Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

The most memorable part of this Levi outing is seeing Lapland’s snowy forests and open plains from horseback. Icelandic horses are known for their calm nature and their unusual tölt, a smooth four-beat gait you may get to try during the ride. You do not need riding experience, and the guide sets the route and speed to match the group.

I like the small maximum group of six, which gives the guide room to help beginners. I also like that riding gear and initial instruction are included, so you do not need to arrive as an experienced equestrian. The main drawback is the cold: even a one-hour ride can feel long if you arrive without warm layers and proper shoes.

Key points at a glance

• Ride Icelandic horses in winter: Enjoy forests, plains, roads, and fell scenery from the saddle.
• No previous experience needed: The guide gives initial riding training before the trek begins.
• Try the tölt: This smooth gait is a special feature of the Icelandic horse breed.
• Small group size: Groups range from two to six people, allowing a more personal pace.
• Choose one or two hours: The longer ride gives you more time outdoors, while the shorter option suits first-time riders and tight schedules.
• Plan for serious cold: Warm clothing and warm shoes are essential, not optional.

What the Levi horse trek is really like

This is a gentle winter riding outing rather than a fast-paced horseback adventure. You come to spend time with well-mannered horses, learn the basics, and see the Arctic surroundings at a pace that lets you take them in.

The ride takes place near Levi in Finnish Lapland, with two possible starting points: Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check it carefully before you set off. If you arrange pickup, you should be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins. If you make your own way to the stable, arrive 15 minutes early.

That early arrival matters. The horses need to be prepared, the guide needs to explain the basics, and the group needs to leave on time. Arriving rushed can make the first few minutes feel more like administration than an enjoyable start.

The activity runs for either one or two hours. The shorter trek gives you a taste of winter riding without taking up much of your day. The two-hour version is better if you want more time in the forest and more time to settle into the saddle.

Meeting the Icelandic horses

The horses are a major part of the appeal. Icelandic horses are small, sturdy, and bred for conditions that can be demanding. Here, the important point for a beginner is their reported gentle temperament. You are not being asked to control a nervous or highly strung animal while trying to learn the basics yourself.

Before riding, you receive initial training. The guide explains how to sit, hold the reins, give basic signals, and behave safely around the horse. The exact length of the riding instruction can depend on the group, but the planned safety briefing takes about 10 minutes.

If you have never ridden before, this is the point where you should ask questions. Tell the guide if you feel uncertain, especially when mounting, stopping, or turning. The activity is designed for beginners, and the guide can set a slower pace when needed.

You should also be realistic about the physical side of horseback riding. Even a calm trek uses your legs, hips, and back. The ride is easy in terms of skill, but it is not the same as sitting in a vehicle and looking out at the scenery.

The 10-minute safety briefing

The safety briefing is short but useful. It prepares you for the horse, the route, and the conditions rather than sending you straight into the snow.

You will receive the basic instructions needed to take part. Since the route and speed depend on the group’s experience, the guide uses this time to understand who is riding. A group of first-time riders will not be handled in exactly the same way as a group with previous experience.

The weather also affects the plan. Snow, wind, and trail conditions can change the speed and route. That flexibility is a good safety measure, though it means you should not book this expecting a fixed route or a guaranteed fast ride.

The activity is guided in Finnish and English. If your group includes people with different riding backgrounds, the small size helps the guide keep an eye on everyone.

Riding through forests, plains, and roads

Once the group leaves, you ride through the surrounding Lappish scenery. The route can include forests, open plains, and roads, with fells and woodland around you. This variety gives the outing more interest than a short circuit around a stable.

In winter, the setting is often quiet and spacious. From horseback, you are close to the snow and trees rather than looking through a bus window. You can notice the horse’s movement, the cold air, and the changing views as the route moves between more sheltered and more open areas.

The pace is deliberately controlled. Beginners should not expect a gallop, and the route may remain at a walk depending on the group and weather. That is part of the value here. You can concentrate on handling the horse and enjoying the surroundings instead of worrying about keeping up.

Experienced riders should set their expectations carefully. You may have the chance to ride at a livelier pace or try the tölt, but this is not sold as a technical riding lesson or an advanced trail ride. The guide decides what is suitable for the group.

Trying the Icelandic tölt

The tölt is one of the most interesting details of this activity. It is a gait associated with Icelandic horses and is known for its smooth feel. You may get to try it during the ride, depending on your ability, the horse, and the conditions.

For a beginner, the tölt may not happen immediately. First you need to feel comfortable with the horse and understand the basic controls. A guide may choose to keep a first-time rider at a walk, especially if the ground is slippery or the weather is poor.

For a more experienced rider, the tölt adds a special point of interest. It gives you something distinctive to look forward to, rather than simply riding a horse that could be found in many parts of the world.

Do not treat the tölt as a promise of speed. The route and pace are adjusted to the group. The safety of the riders and horses comes first, and the activity is built around a calm winter outing.

