Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

Lapland looks different from horseback. You move through snowy forests, open plains, quiet roads, and views of the fells while riding one of the world’s most famously steady horse breeds. The highlight is the Icelandic horse’s smooth tölt, a distinctive gait that feels different from an ordinary walk.

I like the small groups of two to six people, since the guide can adjust the pace for beginners and more experienced riders. I also like that riding gear and initial instruction are included, making this an easy first step into winter riding. The main consideration is the cold. You need proper layers and warm shoes, and the ride may be shorter or slower if the weather turns rough.

Key points to know before booking

• Try the Icelandic horse’s tölt: This special four-beat gait is one of the most memorable parts of the ride.
• No riding experience is required: The guide gives an initial safety briefing and basic riding instruction before departure.
• Choose one or two hours: The longer option gives you more time in the forest and open country, while the one-hour ride suits first-timers and younger children.
• Expect a small, personal group: The minimum is two people and the maximum is six, with the route shaped by the group’s ability.
• Dress for real winter conditions: Warm clothing and warm shoes are essential, not optional extras.
• Check the limits: Riders must be at least seven years old, unless they have previous riding experience, and must weigh no more than 95 kilograms.

Riding Icelandic horses in the snowy country around Levi

This is a gentle introduction to Lapland on horseback rather than a fast-paced riding lesson. The horses take you through the forests, plains, and roads around the stable, with the surrounding fells providing the main visual reward.

Icelandic horses are known for their calm nature and extra gait, the tölt. You may have a chance to try it during the ride, depending on your ability and the guide’s judgment. For a beginner, simply learning to steer and keep a comfortable position may be enough. More experienced riders can ask about trying the tölt when conditions allow.

The route is not fixed in the way a museum visit is fixed. Your guide chooses the speed and path based on the weather and the riding ability of the group. That is good news for a mixed family group, but it also means you should not book this expecting a particular trail, speed, or amount of trotting.

The setting is the star. You get a slower view of Lapland than you would from a snowmobile or vehicle. You have time to notice the forest, the open stretches, and the broad views toward the fells. The horse’s movement also keeps you engaged, so this feels more active than a standard sightseeing outing.

The first ten minutes: safety, gear, and getting comfortable

Arrive at the stable 15 minutes before the scheduled start. This small bit of discipline matters, since the guide needs time to get everyone ready and the horses cannot wait for late arrivals.

The experience begins with initial riding training and a safety briefing of about ten minutes. You learn the basic instructions needed for the trek before heading out. Since no previous riding experience is required, the emphasis is on simple, useful guidance rather than advanced technique.

Riding equipment is provided. You still need to bring your own warm clothing and warm shoes. In Lapland, cold air can become the deciding factor in how much you enjoy an outdoor activity, especially when you are sitting still on a horse for part of the ride.

Wear several warm layers so you can adjust as needed. Protect your hands and feet carefully, and avoid arriving in ordinary city shoes. One first-time rider specifically found the experience enjoyable after receiving clear instruction, but also stressed the need to wrap up warmly and wear plenty of layers.

The guide speaks Finnish and English. The group size ranges from two to six people, which is a useful balance. You get more personal attention than on a large riding outing, while the activity still works well for families or friends booking together.

The horse ride: forest, plains, roads, and fell views

Once everyone is ready, you head out with your horse. The exact route depends on the group and weather, but the riding area includes forest paths, open plains, and roads.

For a new rider, the early part of the trek is about finding a steady rhythm. Your guide can set a suitable pace and help you manage the horse. The horses are described as gentle and reliable, and several recent bookings praised their calm behavior and good temperament.

That matters more than it might sound. A beautiful route is little help if you feel nervous in the saddle. A well-behaved horse lets you focus on the scenery and your own posture instead of worrying about every movement.

The one-hour option is a sensible choice for first-time riders, younger children, or anyone unsure about handling the cold. You still get the basic experience: instruction, the ride itself, a photo stop, and time to look around afterward.

The two-hour option makes better sense if riding is a main reason for visiting Levi. You have more time to settle in, enjoy the scenery, and possibly try the tölt. It also gives the guide more room to adapt the pace without making the activity feel rushed.

Do not read the word trek as a promise of speed. The route and pace are adjusted to the participants. A group of beginners may spend much of the time at a careful walk, while a more experienced group may have a chance to move at a livelier pace when conditions are safe.

That flexible approach is one of the activity’s strengths, though it can disappoint anyone hoping for a fast ride. Tell the provider when booking if you have a particular wish, such as a longer ride or the chance to try the tölt. The team will try to shape the experience around the group, but safety and weather come first.

Why the Icelandic horse’s tölt is worth trying

The tölt is a special gait associated with Icelandic horses. It is a four-beat movement designed to be smooth, and it gives the ride a distinct feel from an ordinary walk.

You should not assume that every rider will spend much time in the tölt. Your guide decides what is suitable, and the group’s experience level affects the speed and route. Still, even a short introduction can be a memorable part of the outing.

For an experienced rider, the tölt adds a technical point of interest. For a beginner, it is simply a chance to experience what makes this breed different. The guides will not push you into anything beyond your comfort level.

