Levi: Snowy Forest Ride and Polar Lights Tours

Lapland looks different from horseback. Snow softens the forest, the horses move at an easy pace, and the usual engine noise is replaced by hoofbeats and cold air. This small-group Finnhorse ride gives you a quieter side of Levi than a snowmobile outing.

I like the clear split between beginner and advanced groups, and I like the calm, well-trained horses. The guide-led format also works well for families and first-time riders. The main consideration is time: the riding itself is listed as about 80 minutes, so experienced riders seeking a long or fast ride may find the outing modest.

Key points at a glance

• Calm Finnhorses: Reliable horses make the ride approachable for beginners while still giving experienced riders a chance to enjoy the forest.
• Separate riding levels: Beginners start at 8:40, advanced riders at 10:40, and a mixed group at 12:40.
• Very small groups: The maximum is six people, with some departures feeling almost private when fewer places are booked.
• Cold-weather preparation: Helmets are supplied, and extra layers or suits may be available on especially cold days.
• Fire-side refreshments: Hot berry juice and a local cookie or sweet bread provide a pleasant warm-up after the ride.
• Convenient Levi pickup: Meet at Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and beside the pizza place, for the Polar Lights Tours vehicle.

A quiet way to see Levi in winter

Horseback riding is not the first activity many people associate with Finnish Lapland. Huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles, and northern lights trips usually get top billing. That is exactly why this outing can be a good change of pace. You are not rushing between viewpoints or holding on behind a motor. You are moving slowly through a snowy forest with a horse beneath you.

The Finnhorses are described as friendly and reliable, and the staff use them with people of different ability levels. That matters. A nervous first-time rider needs a horse that responds predictably, while a more confident rider wants enough energy and personality to make the ride interesting. The horses are also described as clean, well cared for, and full of individual character.

You should not expect a long canter through open country. This is mainly a controlled forest ride, with a pace suited to mixed winter conditions and beginners. Some experienced riders have been offered the chance to go faster after less experienced riders returned, but that depends on the guide, the group, and the conditions.

Picking the right start time

The departure times are arranged by ability:

• 8:40: Beginners
• 10:40: Advanced riders
• 12:40: Mixed group

This is one of the most useful details to understand before booking. If you have never ridden before, choose the beginner departure rather than assuming you can join any group. You will have more time for basic instructions, and the guide can keep the pace comfortable for everyone.

The advanced departure is for riders who already know how to handle a horse. It may offer a little more freedom, but this is still a winter forest outing, not a competition ride. The mixed departure can work for couples or families with different levels, though the pace will naturally need to suit the least experienced rider.

Winter daylight changes quickly in Lapland. The earlier departures give you a brighter forest setting, while the 12:40 trip may feel more subdued depending on the season. The experience is promoted alongside polar lights activities, but this two-hour ride should not be treated as an aurora viewing tour. The main event is the horse ride in the snow.

From Hissitie 11 to the horse farm

Pickup and drop-off are included from central Levi. The meeting point is Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to the pizza place. Look for a bus or taxi marked Polar Lights Tours.

The transfer takes about 15 minutes each way. That short ride is useful if you are staying in Levi center and do not have a car. One practical detail is worth noting: if you are driving, the riding location is listed as Polar Lights Tours on Google Maps, and one rider found it simpler to drive directly there rather than go into town only to take the transfer.

Arrive on time. The vehicle is scheduled around the group departure, and missing the pickup could mean missing the ride itself. The pickup point is central, but it is still worth checking the exact location before setting out, especially if snow or darkness makes familiar streets harder to recognize.

Safety briefing with clear, simple instruction

Once you arrive, allow about 10 minutes for the safety briefing. The guide explains how to handle the horse, how to ride safely, and what to expect on the trail. Helmets are provided.

This introduction is especially important if you have never ridden. The horses are described as disciplined and steady, but a calm animal still needs calm handling. You will want to understand how to hold the reins, how to guide your horse, and how to respond when the group stops or starts.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Jenni is praised for explaining the different horse personalities and helping riders with whatever they needed to learn. Another guide, described as Nette in one account, was noted for a thorough safety talk and a good sense of humor. Names appear with different spellings, including Jenne and Yeni, so your guide may be someone else.

The useful point is not the name. It is the hands-on style. The guide stays attentive, adjusts to different riding abilities, and knows the horses well. That personal care is more valuable here than a long speech about local culture.

Riding for about 80 minutes through the snowy woods

The ride itself is scheduled for about 80 minutes. That is enough time to settle into the saddle, learn the rhythm of the horse, and enjoy the forest without turning the outing into an endurance test.

The setting is the star. Snow-covered trees create a quiet, enclosed route, and the slow pace lets you notice details you would miss from a vehicle. You may hear huskies nearby, and one ride included the sight of reindeer in the surrounding area. Those animals are part of the wider Polar Lights Tours setting, not a guaranteed feature of every horseback route, but they add to the northern farm atmosphere.

The horses are reported to be gentle and well behaved. That makes the ride suitable for people who want to try horseback riding without committing to a full day in the saddle. It is also a good choice for a parent booking a special outing with a child, provided the child can follow the guide’s instructions and meet the operator’s requirements.

The ride can feel slow. That is a virtue if you want peace and scenery, but a drawback if you are looking for speed. One experienced rider thought the route could have been longer, while still finding it worthwhile as an introduction. I would make the same distinction: this is a scenic winter activity with horses, not a serious equestrian trail session.