The five-minute photo stop

The planned photo stop lasts about five minutes. It is brief, but that is sensible in Arctic winter conditions. Your fingers can become cold quickly, especially after removing gloves to handle a phone or camera.

This stop gives you time to take pictures with the horses and capture the setting without holding up the rest of the group. You may want to keep your phone in an inside pocket so the battery stays warmer and the camera is easy to reach.

Do not expect a long photography session. Five minutes is enough for a few useful pictures, not a full portrait shoot. If photographs matter to you, tell the guide when you arrive and be ready before the stop begins.

The setting itself does much of the work. Snow-covered woods, open ground, horses, and winter clothing create a distinctly northern scene without needing much decoration.

Ten minutes to browse and look around

After the ride, you have about 10 minutes of free time and shopping at Lapland Saga. This is a short chance to look around, warm up if facilities allow, and see what is available before returning to your hotel or continuing your day.

Do not build your schedule around a long shopping visit. The stop is a small add-on after the ride, not a separate shopping excursion. Its value is that it gives the activity a gentle finish instead of ending the moment you dismount.

Drop-off is available at Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga, depending on the arrangement you choose. Pickup service is also available, but you need to follow the early pickup instruction and be ready 20 minutes before the start time.

Is $111 a fair price?

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an hour in Levi. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: the horse, riding gear, initial training, guide, trek, and possible pickup service.

You are also paying for a small group. With only two to six people, the guide can adjust the pace and help riders who need more support. That is more valuable for a first-time rider than a low-cost activity with a large crowd and little individual attention.

The price is strongest for people who want a properly guided introduction to riding. Families, couples, and small groups can share the activity without needing to arrange equipment or find a separate instructor.

Value depends on your chosen duration. A one-hour ride is a practical introduction and may suit children or people unsure about horseback riding. A two-hour ride gives you more time to settle into the rhythm of the horse and see more of the surrounding countryside.

If you already ride regularly and want a long, challenging trek, $111 may feel less compelling because the route and speed are controlled by group ability and weather. For a beginner-friendly Arctic activity with equipment included, the price is easier to justify.

Cold-weather planning near Levi

Warm clothing is essential. Wear several layers so you can adjust as your body warms from riding or cools during slower sections. Warm shoes matter just as much, since your feet can become cold while you are sitting in the saddle.

Use clothing that lets you move your arms and legs. Bulky layers can make mounting and handling the reins less comfortable. Gloves should be warm but practical enough for holding the reins.

The cold also affects your enjoyment of the photo stop. Keep a phone or camera accessible, but protect it from the cold when you are not using it. The supplied information does not specify the exact type of riding gear, so you should still arrive dressed for winter rather than assuming the provided equipment replaces your own warm clothing.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. That is a basic safety rule, but it matters more around animals and winter conditions. Children must be at least seven years old unless they already have experience on riding treks. The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would choose this for a first-time rider who wants something more active than a short scenic drive. The instruction is included, the horses are described as gentle, and the guide can adapt the speed and route to the group.

It also suits families with children old enough to meet the age rule, though parents should consider how well each child handles cold and sitting still. The one-hour option may be the better choice for a young beginner.

Couples and friends can make this a shared winter memory without splitting up into separate activities. The small group limit helps keep the outing personal, and the photo stop gives you a simple way to record it.

Experienced riders may enjoy the Icelandic horses and the chance to try the tölt. Still, you should book it for the breed, scenery, and calm guided pace rather than for a demanding ride.

I would be more cautious if you dislike cold weather, feel uneasy around horses, or want complete control over the route. The pace is not yours to set, and weather may change the plan.

Booking details to check before you go

The activity has a minimum group size of two and a maximum of six. If you are booking alone, availability may depend on another participant joining the same departure.

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour trek. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. The activity is offered in Finnish and English.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Levi plans are still moving around.

The meeting point may be Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi. Confirm the point connected with your selected option. If you use pickup, be at the pickup location 20 minutes before the activity and do not be late. The driver waits only five minutes before leaving.

Should you book the Levi horse trek?

Book it if you want a gentle, well-organized introduction to horseback riding in Lapland. The combination of calm Icelandic horses, beginner instruction, small groups, included gear, and snowy scenery makes this a strong choice for families, couples, and first-time riders.

Choose the one-hour option if you are unsure about riding or have a busy day. Pick two hours if you want the outing to feel like a real trek and hope to spend more time among the forests and open plains.

Skip it if you want a fast ride, a long independent trail, or guaranteed access to the tölt. Also think twice if you do not have proper winter clothing. The horses and scenery may be lovely, but cold feet can spoil even a well-run outing.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding activity start?

The starting location may be Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi, depending on the option booked. Check your selected option for the exact meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour trek. The total schedule also includes a safety briefing, a photo stop, and about 10 minutes of free time and shopping.

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The activity is classed as easy, and initial riding training is included before the trek.

What languages are available?

The activity is guided in Finnish and English.

How many people can join?

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

How old must children be?

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

Is there a rider weight limit?

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

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. You should also arrive at the stable 15 minutes before the start time. If you use pickup, be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins.