Gimsøysand: Church, Coastal Golf and Hov Gård

Gimsøysand appeals to visitors with different interests: Gimsøy Church represents architectural and art history, Hov Gård offers beach walks and horseback riding, and Lofoten Links offers golf by the coast. The range of activities therefore spans everything from culture to outdoor pursuits. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, consider which of these experiences makes this the right place for you, and whether you would also like to look at the wider destination of Vågan.

Church and Art History

Gimsøy Church stands in Gimsøysand on Gimsøya and is a wooden long church. Aslak Bolt first mentioned it in 1432. Its stained-glass windows are by artist Borgar Hauglid and were dedicated in 1968. The two years mark different milestones: 1432 is the church’s first recorded mention, while 1968 is when the windows were dedicated.

Activities at Hov Gård

Hov Gård lies between Mount Hoven and the sea. Activities include year-round beach walks, as well as walks under the midnight sun and the northern lights; horseback rides are also available year-round. Hov Gård also rents out a wood-fired sauna on Hov Beach. The availability of activities and the sauna may change; check what is on offer in advance.

Golf and the Hoven Trail

Lofoten Links is an 18-hole links golf course by the coast. If you would rather walk than play golf, the Hoven Trail starts nearby, at the golf course car park. The easy route is 2 km each way. Details are seasonal and depend on snow conditions; check the conditions before setting out.

Getting There and Transport

You need a rental car to get to Hov Gård: the bus that passes by is a school bus, not a public bus. Transport options may change; check how to get there in advance. Lofoten Links also offers shuttle services to Harstad/Narvik (EVE), Leknes (LKN) and Svolvær (SVJ) airports; their availability may also change. Check how to get to Hov Gård and whether the shuttle is available before your trip.

A Wider Look at Vågan

Beyond Gimsøysand, the wider destination of Vågan offers further nature and culture highlights. From Hoven, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the diverse Lofoten mountains and the open sea to the north. On Gimsøya, extensive protected areas with rare wildlife and a rich variety of birdlife are part of the wider destination of Vågan. The Lofoten Cathedral in Kabelvåg dates from 1898 and is Northern Norway’s largest church; Henningsvær is one of Norway’s 13 protected cultural landscapes. In Skrova, SOPS (Skrova Outdoor Photo Spot) is known for its permanent outdoor photography exhibitions; check before planning a visit to see whether the installations are still in place. Hiking destinations in Vågan include Djevelporten above Svolvær; the hike follows the Djeveltrappa Sherpa steps. When choosing where to stay, consider whether to focus on Gimsøysand or include other places in the wider destination of Vågan.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Laukvik, Henningsvær, Storemolla, Laupstad, Kabelvåg, Kleppstad, Skrova, Digermulen

Return to the wider travel overview: Vågan.