Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

The special thing here is not simply sitting on a horse in the snow. You ride through the forests, open plains, and roads around Levi, with the pale fells and Arctic scenery around you. The horses are Icelandic, a sturdy breed known for its gentle nature and distinctive tölt, a smooth four-beat gait you may get to try during the ride.

I like two things right away. Beginners are welcome, and the guides adjust the route and speed to the group’s experience. I also like the small group limit of six, which makes the safety briefing and personal help more useful than on a large stable outing. The main drawback is the cold. You need proper layers and warm shoes, and the ride may feel slow if you are an experienced rider hoping for a fast trek.

Key points to know before booking

• Icelandic horses with calm temperaments: The horses are described as gentle, reliable, and well behaved, making this a sensible first riding experience.
• A smooth tölt to try: Your guide may introduce you to the Icelandic horse’s special gait, depending on the group’s ability and conditions.
• One or two hours in the saddle: Pick the shorter ride for a first try, or choose two hours if you want more time in the snowy countryside.
• Small groups of two to six: The limited size allows the guide to adapt the pace and offer closer support.
• Cold-weather preparation matters: Warm clothes, several layers, and warm shoes are essential in Lapland.
• A clear weight and age limit: Riders must weigh no more than 95 kilograms, and children generally need to be at least seven years old.

Riding through Levi’s winter forests

This is a quiet way to see Lapland. Instead of viewing the snowy countryside from a vehicle, you move at the pace of a horse. That gives you time to notice the forest, the open stretches, and the fells around Levi without rushing from one photo stop to the next.

The exact route is not fixed. Your guide chooses it according to the weather and the riding ability of the group. That flexibility is good for safety, but it also means you cannot book this expecting a particular trail or a guaranteed fast ride.

The horses take you along forests, plains, and roads. The setting sounds simple, and that is part of its appeal. You get a close view of Arctic nature, with the horse’s movement and the winter air making the setting feel more immediate than a standard sightseeing stop.

Do not expect a private ride for every person. The group size is capped at six, and at least two people are required. That gives the outing a friendly, shared feel, but the pace must suit the least experienced rider in the group.

Why Icelandic horses suit first-time riders

You do not need previous riding experience. Before setting off, you receive initial training and a safety briefing lasting about 10 minutes. The guide explains what you need to do before the group leaves, so you are not expected to arrive already knowing how to steer or control a horse.

The Icelandic horses are described as gentle and reliable. That matters more here than the breed name itself. A calm horse can make the difference between enjoying your first ride and spending the whole time tense in the saddle.

One review from a first-time rider points to a useful detail: the instructions were clear enough for someone who had never ridden before to enjoy the outing. Another describes the horses as well behaved and the guide as excellent. Those comments fit the design of the activity, which gives the guide room to adjust the ride for beginners.

You should still be comfortable around horses. One rider noted that you need to be somewhat horse minded. In plain terms, you should be willing to listen, follow instructions, and accept that a living animal has its own movements and moods.

Trying the Icelandic horse’s tölt

The tölt is one of the most interesting parts of this ride. It is a gait associated with Icelandic horses and is known for being smooth. Your guide may let you try it if the group has the right skill level and the conditions allow it.

Do not treat the tölt as a guaranteed performance or a fast gallop. The guide sets the speed, and the route depends on the participants and the weather. For a beginner, simply learning how the horse moves may be enough for one ride.

This is where the small group helps. With no more than six riders, the guide can judge who is ready for a different pace and who needs more time. If everyone in your group has a similar level, the ride may feel more fluid. If levels vary, expect the guide to keep things controlled.

The activity works best when you see the tölt as an optional bonus, not the main reason to book. The real attraction is the winter ride itself, with the special gait adding a memorable detail.

What happens before the horses leave

You can meet at Lapland Saga or at Design Hotel Levi, depending on the option you book. If you arrange pickup, be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins. If you go directly to the stable, arrive 15 minutes early so the group can leave on time.

The early arrival is worth taking seriously. There is equipment to organize, instructions to hear, and horses to prepare. Arriving late could shorten your time or disrupt the group, especially since the driver waits only five minutes at the pickup location.

The safety briefing lasts around 10 minutes. This is when you get the basic riding guidance and learn what to do during the trek. Riding gear is included, which removes the need to bring specialist equipment.

Warm clothing and warm shoes are not optional extras. Lapland can feel cold even when the activity looks gentle, and you are outside for the full ride. Wear layers so you can adjust your clothing, but make sure your outer clothes allow you to sit comfortably and move your legs.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is a sensible rule for any activity involving horses, winter conditions, and a moving group.

One hour or two hours in the saddle

The one-hour ride is the better choice for a first attempt, a young rider, or anyone unsure about spending a long time on horseback. It gives you the briefing, the main ride, and the chance to see the winter scenery without committing to a longer session.

The two-hour option gives the outing more breathing room. You spend longer among the forests and open areas, and you have more time to settle into the horse’s movement. The extra hour may be worthwhile if horse riding is an important part of your holiday rather than a quick add-on.

