A quieter side of Lofoten between Austvågøya and Vestvågøya: open coastal landscapes, white sandy beaches and a north-facing horizon made for the midnight sun and northern lights.
Varies
Warm tones
Good
Easy
All year
Islands · Coast
Great for midnight sun and northern lights · Good for wildlife photography in season
Gimsøya sits between Austvågøya and Vestvågøya and is a place worth slowing down for. With wide-open coastal landscapes, white sandy beaches, protected natural areas and dramatic mountain scenery, the island offers a quieter side of Lofoten, with much of its character centred around Hov on the northern coast.
Gimsøya's open horizons and northern coastline make it a natural place to experience the midnight sun, with beaches and viewpoints where the sun stays close to the horizon through the night. In the darker season, the same open landscapes offer opportunities to experience the northern lights away from the busier areas of Lofoten.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, the 367-metre-high Hoven provides one of Gimsøya's best viewpoints. The approximately 2 km trail from Lofoten Links crosses marshland before climbing towards the summit, where wide views open across the surrounding mountains, white beaches and sea. The relatively short hike is particularly popular during summer, when the north-facing position makes Hoven a memorable place to experience the midnight sun.
Open horizons and simple geometry. Negative space, a small figure or a single foreground element is often all the composition needs.
Photo: [photographer]
The island has wide-open landscapes, beaches, mountains and long coastal views, so some of the best compositions can appear unexpectedly along the road.
A great composition below the bridge, with the mountains creating a strong backdrop. The structure of the bridge gives you a natural foreground and can work especially well with a wide-angle lens.
Open in Google Maps → An open landscape with expansive coastal views and distant mountains. A good location for minimalist compositions, especially when the light is soft or dramatic.
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One of the most atmospheric spots on the island. The historic church sits between the beach and mountains, creating a strong layered composition. It is particularly interesting around the midnight sun, but the same setting can work beautifully beneath northern lights. Gimsøy Church is a historic landmark associated with the island's long cultural history.
Open in Google Maps → Photo: Vanina Safaniuk Just beyond Hov Gård, the white sandy beach opens towards the northern horizon, with mountains framing the landscape. It is one of the best places for experiencing the midnight sun. The open beach also gives you plenty of space to work with reflections, silhouettes and minimal compositions.
Gimsøya is at its best when the light is low and the landscape is open. The north-facing coastline around Hov is particularly suited to the midnight sun, with the sun staying close to the horizon and creating long, warm light across the beaches and mountains. The island can also be excellent for northern lights photography. Hov's open northern horizon gives you a wide view of the sky, while the beaches, mountains and farm buildings can provide foreground elements. Weather can change quickly in Lofoten, and Gimsøya's exposed landscape makes those changes especially visible. Clouds can completely transform a simple beach or mountain scene, so do not dismiss a location just because the first light looks flat.
Photo: [photographer]
Drive slowly and treat Gimsøya as an area to explore rather than a single destination. The best composition may appear between the marked stops when light, wildlife or weather briefly align. And if you have time, stay beyond the obvious stops. Gimsøya is one of those places where the landscape becomes more interesting the longer you look.
The wetlands around Hoven are part of the Gimsøy nature reserve and are known for rich birdlife. Keep this in mind when photographing the landscape and wildlife, and avoid disturbing birds or entering protected areas.
Hov is one of the island's main highlights and brings together several of Gimsøya's experiences in one place.
Lofoten Links is home to an 18-hole links golf course set directly beside the ocean, surrounded by mountains, beaches and open sea. Its northern location also makes it possible to play beneath the midnight sun during summer. Nearby, Hov Gård offers horseback riding on Icelandic horses along sandy beaches and historic Viking trails, with special rides during the midnight sun season and opportunities to experience the landscape beneath the northern lights in the darker months.
Hov also makes a convenient base for spending more time on the island. Lofoten Links Lodges places you close to the golf course, beaches and Hov Gård, while Restaurant Låven at Hov Gård offers a chance to stop for a meal in a restored barn overlooking Hov Beach. Together, the landscapes, outdoor experiences, accommodation and food make Hov a natural starting point for exploring Gimsøya at a slower pace.
Plan the shoot around the sky. Local weather from yr.no, and a five-night aurora outlook with expected cloud cover.
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