Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

The best part of this Levi outing is the chance to see Lapland at a horse’s pace. You ride through snowy forests, open plains, and quiet roads, with the fells and winter scenery around you. The Icelandic horses are gentle and steady, so you do not need riding experience to join.

I like the small groups of two to six people, which give the guide room to adjust the route and speed. I also like that riding gear and initial instruction are included, along with a photo stop and time to look around afterward. The main consideration is cold: you will spend up to two hours outside, and the experience can feel chilly even with provided gear. Dress in warm layers and bring proper winter shoes.

Key points at a glance

• Ride Icelandic horses through Lapland: See forests, plains, roads, and fells from horseback rather than from a vehicle.
• No previous experience needed: The guide gives an initial safety briefing and riding instruction before departure.
• Try the tölt: This smooth gait is distinctive to Icelandic horses, though the guide controls the pace based on ability and weather.
• Choose one or two hours: The shorter ride suits first-timers or tight schedules, while two hours gives you more time outside.
• Small groups matter: With only two to six participants, the outing can be adjusted for beginners and more experienced riders.
• Plan for the cold: Warm clothes and warm shoes are essential, even though riding gear is included.

What the ride feels like near Levi

This is not a fast horse trek or a demanding riding lesson. It is a gentle introduction to horseback riding in the winter scenery around Levi, with the horses and group moving at a pace suited to the people taking part.

That makes it a good choice for families, couples, and friends who want an outdoor activity without needing prior skills. The guides speak Finnish and English, and the route changes according to the group’s experience and the weather. A group of confident riders may move differently from a group of complete beginners.

The horses are Icelandic, a breed known here for being reliable and for its special tölt. The tölt is a smooth four-beat gait associated with Icelandic horses. You may get to try it, but it is not something to expect for the entire outing. The guide decides what is safe and suitable.

I appreciate that the experience does not pretend every group needs the same ride. A first-time rider may need more time to feel comfortable, while someone with experience may be ready for a little more movement. The route and speed are adjusted rather than fixed in advance.

Starting at Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi

There are two possible starting points: Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi. Your exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully before leaving your accommodation.

If you arrange pick-up, be ready 20 minutes before the scheduled start. The driver waits only five minutes at the pick-up point, so this is not the time to arrive casually with gloves still buried in your luggage.

You can also meet at the stable. In that case, arrive 15 minutes before the start time. That early arrival gives the staff time to prepare the horses and fit your riding gear without cutting into the riding period.

The transfer option is useful if you are staying away from the stable or do not want to work out local transport in winter conditions. If you are already close to the meeting point, meeting there may be simpler. The important thing is to confirm which of the two starting locations applies to your booking.

The 10-minute safety briefing

The activity begins with about 10 minutes of instruction. This is where you learn the basics needed for the trek, including how to handle the horse and what to do during the ride.

For a first-time rider, this short briefing is especially valuable. You do not need to arrive knowing how to mount, steer, or manage a horse. The initial training is included, and the staff explain what you need before heading out.

Do not treat this as a formality. Pay attention to the guide’s instructions about spacing, stopping, and responding to the horse. A group ride works best when everyone follows the same signals and keeps a calm pace.

The briefing also gives you a chance to make your experience level clear. Tell the guide if you have never ridden before, or if you have some experience and would like to try the tölt when conditions allow. The guide can only tailor the outing if you provide that information.

Riding through forests, plains, and roads

Once the briefing is complete, you head out on the horse trek. The setting is the main attraction: snowy forest, open stretches, roads, and views toward the surrounding fells.

You see Lapland differently from horseback. A vehicle carries you through the scenery, but a horse trek slows things down. You notice the movement of the horse, the quiet around the group, and the changing views as you move between wooded and more open areas.

The route is not guaranteed to be identical every day. Weather conditions and the abilities of the group affect where you go and how quickly you travel. That flexibility is sensible in winter, but it also means you should not book this expecting a fixed route or a particular speed.

For beginners, the most rewarding part may simply be learning to sit comfortably and guide the horse. The horses are described as gentle and well behaved, which helps reduce the worry many first-time riders feel. Still, you need to be comfortable around animals and ready to follow instructions.

For experienced riders, the ride may feel fairly restrained. The group setting and winter conditions place limits on speed. This is a scenic trek, not an advanced riding session.

One hour or two hours on horseback

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour trek. The one-hour option works well if you have never ridden before, have children in your group, or want to fit another Levi activity into the same day.

A shorter ride also lets you test how you feel on horseback. Even a gentle trek uses muscles you may not often use, and winter clothing can make movement less comfortable. For many first-timers, one hour is enough to enjoy the horse, learn the basics, and see the scenery without becoming tired.

The two-hour option offers more time in the forest and open country. It gives you longer to settle into the ride and increases your chance of trying the tölt if the guide feels it is appropriate. It also makes the outing feel more like a proper winter excursion rather than a brief introduction.

The published duration is one to two hours, but allow extra time for the briefing, photos, and the short period afterward. You should not schedule another activity immediately after the ride.

