Winter nights in Levi can turn magical fast. This Aurora Riding Trek takes you out after dark to experience Lapland’s quiet Arctic scenery from the back of Icelandic horses. The ride can even line up with the Northern Lights if the sky cooperates, so you get that rare mix of movement, nature, and night-sky drama.

What I like most is how beginner-friendly it feels. You get initial training and riding gear, and the pace is adjusted based on experience and weather. I also love the structure of the evening: a short safety briefing, the main ride, a quick photo stop, then a bit of free time back at the stable area.

One thing to think about: you are going out in real winter conditions and it’s not a slow stroll in warm air. If you’re sensitive to cold, you’ll want to plan for serious chill, and you should remember the aurora is never guaranteed.

Key things to know before you ride

• Small group size (max 6): you’ll get more personal attention on the horses and during training.
• Beginner-ready training: no previous riding experience is required, and speed depends on your group and the weather.
• Northern Lights chance, not a promise: the guide can’t guarantee the aurora will appear.
• Short photo stop in the dark: great for snapshots, but nighttime photos can be tricky.
• Warm gear is included, but you still dress for Arctic cold: bring warm layers and warm shoes.
• Max rider weight is 95 kg (209 lbs): plan around the weight limit before booking.

Entering the Lapin Saaga stable yard at Levi’s nightfall

This trek starts and ends at Lapin Saaga stable yard, and you can choose one of two start locations for pickup: Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga. Either way, you’re aiming to be there early enough that the group can depart on time, which matters in winter. The night moves fast, and when it’s dark out there, wasting time isn’t fun.

If you’re coming via pickup, plan to be ready about 20 minutes before the start time. The operator will wait 5 minutes if you’re not at the pickup spot, then they’ll leave. It’s a small, timed experience, so treat it like a scheduled activity rather than a casual stroll.

Once you arrive at the stable yard, the vibe is exactly what you want for an Arctic evening ride: horses, guides, and the calm anticipation of what the sky might do. You’ll also get a short safety briefing before anyone mounts up, so even first-timers know what to expect.

The 10-minute safety briefing that makes this beginner-friendly

A lot of winter tours feel intimidating if you’ve never ridden before. This one handles that upfront with a roughly 10-minute safety briefing before the actual riding begins. It’s short, but the goal is clear: get you comfortable with basic riding movements and how to behave around horses in low light.

Because the activity is designed for an easy experience level, you’re not expected to already know the “rules of the saddle.” The route and speed depend on your group’s experience and the weather, so the guide can adjust the pace rather than forcing everyone into the same rhythm.

This matters for your enjoyment. When you’re not constantly worried about what you’re doing, you can actually pay attention to what’s happening around you: the horses, the snow, and those fells forming dark shapes against the night.

70 minutes on Icelandic horses through snowy forests and open areas

The main part of the adventure is the horse riding segment (about 70 minutes). From the start, you’re moving through different winter scenery, which can mean forests or fields, and always with that big-sky feeling that Lapland is famous for.

The trek runs in the darkening evening, and you ride while the surroundings shift into silhouette. The information about the route suggests you’ll feel surrounded by the rising shadows of the fells, meaning you’re not just passing through one repetitive stretch. Instead, it’s changing terrain plus a sky that’s often filled with stars and moonlight (or darkness, if the clouds move in).

The ride pace also changes. If you’re brand-new, you’ll likely go gentler and slower. If your group has more experience, you may move a bit more. Either way, it’s the type of experience where steady, guided motion is the point. You’re not trying to “master riding.” You’re trying to see Lapland properly from a horse’s perspective.

The 5-minute photo stop: when timing matters most

After the riding segment, there’s a brief photo stop (around 5 minutes). Five minutes in the dark sounds short, but it’s enough for a few key shots: you, the horses, and a sky that might be doing something wild.

Here’s the practical reality: winter darkness can make photos harder, and bouncing on a horse doesn’t help. If night photography matters to you, plan for quick, simple shots rather than expecting postcard-level results every time.

The Northern Lights question: how to think about the odds

Let’s talk about the elephant in the Arctic sky: the aurora.

The tour description is clear, and it’s the right approach. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so they cannot guarantee an encounter. That’s true for all aurora chasing. Even when conditions are excellent, clouds, timing, and solar activity can still mean nothing shows.

