Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

Snowy forests look different from horseback. This gentle Icelandic horse trek near Levi gives you a quiet way to see Lapland’s fells, open plains, forests, and snowy roads without needing riding experience. I like the calm horses and the small group size, limited to six people. I also like that guides adjust the route and pace to your ability, instead of pushing beginners into a ride beyond their comfort.

The main catch is the cold. You need proper layers and warm shoes, and the experience may feel less like a fast horseback adventure and more like a careful, scenic outing. The route and speed also depend on weather and group ability, so the famous Icelandic tölt is something you may try, not something you should expect for the entire ride.

Key points to know before booking

• Beginner-friendly from the first ten minutes: You receive initial riding instruction before setting off, and no previous experience is required.
• A small group of two to six people: This allows the guide to pay attention to different skill levels and keep the outing manageable.
• The Icelandic horse’s special tölt: You may try this smooth, distinctive gait during the trek, depending on conditions and ability.
• Choose one or two hours: The shorter ride suits first-timers and tight schedules, while two hours gives you more time in the forests and open country.
• Strict practical limits: Riders must weigh no more than 95 kilograms, and children must be at least seven unless they already have riding-trek experience.
• Cold-weather planning matters: Warm clothing and warm shoes are not optional extras in Lapland. They are part of making the ride enjoyable.

Why this Levi horse ride feels different

Horse riding in Lapland can easily become a simple photo stop with a short loop around a stable. This outing offers more time outside, with a route through forests, plains, and roads around Levi. The setting does much of the work: snow, open fell views, and quiet woodland give you a close look at Arctic nature without the noise of a snowmobile engine.

I especially like the match between the Icelandic horse and this kind of activity. Icelandic horses are known for their gentle character and their unusual tölt, a gait that is different from the walk, trot, and canter many riders know. The tölt can feel smooth and steady, but the guide decides what is suitable for the group.

This is not designed as a performance ride. You are not promised speed, jumps, or advanced riding. You are being offered a safe introduction to horses in a winter setting, with the chance to enjoy the scenery at a sensible pace. That makes it a good fit for families, couples, and friends with mixed levels of experience.

Starting at Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi

You have two possible starting locations: Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully before the day of the ride.

If you arrange pickup, be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins. The driver waits only five minutes at the pickup location before leaving, so this is one place where a relaxed holiday schedule can cause trouble. If you go directly to the stable, arrive 15 minutes early. That gives the staff time to prepare the horses and get everyone ready without cutting into your riding time.

The activity can also finish at either Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga, depending on the transport option. Pickup is available, but the supplied details do not promise it as part of every booking, so confirm that point when reserving.

The ten-minute safety briefing

The ride begins with about ten minutes of safety instruction at Lapland Saga. This is an important part of the experience, especially if you have never ridden before.

You should expect the guide to explain basic handling and riding instructions before the group leaves. The purpose is not to turn you into an experienced rider in ten minutes. It is to give you enough information to sit safely, follow directions, and understand how the group will move.

The instructions are given in Finnish and English. That language arrangement should work well for most international visitors, though you should feel free to ask for a point to be repeated if you are new to horses.

The small group helps here. With two to six participants, the guide has a better chance to notice if someone is nervous, unsure, or struggling with the cold. A larger group would make individual attention harder, especially when participants have very different levels of experience.

Getting comfortable with the Icelandic horses

The horses are described as gentle and reliable, and the feedback gives particular praise to their pleasant temperaments. That matters more than fancy scenery for a first-time rider. A well-behaved horse lets you focus on the views instead of worrying about every movement beneath you.

You receive riding equipment as part of the experience. The exact equipment is not specified, so you still need to bring your own warm clothing and warm shoes. Do not assume supplied riding gear replaces winter clothing. Lapland cold can make a short outdoor activity feel long if your hands, feet, or core are not well protected.

The age limit is seven. Children younger than seven cannot join unless they have previous riding-trek experience, so families should check this rule closely before booking. The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds. This is a firm suitability limit, not a suggestion.

The price is $111 per person, and it applies to adults and children. That is a reasonable amount for a guided small-group activity that includes instruction, riding equipment, the trek, and guiding. The one-hour option gives you a lower time commitment, while the two-hour version offers more time outside. Since the price is quoted per person, a family should calculate the full cost before deciding.

Riding through forests, plains, and roads

Once everyone is ready, the group sets out around the area near Levi. The ride may pass through forests, open plains, and roads, with views toward the surrounding fells and woodland. The route is not fixed in a way that guarantees one exact scene or speed. Weather and the group’s riding ability can change the plan.

That flexibility is useful. A route that works in clear weather may not be suitable in difficult conditions. A group of experienced riders may move differently from a group of complete beginners. The guides aim to keep the outing safe and enjoyable for both, which means the pace may feel conservative if you already ride regularly.

This is also why experienced riders should set their expectations carefully. The activity welcomes more capable riders, but it is built around the whole group. You may get a chance to ride faster or try the tölt, but the guide will not let one confident rider set the pace for everyone else.

For a beginner, this controlled pace is a benefit. You have time to notice how the horse responds, look around, and enjoy the Arctic setting. You also avoid the common problem of being placed into a difficult ride simply because you have paid for an outdoor adventure.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s tölt

The tölt is one of the most interesting reasons to choose an Icelandic horse experience rather than a standard riding outing. It is a distinctive gait associated with the breed, and the guide may let you try it when the conditions and ability level allow.

Do not treat this as a guarantee of speed or a required part of the ride. The route and pace depend on the weather and the people in your group. If everyone is new to riding, the guide may keep the outing at a walk or introduce the tölt only briefly.

For someone curious about horses, even a short attempt can be a memorable part of the day. For a complete beginner, the more important achievement may simply be feeling comfortable on the horse and following the guide’s instructions. You do not need to know riding terminology in advance.

The Dutch feedback describing the ride as very enjoyable also adds a useful warning: you should be at least somewhat comfortable with horses. The activity is beginner-friendly, but it is still horseback riding. If you strongly dislike animals, feel uneasy around large horses, or want a passive sightseeing trip, this may not be the right choice.

The five-minute photo stop

A short photo stop is built into the outing. It lasts about five minutes, which is enough to capture the moment but not enough for a long personal photo session.

This stop gives you a chance to photograph the horses, the snowy surroundings, and your group without trying to handle a phone while riding. Five minutes passes quickly in winter, especially if you are wearing thick gloves, so keep your camera or phone easy to reach.

The brief stop also helps keep the trek moving. If photography is your main goal, you may find the time limited. If you want the riding experience first and a few good memories second, the arrangement makes sense.

Ten minutes for free time and shopping

After the ride and photo stop, you have roughly ten minutes of free time for shopping. This is a small extra rather than a major part of the activity.

It can be useful if you want a souvenir or a last look around Lapland Saga before returning to Design Hotel Levi. Do not plan your entire souvenir shopping around this window. Ten minutes is enough for a quick browse, not an unhurried visit to several shops.

The short stop may also be welcome after riding in the cold. You can warm up, gather your things, and get ready for the return transfer. If you have arranged pickup, confirm where you will be dropped off and keep to the guide’s timing.

One hour or two hours on horseback

The one-hour trek is the safer choice if you are unsure how you will feel on a horse. It suits first-time riders, families with younger children who meet the age rule, and anyone fitting the activity into a busy day of Levi plans.

The two-hour trek gives you more time to settle into the saddle and see more of the surrounding forests and open ground. It may feel more rewarding if horseback riding is a main reason for booking, but it also means more exposure to the cold and more time sitting in one position.

I would choose one hour for a first-ever ride in winter unless horseback riding is a high priority. I would choose two hours for an experienced rider, a horse-loving family, or anyone who wants the outing to be a main activity rather than a short add-on.

The total schedule includes the safety briefing, riding, photo stop, and free time. The advertised duration is one to two hours, so check the exact starting time and option when booking.

How the experience handles safety and comfort

Safety here comes from several small decisions working together: initial instruction, a limited group size, experienced guidance, and a route adjusted to ability and weather. No previous riding experience is required, but the activity does not pretend that everyone rides the same way.

You should tell the provider about any wishes for the trek when you book. The staff will try to offer a pleasant and safe outing for beginners and more experienced participants, though they cannot promise a particular route or speed.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That rule is especially sensible around horses and winter conditions. Arrive alert, follow the guide, and wear clothing that keeps you warm while allowing you to move.

The most repeated praise is for the horses’ calm behavior and the guides’ clear help. One first-time rider found the instructions easy to follow and enjoyed the activity, while another praised the guide and the horses’ manners. A French participant also found the experience matched its description and found the staff welcoming. That combination matters: friendly people are useful, but reliable horses are what make a first ride feel manageable.

Who should book this activity?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want instruction before setting off
• Families with children aged seven or older who meet the riding and weight rules
• Couples or friends looking for a quieter winter activity
• Riders who want to experience the tölt
• Small groups that prefer personal attention
• Visitors who want views of forests, plains, and fells without a motorized tour

I would think twice if you dislike cold weather, want a fast or athletic ride, or need a fully predictable route. The group’s ability and the weather shape the experience. Riders over 95 kilograms cannot join, and children under seven are not accepted unless they have prior riding-trek experience.

You should also be realistic about the clothing. Warm layers and warm shoes are specifically required. The activity takes place outdoors in winter, so comfort depends heavily on what you wear.

Should you book the Levi Icelandic horse trek?

Book it if you want a friendly introduction to Icelandic horses, a small group, and a peaceful look at Lapland from the saddle. The horses’ gentle temperaments, clear instruction, and adjustable pace make this a strong option for beginners.

The $111 price is easiest to justify if you choose the two-hour ride and plan to make horseback riding one of your main Levi activities. The one-hour option may be better value for a first attempt or a family with mixed enthusiasm.

Skip it if you want a high-speed ride, guaranteed tölt, or a long photography session. For the right person, though, this is a thoughtful winter outing: calm horses, snowy scenery, and just enough guidance to let you enjoy the ride without needing prior experience.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding experience start?

The possible starting locations are Lapland Saga and Design Hotel Levi. The exact meeting point depends on the option booked.

How long does the experience last?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour horse trek. The full activity also includes a safety briefing, a photo stop, and about ten minutes of free time or shopping.

Is previous horse riding experience required?

No. The activity is suitable for beginners, and initial riding instruction is included.

How many people can join the group?

The group must have at least two participants and can include a maximum of six people.

What languages are used during the activity?

Guiding is provided in Finnish and English.

Can children join the horse trek?

Children must be at least seven years old unless they have previous experience on riding treks.

Is there a maximum rider weight?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. The activity takes place outdoors in the cold conditions of Lapland.

Is pickup available?

Pickup service is available. If you choose it, be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins, and note that the driver waits five minutes before departing.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.