Icelandic horses and the gentle tölt

Icelandic horses are the heart of this experience. They are smaller than many people expect, but that can make them less intimidating for new riders, especially children who meet the age requirement.

The horses’ calm temperament is important because the group may include people with very different levels of confidence. A reliable horse lets the guide focus on helping you enjoy the scenery and learn the basics instead of managing a difficult ride.

The tölt is the special feature to watch for. It is a gait unique to the Icelandic horse breed and is known for a smooth feel. Your guide may introduce it if your group has the right experience and the conditions are suitable.

Do not assume that every rider will spend much of the trek at the tölt. The group’s ability, the weather, and the route all affect what is possible. Think of it as an interesting part of the ride, not a promise of a fast or technical session.

The five-minute photo stop

A short photo stop is built into the experience. It gives you time to take pictures of the horses, the group, and the winter setting without trying to handle your phone while riding.

This pause may sound minor, but it improves the outing. You can enjoy the view properly, adjust your layers, and take a few memories home. In cold weather, keep your phone in an inside pocket so the battery does not drain quickly.

The stop is brief, about five minutes, so prepare your camera before you leave. If you are riding with family or friends, decide in advance who will take the group photo. Nobody wants to spend the whole photo stop searching through frozen pockets.

Ten minutes to look around and shop

After the trek, there is around 10 minutes of free time and shopping at Lapland Saga. This is a short pause, not a full shopping visit, but it gives you a chance to warm up, look around, and perhaps browse local items.

The short duration is useful to know. If you hope to spend a long time indoors, this activity will not provide it. The focus remains the horse trek, with the shopping time acting as a small extra at the end.

Return transport can take you to Design Hotel Levi or back to Lapland Saga, depending on the arrangement you selected. Confirm your drop-off point so you know where the activity ends.

Clothing, cold, and comfort

Warm clothing is not optional here. Bring several layers, warm shoes, and winter clothing that allows you to move freely. One participant specifically found that it gets cold and advised using plenty of layers. Another made the same point: bundle up.

Riding gear is included, which removes one worry, but it does not replace your own warm clothing. Your hands, feet, and face are likely to feel the cold first, especially if the weather is windy or you spend time stopped for photos.

Avoid alcohol and drugs. The activity involves animals and winter riding, so you need to remain alert and able to follow the guide’s instructions.

There is also a maximum rider weight of 95 kg, or 209 pounds. This is a firm suitability rule, so check it before booking. Children must be at least seven years old unless they already have experience on riding treks.

Price and value at $111

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Levi. The value depends on what you want from the outing.

You are paying for a small-group experience with a maximum of six people, a guide, initial riding instruction, riding gear, the horse trek, and possible pick-up service. For a first-time rider, the included instruction and equipment make the price easier to justify. You do not need to arrange a separate lesson before joining.

The two-hour option offers better value if you want a proper morning or afternoon outdoors. The one-hour option may be the smarter choice if you are testing horse riding, traveling with children, or trying to fit several activities into one day.

The small group is another reason the price can make sense. A six-person maximum gives the guide a better chance to adjust the route and speed than a large commercial group would. That matters when some people are beginners and others already know how to ride.

I would compare it with the cost of other guided winter activities in Levi, but I would not choose this solely for the duration. Choose it for the horses, the quiet pace, and the chance to see the snowy countryside from horseback.

Who should book this horse trek?

I would recommend it to families with children aged seven or older, couples wanting a calm outdoor activity, and friends looking for something different from snowmobile or ski outings.

It also suits complete beginners. The instruction is included, and the horses are described as gentle and well behaved. You do not need to arrive with riding boots or technical knowledge.

People with riding experience can enjoy it too, especially if they want a quiet winter ride and the chance to try the tölt. Just keep your expectations realistic. The guide sets the pace, and the ride may remain slow if the group includes beginners or the weather is difficult.

I would think twice if you dislike cold weather, feel uneasy around horses, or want a fast and challenging ride. The 95 kg limit and the minimum age of seven also rule out some people. If you have a very tight schedule, remember to allow time for transport, preparation, photos, and the short stop afterward.

Should you book the Levi Icelandic horse ride?

Book it if you want a gentle, beginner-friendly way to experience Lapland’s winter scenery. The combination of calm Icelandic horses, small groups, included gear, and flexible routes makes this more personal than a standard large-group outing.

Choose the one-hour ride if you are unsure about horseback riding or are traveling with younger children. Choose two hours if you want the scenery to be a bigger part of your day and would like more time to settle into the saddle.

The biggest practical warning is the cold. Dress properly, arrive early, and tell the guide about your experience level. If you do that, this is a strong choice for a memorable and manageable outdoor activity near Levi.

FAQ

Is previous horse-riding experience required?

No. The activity includes initial riding training, and no previous riding experience is required.

How long does the horse trek last?

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

How many people are in the group?

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

What languages are spoken?

The activity is guided in Finnish and English.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. The ride takes place outdoors in winter, and warm layers are important.

Can children join the ride?

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

Is pick-up available?

Yes. Pick-up service is available. If you choose it, be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins. If you meet at the stable, arrive 15 minutes early.