The route and speed remain flexible for both options. A two-hour booking does not mean two hours of fast riding. Weather and group ability control the pace, so choose it for more time outside, not for a promise of a more demanding ride.

At $111 per person, this is not a budget activity. The price includes the riding gear, training, guide, horse trek, and pickup service if that option is selected. For a small group experience with a trained guide and a full hour or two in the countryside, the cost can make sense, especially if you value personal attention.

It is less compelling if you want a cheap photo opportunity or only a few minutes on a horse. The experience is priced as a guided outdoor activity, not as a brief stable visit.

A five-minute photo stop with a practical purpose

The ride includes a five-minute photo stop. That is short, but it gives you a planned chance to take pictures without trying to handle a phone while riding.

Use the stop for a group photo, a picture with your horse, or a quick view of the snowy surroundings. Since the schedule is compact, do not expect a long photography session. The guide needs to keep the group moving and the horses settled.

The photo stop also gives you a brief chance to stretch and take stock of the cold. If your hands are getting chilled, this is a good moment to adjust your gloves or clothing before continuing.

Ten minutes for free time and shopping

After the ride, you get about 10 minutes of free time and shopping at Lapland Saga. This is a small finish rather than a major part of the activity, but it gives you a chance to look around before returning to Design Hotel Levi or ending at Lapland Saga.

Do not book this outing for the shopping time. Think of it as a relaxed buffer after the ride. You can warm up, collect yourself, and make sure you have all your belongings before leaving.

The drop-off options mirror the starting choices. You may finish at Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga, depending on the arrangement you selected.

The guide, group size, and pace

Guiding is available in Finnish and English. The guide’s main job is not just to lead the horses. It is to judge the group, explain the basics, keep the pace safe, and decide how much riding each participant can manage.

The activity requires a minimum of two people and accepts no more than six. That is a useful size for families, couples, and small friend groups. It also reduces the chance of spending the whole outing waiting for a large line of riders.

The pace may feel conservative, especially if you already ride regularly. The guide must consider children, beginners, weather, and the behavior of the full group. That is a fair trade for a safer outing, but experienced riders should set their expectations correctly.

The strong marks given to this activity focus on the horses, the guide, and the welcoming approach. Several recent comments describe the horses as calm and the staff as friendly. A French rider found the service welcoming and the outing consistent with its description. Those are useful signs for anyone worried about booking a first ride in a foreign country.

Who should book this ride

I would recommend it to families with children aged seven or older, couples wanting a quieter winter activity, and friends looking for something beyond snowmobiles and ski slopes. It also suits a beginner who wants instruction without being placed in a large group.

It is a good fit if you like animals, outdoor scenery, and a measured pace. The horse gives you a way to see the area without requiring technical skiing ability or previous riding experience.

Children under seven cannot join unless they already have previous experience on riding treks. The stated maximum weight is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds. These limits are firm planning details, so check them before paying.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to a strong rider looking for speed, jumping, or a long wilderness ride. None of those are promised. The route changes with conditions, and the guide gives priority to the ability of the full group.

Practical advice for a comfortable ride

Wear several warm layers, not one bulky coat alone. You will want enough freedom to sit correctly and move naturally while still staying warm.

Warm shoes are essential. Your feet can get cold quickly when you are outdoors for one or two hours, so ordinary fashionable winter footwear may not be enough. Gloves and a warm hat are sensible additions, even though only warm clothing and shoes are specifically required.

Keep your phone easy to reach for the photo stop, but do not let it distract you during the ride. Listen closely to the safety instructions and follow the guide’s directions around the horses.

If you are booking for a family or mixed group, tell the provider about your wishes when booking. The route and speed can be adapted to the group, and early information gives the staff a better chance to plan a comfortable ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps when your Lapland schedule depends on weather or other outdoor activities.

Should you book the Icelandic horse trek?

Book this ride if you want a gentle, scenic introduction to horse riding in Lapland. The calm horses, beginner-friendly instruction, and six-person limit make it an easy choice for people who want personal help rather than an intense riding session.

The $111 price is reasonable when you use the included gear, guide, training, and one or two-hour trek. Just be honest about the cold and the pace. If you dress properly and enjoy a steady ride through snowy forests, this should be one of Levi’s more memorable ways to see the Arctic countryside.

FAQ

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. Previous riding experience is not required, and initial training and a safety briefing are included.

How long does the horse riding activity last?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour trek. The full activity also includes the safety briefing, photo stop, and free time.

What is the maximum group size?

The group has a minimum of two people and a maximum of six participants.

What languages does the guide speak?

The activity is guided in Finnish and English.

What is the maximum rider weight?

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

Can children join the horse trek?

Children generally need to be at least seven years old. Younger children may join only if they have previous experience on riding treks.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. Several layers are useful because the ride takes place outdoors in cold Lapland conditions.

Is riding gear included?

Yes. Riding gear and initial riding training are included in the price.

Where does the activity start?

The starting point may be Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi, depending on the option booked.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup service is available. If you choose it, be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins. The driver waits five minutes at the pickup location before leaving.