Cold is the other real issue. Temperatures reached minus 40 degrees Celsius on one outing, and riders were grateful for extra clothing supplied on arrival. Even at less extreme temperatures, sitting still on a horse can make your feet and hands cold. Wear warm clothing, accept any extra suit or layer offered, and pay special attention to boots and socks.

A short photo stop with real value

The schedule includes about 10 minutes for photographs. That may sound brief, but it is useful because taking pictures while riding is awkward and can distract you from handling the horse.

A planned stop gives you time to photograph the horses, the snowy trees, and your group without trying to manage reins and a phone at the same time. Keep your camera or phone secure and easy to reach, since bulky winter gloves make handling small devices difficult.

This is also the natural point to ask the guide for a group photo. The guides are attentive, and the small group size makes it easier to get everyone into the frame. Do not expect a long photography session, though. Ten minutes passes quickly, especially when the cold is biting.

Berry juice and local treats by the fire

After the ride, you receive hot juice and a local cookie or sweet bread. Berry juice is a familiar Finnish winter comfort, and it tastes especially welcome after time outdoors. The warm drink is more than a snack. It gives you a chance to thaw your fingers, talk with the guide, and enjoy the farm setting before the return transfer.

The refreshments are simple, not a meal. If you need substantial food, eat before the activity or plan a meal in Levi afterward. Still, this ending gives the tour a friendly shape. You do not simply get off the horse and leave. There is a short period to warm up and finish the experience at an easier pace.

The total listed price is $147 per person. For that amount, you receive the transfer from central Levi, the guide, helmet, horse ride, photo stop, and hot refreshment. The price makes the most sense if you value the small group and the care given to beginners. A larger group or a short, crowded pony ride would be harder to justify at this level.

One timing detail deserves attention. The advertised duration is two hours, but the listed segments add up to about 150 minutes: 15 minutes to reach the site, 10 minutes for the briefing, 80 minutes riding, 10 minutes for photographs, 20 minutes for snacks, and 15 minutes back to Levi. The exact schedule may be rounded differently, so confirm the total timing when booking if you have another activity afterward.

How the small group changes the experience

The group limit is six people. That is a strong advantage for horseback riding, where a guide needs to watch each rider and horse. A small group also means less waiting at the mounting area and fewer interruptions on the trail.

When only two or four people book, the outing can feel nearly private. That allows the guide to spend more time helping an uncertain rider or answering questions about the horses. One particularly thoughtful touch was giving a more confident rider the option to have a short faster section after the less experienced members finished.

Of course, you should not count on having the forest to yourself. A full group of six is still small, but it may feel less personal than a private ride. The mixed departure can also bring together people with different expectations. Choose the ability-specific time if the riding level matters to you.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the information provided does not explain the details of mounting, transfers, or trail access. If you use a wheelchair, contact Polar Lights Tours before booking so the practical arrangements are clear.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want clear instruction and a steady horse
• Families seeking a quieter activity than snowmobiles or husky rides
• Couples looking for a scenic outdoor experience with a warm drink afterward
• Experienced riders who are happy with a controlled winter trail ride
• Anyone who prefers small groups and direct contact with the guide

You may want something else if you want several hours in the saddle, sustained cantering, or a demanding equestrian route. The main pleasure here is the setting, the horses, and the calm rhythm. It is also not the right choice if you dislike cold or are unwilling to wear several warm layers.

The ride pairs well with other Levi activities because it is relatively short. You could fit it into a day that also includes a meal, a village visit, or another planned outing. Just leave enough time between activities, since the actual schedule may run longer than the simple two-hour label suggests.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Those terms are useful in Lapland, where weather and changing plans can affect your schedule.

English and Finnish are available. Warm clothing is the only stated item to bring, but take that instruction seriously. The cold can be severe, and riders have found extra suits and layers helpful. Wear your warmest practical clothes and protect your feet well.

The transport receives a perfect score from 89 percent of people who rated it, and the overall experience rating is 4.9 from 182 ratings. The repeated strengths are consistent: friendly guides, gentle horses, snowy scenery, and careful attention to first-time riders. The main cautions are also clear: the ride is fairly slow, the riding portion may feel short to advanced equestrians, and the cold can be intense.

Should you book the Levi horseback ride?

Book it if you want a peaceful, personal introduction to horseback riding in Lapland. The calm Finnhorses, separate beginner group, small capacity, and warm refreshment make this a well-shaped activity for first-timers.

Think twice if your idea of horseback riding means a long route or frequent fast work. At $147, the value depends on appreciating the full package: transport, instruction, a cared-for horse, snowy forest scenery, and a warm finish. Choose the 8:40 beginner time for the gentlest introduction, 10:40 for experienced riders, or 12:40 if your group has mixed ability.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Levi?

Meet at Hissitie 11 in Levi Center, across from the parking lot and next to the pizza place. Look for the bus or taxi marked Polar Lights Tours.

Are transfers included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from central Levi are included, with the transfer taking about 15 minutes each way.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners have their own departure at 8:40, and the guide provides instruction on handling the horse. The Finnhorses are described as calm and reliable.

What time is the advanced riding group?

The advanced group starts at 10:40. A mixed-ability group starts at 12:40.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes central Levi transfers, a riding helmet, the guided horse ride, a photo stop, hot juice, and a local cookie or sweet bread.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing. Very cold conditions are possible, and riders have found extra layers or suits useful.