers of clothing are recommended as it can be windy and cold at the summit, even in summer.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible 360-degree views, perfect for landscape photography. The midnight sun during summer provides unique lighting conditions for dramatic shots.
For the midnight sun, aim for late evening or early morning during the summer months. Clear mornings can offer beautiful golden hour light.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive panoramas. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions during the midnight sun or for sharper images in windy conditions.
The entire summit area provides excellent vantage points. Explore different angles to capture the vastness of the Lofoten archipelago.
Experiment with different exposures to capture the subtle colors of the sky. Including foreground elements like rocks or the landscape can add depth to your midnight sun photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Sturdy footwear: Essential for both adults and older children to navigate the muddy terrain.
* Child carrier: Highly recommended for infants and toddlers.
* Layers of clothing: The weather can change quickly, and it can be windy at the summit.
* Snacks and water: Always good to have on hand for any hike.
The incredible 360-degree views from the top provide a fantastic reward for the effort, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Beginner Hikers
Tips for beginner hikers:
* Wear appropriate footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are crucial due to the potential for muddy and swampy conditions.
* Check the weather: Lofoten weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures at the top.
* Start early or late: To avoid the busiest times and enjoy the scenery more peacefully.
* Bring water and snacks: Even for a shorter hike, staying hydrated and energized is important.
The trail is partly steep but manageable, and the stunning views from the top make the effort worthwhile. It's a great introduction to hiking in the Lofoten Islands.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hoven Hike: A Beginner's Guide
Key considerations for this hike include the unpredictable weather in Lofoten. Even on a clear day, the summit can be windy and cooler than expected, so packing layers is advisable. The hike is also noted for being manageable with a child in a backpack, making it a family-friendly option for those with young children. The total time for the round trip is typically around 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing for time to soak in the incredible 360-degree views from the top.
Navigating the Trail
Be aware that the initial flat part of the trail can be tricky to navigate due to waterlogged areas. Using a GPS app or following the most worn path can help. The ascent itself is well-defined, but the muddy sections require careful footing. The reward at the summit is well worth the effort, offering unparalleled vistas of the surrounding islands and the Norwegian Sea, making it a highlight for many visitors to Lofoten.
Experiencing the Midnight Sun at Hoven
Planning your midnight sun hike requires careful consideration of the season. The phenomenon is most prominent from late May to late July in this region. While the sun doesn't technically set, the light quality changes throughout the 'night,' offering soft, golden hues that are perfect for photography. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and wind at the summit, even during the summer, and dress in layers. The experience is often described as magical and surreal, a true highlight of visiting the Arctic Circle during summer.
Tips for Midnight Sun Photography
Capturing the midnight sun requires a bit of patience and experimentation. Use a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast panoramas. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images, especially if there's wind. Experiment with different exposure settings to bring out the subtle colors in the sky. The extended 'golden hour' provides ample opportunity for creative shots, making Hoven a photographer's dream during this time.
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