Winter Lapland on horseback is surprisingly practical. This short trek turns a cold day outdoors into an easy, guided experience with Icelandic horses and Lapland scenery—plus that special Icelandic gait called the tölt.

I love that they start you with on-site training so you are not guessing your way through a winter ride. I also like the chance to try the tölt, since it is unique to Icelandic horses and feels like more than just slow walking.

One consideration: this is a cold-weather activity, and the route can shift based on weather and group comfort. If you dress thin, the experience stops being fun fast.

Key things to know before you ride

• Beginner-ready training: no previous riding experience is required, and instructions are given before you mount up
• Small group size (max 6): you get a more personal, safer feel than big tours
• Two trek lengths: choose a 1 hour or 2 hour ride depending on how much time you want outside
• The tölt is part of the fun: you may get to experience the Icelandic horse gait during the trek
• Route and speed depend on conditions: weather and skill level affect how fast and where you go
• Photo stop + short break: you get a brief photo moment and then a bit of free time and shopping

Where you start in Levi: two meeting points, one winter plan

This ride is based in Levi, Lapland, and you can start from one of two places: Lapland Saga (Design Hotel Levi) or the Lapland Saga property itself. The meeting point can vary by the option you choose, so check your exact time and location before you head out.

I like this setup because it gives you flexibility. If you are already in the Levi center area, you may find the logistics easier with the Lapland Saga option. If your hotel is closer to Design Hotel Levi, the alternate start can save you time in the cold.

Either way, plan to arrive with a buffer. You will be happier if you get to the stable about 15 minutes before the start so you can get ready and depart on time.

The horses and the training: how they make this beginner-friendly

The entire experience is built around making you comfortable with Icelandic horses, and that matters. These horses are described as gentle and reliable, and the pace is planned around the group’s skill level.

Before the trek, you get initial training. That is usually the make-or-break difference between a ride you remember for the right reasons and a ride that feels stressful. Here, the goal is clear: you do not need to know how to ride already, because the guides will teach you the basics you need for a safe winter outing.

Also, you are not left to figure out cold weather riding on your own. Riding gear is included, which takes one big hassle off your trip-planning list. For me, that is value: you can pack less uncertainty and more warmth.

What the 10-minute safety briefing is really for

You are not just getting rules read at you. The safety briefing is short, but it sets expectations for how the trek works—especially important when everyone is learning together and the ground may be snowy or icy.

This matters because winter horse riding is different from summer. You are moving at a guided pace through fields and forest edges, so your posture, attention, and basic commands help keep the ride smooth. The guides also adjust the experience depending on participant comfort, which makes the whole thing feel more controlled.

If you are nervous, this is the moment to pay attention and ask quick questions. Since the tour runs in Finnish and English, you should be able to communicate clearly with the guide.

Riding through Lapland: fells, forests, and the tölt experience

Once you start riding, you will head out from the stable area into the surrounding Lapland scenery—fells and forests, plus roads and open stretches. The experience description also points to exploring forests, plains, and roads together with your horse, which is a good mix for photos and for keeping the ride varied.

Here is the big unique element: the tölt. The tölt is a gait unique to Icelandic horses, and the experience is designed so you can try a feel of that gait during the trek. If you have ever wondered what makes Icelandic horses so distinct, this is where you get the answer—without needing a long trip to Iceland.

I also appreciate that the pace and route are not random. They depend on your group’s experience level and the weather. That sounds basic, but it is actually what makes a short trek enjoyable. If you go too fast for beginners, it turns into survival. If you go too slow for more confident riders, it can feel pointless. Their approach aims for a middle ground.

The short photo stop: 5 minutes that help you remember it right

At some point during the trek, you will have a photo stop that lasts about 5 minutes. It is brief by design, so you get a chance to capture the moment without losing the rhythm of the ride.

In winter, timing matters. Light can change fast, and horses are working animals, not props. A short stop is often better than a long one because it keeps everyone warm, keeps the schedule on track, and gives you a clean window for photos.

If you care about photos, make sure you are ready before the stop starts. Winter clothing makes it slower to pull out a camera or phone, so get your hands and pockets set.

Free time and shopping: a little break after the ride

After you finish riding, you get a short window of free time—around 10 minutes—along with a chance for shopping. This is not a big marketplace moment, so set your expectations accordingly: it is more of a quick add-on than a full shopping spree.

Still, I like having a small break at the right time. After being outside on horseback, you want a chance to warm up and move at your own speed. A short shopping stop also helps if you want something small as a trip memory without committing to hours.

Pick-up and drop-off: when it helps, and how to avoid delays

Pickup is offered, and it can make the trip feel easy if you are not near the start point. If you choose pickup, you should be prepared for pickup about 20 minutes before the activity time.

