Hoven Gimsøya - a group of houses on a hill by the water
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Hoven Gimsøya

4.9
·39 reviews·, Norway

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Midnight sun magic

CrowdMedium
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Hoven Gimsøya - a group of houses on a hill by the water

Hoven Gimsøya

Best Time

Summer evenings

Midnight sun magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.9
(39 reviews)

"Great 360o view from the top, a fun hike that starts from the golf course."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Midnight Sun Views

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

360-Degree Panoramic Vistas

Summit of Hoven

Experience breathtaking, unobstructed views of the surrounding islands, mountains, and the Norwegian Sea.

Unique Restaurant Experience

Unique Restaurant Experience

Top of Skredfjelle mountain

Enjoy a meal with unparalleled scenery at Hoven restaurant, accessible via the Loen Skylift.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for the Midnight Sun

Hoven on Gimsøya is a prime spot for the midnight sun, offering incredible 360-degree views. Plan your visit during the summer months for this unique phenomenon. Be prepared for potentially windy conditions, even on clear days.Instagram

Trail Conditions & Footwear

The hike to Hoven can be swampy and muddy, especially at the beginning, and tricky in rainy weather.Reddit Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots to navigate the terrain comfortably. While described as an easy walk by some, it has a notable incline and can be challenging.Instagram

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Midnight sun magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Clear summer mornings
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Norways most beiatiful restaurant Hoven! Just on top of Skredfjelle mountain (just take the Loen Skylift). #loenskylift #hoven #restaurant #food #Foodie #travel #norway #views
@ansley.taylor4
3.7K likes • 92.3K views

🥾 Waterproof Boots Essential

The trail can be very muddy and swampy, especially after rain. Waterproof hiking boots are a must! Reddit

☀️ Pack for All Weather

Even on sunny days, it can be windy and cold at the summit. Layers are key! Instagram

🌬 Hoven, Gimsøya welcomed us to the top with 3°c weather & winds. But the sky was cloudless and the midnight sun shone upon us ☀️ so are we really allowed to complain? A magical night, and a must-do if you happen to be above the arctic circle during the summer months! Follow me @apieceofmypie for more travel & mental heath related content #midnightsun #lofotenislands
natgoneglobal
39 likes • 1.3K views
What an epic experience! 💫🤩 We did this lesser known hike at 11pm to see the midnight sun in Lofoten and it did NOT disappoint 🥹 This is Hoven on the island of Gimsøya and it was just perfect. Although it was described as an easy walk with gentle incline, we can confirm this is not the case 🤣🤣 Totally worth it though for the 360 degree views and the incredible view of the sun dropping down towar...
sevengrandvan
0 likes • 846 views

🚗 Parking at Golf Course

Easy parking is available at the Lofoten Links golf course, though it may be paid. Reddit

🎒 Child-Friendly (with carrier)

This hike is manageable with a 1-year-old in a backpack carrier. Reddit

Niets beter dan magische momenten met vrienden beleven. 💛 @soetcase.be 🇸🇯Wandeling naar een mooie bergtop in de Lofoten 🏔"Hoven" (Gimsoya) 🅿️ Parking golfbaan van Hoven (Lofoten Links) 🥾3,2 km | 368 hoogtemeters 🌅 Perfect voor zonsondergang of midnight sun te spotten. 💛 360° views #Lofoten #lofotenhighlights #hoven #gimsøya #gimsoya #Noorwegen #norway #midnightsun #visitlofoten #visitn...
leef.reis.droom
43 likes • 1.8K views

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! Reddit

☀️ Pack for All Weather

Even on sunny days, it can be windy and cold at the summit. Layers are key! Instagram

🚗 Parking at Golf Course

Easy parking is available at the Lofoten Links golf course, though it may be paid. Reddit

🎒 Child-Friendly (with carrier)

This hike is manageable with a 1-year-old in a backpack carrier. Reddit

📱 Use Navigation Apps

The initial flat section can be challenging to navigate, especially in wet conditions. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.9
(39 reviews)

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

Spectacular 360 views
Midnight sun experience
Rewarding hike

What People Dislike

Muddy/swampy trail
Windy conditions

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.Reddit If you're looking for the restaurant experience, you'd take the Loen Skylift to Skredfjelle mountain.TikTok

Yes, there is parking available, often at the Lofoten Links golf course. Some reviews mention it might be a paid parking area.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit

While the hike is described as doable in November for beginners,Reddit 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.Reddit

There are no entrance fees for hiking the mountain. The primary costs would be related to transportation and potentially parking.Reddit

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

Tickets for the Hoven restaurant are typically booked directly through their website or the Loen Skylift service, which provides access to the mountain.TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike is generally considered moderate. While some describe it as an easy walk,Reddit it involves a significant incline (368 meters) and can be muddy and challenging, especially in wet weather.InstagramReddit

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.Reddit

Expect stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Lofoten landscape, including mountains, the sea, and neighboring islands.Instagram+1

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.Reddit 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.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers incredible 360-degree views, perfect for landscape photography. The midnight sun during summer provides unique lighting conditions for dramatic shots.Instagram+1

For the midnight sun, aim for late evening or early morning during the summer months. Clear mornings can offer beautiful golden hour light.Instagram

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hoven Gimsøya offers a rewarding hiking experience that can be enjoyed by families. One reviewer successfully hiked with a 1-year-old in a child backpack, indicating that the trail is manageable for younger children, provided they are carried.Reddit The relatively short duration of the hike (around 1.5-2 hours round trip) also makes it suitable for shorter attention spans. However, parents should be mindful of the muddy and potentially slippery sections, especially at the beginning of the trail, and ensure children are appropriately dressed and supervised.

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

For real beginners looking for a doable hike, Hoven on Gimsøya is a solid choice, as suggested by Reddit users.Reddit While it has an incline of 368 meters, the trail is generally considered safe and offers a significant payoff with its panoramic views. The hike typically takes just over an hour to reach the summit.Reddit

Tips for beginner hikers:
* Wear appropriate footwear: Waterproof hiking boots are crucial due to the potential for muddy and swampy conditions.Reddit
* Check the weather: Lofoten weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures at the top.Instagram
* 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

The hike to Hoven on Gimsøya is a popular choice for its rewarding summit views and relative accessibility. The trail starts from near the Lofoten Links golf course and involves an ascent of approximately 368 meters.Instagram While some reviews suggest it's a straightforward walk, it's important to be prepared for varied terrain. The initial section can be quite swampy and muddy, especially after rain, making waterproof footwear crucial.Reddit As you ascend, the path becomes steeper but generally improves, offering a good workout for beginners.

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.Instagram 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.Reddit 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.Reddit

Navigating the Trail



Be aware that the initial flat part of the trail can be tricky to navigate due to waterlogged areas.Reddit 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.Instagram

Experiencing the Midnight Sun at Hoven

Hoven Gimsøya is a prime location for experiencing the magical phenomenon of the midnight sun during the summer months. This natural spectacle means the sun remains visible above the horizon for 24 hours a day, casting a unique, ethereal light over the landscape.Instagram The summit of Hoven, with its unobstructed 360-degree views, provides an ideal vantage point to witness this event. The extended daylight hours allow for hikes and exploration well into the night, creating unforgettable travel memories.

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.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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