But the good news is this ride is designed for the conditions when aurora sightings are possible: you’re out in the evening hours, in open night-sky territory, riding slowly enough (and stopping briefly) to look up. If the sky is clear, the guide has the chance to put you in a spot where you might actually see the sky light up.

In at least one real example, the ride coincided with Northern Lights while horses were surrounded by the aurora overhead. That kind of night is the reason people book this. Just don’t build your plan on the aurora being certain. Think of the aurora as a bonus you’ll chase together, not the only reason to go.

What to wear: staying warm is part of the experience

This is one of those activities where what you wear can make the difference between wow and discomfort. You’re outdoors at night in Lapland winter. The tour includes riding gear, which helps, but you still need to show up with warm clothing and warm shoes.

A helpful way to think about it: the tour can control the horse tack and the basic riding setup, but it can’t heat the outside air for you. If the temperature is brutal, you’ll feel it on your hands, cheeks, and feet. Dress like you’re going for a winter walk that lasts a bit longer than you expect.

Also note that alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That’s there for safety and for keeping everyone steady in winter darkness.

Head torches and the lighting situation

You may be given head torches for helmet use. In some colder conditions, you might find you can still see enough without them, especially if there’s a bright moon. Still, don’t plan to rely on perfect visibility. Bring the assumption that dark conditions will happen, and let the provided lighting help you handle your footing around the stable and during the ride.

Timing, small groups, and value for your money

At $147 per person for a 1.5-hour activity, you’re paying for more than just time in the saddle. You’re paying for:

• a guide who can manage riders in winter darkness
• initial training
• riding gear
• a horse + stable operation set up specifically for evening treks
• the added convenience of pickup service (if you choose it)

You also get a big quality advantage from the group size. The trek is limited to a maximum of 6 participants, with a small-group setup that usually means you’re not stuck waiting your turn or getting lost in a crowd. In a winter setting, that personal attention helps because the pace and route can be adjusted based on the experience level in the group.

This is also why the itinerary isn’t padded with long stops. You get focused time riding, one short photo moment, and then a quick wrap-up with a little space to reset.

After the ride: quick free time and a chance to shop

The end of the trek includes a 5-minute photo stop, then a 10-minute free time / shopping window. This isn’t a full marketplace tour. Think of it as a light buffer to warm up, check out what’s available on-site, and take care of whatever you need before leaving the stable area.

Then you’re dropped back at either Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi, depending on what you booked.

If you’re traveling with limited time in Levi, this “ride plus short wrap” format is a practical way to fit winter magic into a schedule without eating your whole evening.

Who should book (and who should skip) this horseback trek

This experience is built for people who want Lapland winter, but don’t want a steep learning curve.

You’ll probably love it if you:

• want a beginner-friendly horseback experience in winter
• care about night scenery and want a trek designed for evening skies
• like the idea of a small group rather than a mass tour
• want included riding gear and a clear training step before you mount

You might want to skip it if:

• you’re under 12 years old and don’t have previous riding trek experience
• you’re over the 95 kg (209 lbs) maximum weight limit
• you don’t handle cold weather well, because you’re outdoors after dark in Arctic winter conditions

Also remember: the speed and route are not fixed. They depend on experience level and weather. If you want a very specific route or a strict minute-by-minute pace, this tour is designed more for safety and group flow than for rigid timing.

Should you book Levi: Aurora Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses?

If your goal is a memorable Lapland evening that mixes gentle adventure with a chance at the aurora, this is a strong pick. The value comes from the basics done well: short training, included gear, a guided trek paced for real beginners, and a night-sky focus that makes sense.

Book it if you:

• want a small-group ride with clear guidance
• are flexible about the aurora outcome
• will show up dressed for deep winter and you want to spend quality time outside

Don’t book it if you need guaranteed Northern Lights or if cold weather will ruin the experience for you. For most people, though, this trek hits a sweet spot: you get the Arctic atmosphere whether or not the sky performs, and if it does, you’re already outside when it matters.

FAQ

How long is the Aurora Riding Trek?

The duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

The trek starts and ends at Lapin Saaga stable yard. Pickup and drop-off may be arranged at Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga, depending on what you choose.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. The trek is listed as easy, and no previous riding experience is required.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guide is available in English and Finnish.

Will I definitely see the Northern Lights?

No. The Northern Lights are natural and cannot be guaranteed during the treks.

What should I bring and wear?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. Riding gear is included.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children must be 12 years or older (unless they have previous riding trek experience). The maximum rider weight is 95 kg (209 lbs).

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