The horse itself is central to the activity. This is not a ride where the animal is just transport between photo stops. You learn basic control, move with the horse, and take in the surroundings at a pace that keeps the connection between rider and animal in view.

The five-minute photo stop and ten minutes of free time

A short photo stop is built into the outing. Five minutes is enough for quick pictures of you with the horse and the winter setting, but it is not a long photography session.

Keep your phone or camera easy to reach, but do not let it distract you from the ride. Gloves, cold fingers, and winter clothing can make photography awkward, so take advantage of the planned stop rather than trying to take pictures constantly while mounted.

Afterward, you get about ten minutes of free time for shopping. This is a brief stop, not a large shopping experience, so treat it as a chance to browse or pick up a small item rather than a major part of the excursion.

The short finish works well for families. You get a little time to relax and look around without adding another long pause after the ride. It also keeps the overall activity within the advertised one to two hours.

Getting there from Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga

There are two possible starting locations: Lapland Saga and Design Hotel Levi. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check your confirmation carefully.

A pickup service is available. If you use it, be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins. The driver waits only five minutes at the pickup point, so this is not the time to leave your hotel at the scheduled riding time.

After the activity, drop-off is available at Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga. For visitors staying near these points, the transport arrangement can make the outing easier, particularly when you are wearing bulky winter clothing or carrying riding gear.

If you travel independently to the stable, arrive 15 minutes early. That gives you enough time to find the meeting point and prepare without putting pressure on the group.

What the $111 price includes

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Levi. The value depends on how much you want the horseback experience itself.

The price includes the riding gear, initial training, guide, horse trek, and pickup service availability. You are paying for a small group, a controlled introduction to riding, and access to an activity that is difficult to arrange on your own during a winter stay.

The maximum group size of six helps justify the price. A large coach-style outing can offer a lower rate, but it cannot provide the same level of adjustment for different riding abilities. Here, the guide can keep an eye on beginners and alter the pace when needed.

The one-hour ride gives you a shorter introduction at the same per-person rate structure, while the two-hour version offers more time in the setting. If you already ride and want the activity to be a major part of your day, I would lean toward two hours. If you are testing horse riding for the first time, one hour is a reasonable way to keep the commitment manageable.

The price applies to adults and children alike. That makes the total cost important for families, especially if several people are joining. Children must be at least seven years old unless they already have experience on riding treks.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this experience to families, couples, and small groups of friends who want a calm outdoor activity in Levi. It suits people who like animals, winter scenery, and hands-on experiences more than those looking for speed or a demanding riding lesson.

First-time riders are welcome. The instruction and gentle horses make this a practical choice if you have never ridden before, provided you are comfortable following directions and sitting on a horse outdoors in cold weather.

More experienced riders can also enjoy it, but should set realistic expectations. The guide controls the pace according to the full group, so you may not get an advanced ride if others are beginners.

The activity is less suitable if you dislike cold weather, are uncomfortable around horses, or want a long, fast trek. It also cannot accommodate anyone over 95 kilograms, and children under seven cannot join unless they have previous riding experience.

The small group makes the experience easier for families with different skill levels, but everyone still needs to accept the guide’s decisions. A safe, enjoyable route matters more than giving one confident rider extra speed.

Practical details that can shape your day

The full activity lasts one to two hours, depending on the option you choose. The timing includes the safety briefing, riding, photo stop, and free time, so the actual time spent in the saddle is part of the total rather than the entire duration.

Guiding is available in Finnish and English. No alcohol or drugs are allowed, which is especially important around horses and winter conditions.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several activities around changing weather.

The most useful preparation is simple:

• Wear warm layers rather than one thick item.
• Choose warm shoes suitable for outdoor winter conditions.
• Arrive 15 minutes early if meeting at the stable.
• Be ready 20 minutes early if using pickup.
• Tell the provider about riding wishes when booking.
• Confirm the meeting point, since it can vary by booking option.

The high overall score of 4.8 from 39 ratings fits the main pattern of the experience: friendly guidance, well-behaved horses, and a scenic ride that works for beginners. The repeated warning is also clear: it can be very cold, so clothing will affect your enjoyment as much as the horse or route.

Should you book this horseback trek near Levi?

Book it if you want a small-group winter ride with calm horses, basic instruction, and real time outdoors in the forests and around the fells. It is especially appealing if you have never ridden before but still want an active way to see Lapland.

Choose the one-hour option if you are a beginner, traveling with younger children, or unsure how you will handle the cold. Choose two hours if riding is a priority and you want a better chance to settle into the horse’s rhythm and try the tölt.

I would skip it if you want a fast, advanced ride or dislike being outside in winter temperatures. For everyone else, this is a carefully paced and memorable way to meet the Lappish countryside from the saddle.

FAQ

Is previous horse riding experience required?

No. The activity is suitable for beginners, and the guide provides initial riding instruction and a safety briefing before the trek.

How long does the experience last?

You can choose a one-hour or two-hour trek. The total 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.

How old must children be?

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 weight for riders is 95 kilograms, or 209 pounds.

What should I bring?

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

Is riding equipment provided?

Yes. Riding gear is included, along with the initial training needed for the trek.

Where does the activity start?

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

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available, and you should be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins if you select that service.