One small but important detail: if you are not at the pickup location on time, the driver will wait 5 minutes and then depart. That is a strict buffer, so you want to be ready and waiting rather than finishing a snack or adjusting gloves at the last minute.

Drop-off happens at one of the two locations (Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga), depending on the option you chose. In practice, this means you can end close to where you started, which is a comfort factor in winter.

Price and value: what $111 buys you in Lapland winter

The price is listed as $111 per person, with a duration of 1 to 2 hours depending on which trek you pick. On paper, that can look steep compared to simple winter activities. But when you unpack what you get, it starts to make sense.

You are paying for several things bundled together:

• guided horse handling and a structured trek in winter conditions
• included riding gear and instruction for beginners
• a guided experience limited to small groups of up to 6
• the unique Icelandic-horse tölt experience
• optional pickup and guided service in Finnish or English

In other words, this is not just a walk in the snow with a view. You are getting animals, training, and a guided plan that adapts to your group and the weather. For many people, that is the exact kind of value that makes a short trip feel special—because you do not spend time figuring things out yourself.

If you are deciding between 1 hour and 2 hours, think about your goal. A 1-hour trek can feel like a solid sampler. A 2-hour trek gives more time for scenery, a more complete rhythm, and extra chances to settle into the feel of the horse.

What to pack: warm clothes are not optional here

This is a winter ride in Lapland, so dressing for cold is part of the activity. You are advised to bring warm clothing and warm shoes, and the cold can be real.

I also recommend you think about layers. Even if riding gear is provided, you are still exposed while you wait, mount, and move through snowy areas. You want clothing that keeps warmth in and wind out.

If you tend to get cold easily, plan for extra layers and warmer gloves than you think you need. The ride is short, but the winter air is the main character here.

Who this ride suits best (and who it does not)

This is described as easy and beginner-friendly. No previous riding experience is required, and guides provide instruction. That makes it a strong choice if you want the thrill of horse riding without a learning curve.

It also suits families where the kids meet the minimum age. The age limit for children is 7 years, unless they have previous experience on riding treks. If your child is under 7, this is not suitable.

Weight is another clear factor. Riders must be 95 kg (209 lbs) or under. If you are close to the limit, check carefully before booking.

It is also not a party ride. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, which is a good safety choice in a setting where attention matters.

Group dynamics: small, guided, and easier to manage in winter

The group is limited to 6 participants, and that has real impact. In a winter environment, smaller groups are calmer: you can hear instructions, the guide can spot issues quickly, and horses can be managed more smoothly.

There is also a practical side. When everyone is learning, the pace needs to be coordinated. A small group makes it easier for the guide to adjust the ride route and speed to keep things enjoyable for beginners and comfortable for more confident riders.

The language factor: Finnish and English support

Guiding services are available in Finnish and English. That means you should not feel stuck with silence while you get instructions.

I like that this is explicitly handled rather than left to guesswork. You can ask what you need during training and understand what to do during the trek and safety moments.

What makes this experience memorable in Lapland winter

This kind of ride stays with you because it mixes three elements that rarely come together in short tours: animals you can trust, a winter setting built for photos, and a guided plan that helps you enjoy yourself rather than just survive the weather.

The tölt is the standout for horse lovers and curious travelers alike. Even if you have never ridden before, trying that Icelandic gait gives you a story with details, not just a generic memory of snow and trees.

And the general feel of reliability matters. When horses are described as gentle and the experience is built for different skill levels, you spend less energy worrying and more energy noticing the surroundings.

Should you book the Levi Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses?

I think you should book it if you want a short, beginner-friendly way to experience Lapland winter from horseback. It is also a smart pick if you care about the Icelandic-horse difference, since the tölt is part of the plan and the training sets you up to actually enjoy the ride.

Skip it if you do not want cold-weather time outdoors or if you are not willing to dress for winter. Also, if your child is under the age minimum or if you are above the weight limit, this is not the right fit.

If your schedule allows, choose the trek length that matches your comfort level. If you want the taste of it, go 1 hour. If you want more time for scenery and that Icelandic-horse rhythm, go 2 hours.

FAQ

FAQ

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The ride is designed for beginners, and you get initial training and instructions from the guides.

How long is the trek?

You can choose either a 1 hour or a 2 hour trek. Your selected duration affects when the activity starts and how long you ride.

Where do I meet the guide?

You may meet at Lapland Saga (including Lapland Saga, Design Hotel Levi) or at Lapland Saga, depending on the option you book. The meeting point can vary, so confirm it with your booking details.

Is pickup available?

Yes, pickup service is available if you choose it. If you booked pickup, be ready about 20 minutes before the activity time, and the driver waits 5 minutes if you are late.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. Riding gear is provided, but you are still responsible for dressing for the winter conditions.

What limits apply for kids and rider weight?

Children must be at least 7 years old unless they have previous experience on riding treks. Riders must be 95 kg (209 lbs) or under.

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