Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

Winter rides in Lapland feel otherworldly. This one pairs that scenery with gentle Icelandic horses and a beginner-friendly guide-led trek. You get to explore fells and forests at an easy pace, and there’s even a chance to experience the tölt, a gait unique to the breed. The main thing to weigh is cold weather, since you really do need to dress for it.

I like that the experience is set up to match your group, not your fantasy skills. Your route and speed can change depending on experience and conditions, so first-timers are not thrown into chaos. The possible drawback is time and warmth, because if you show up underdressed, 1 to 2 hours can feel longer than it should.

For me, this is one of those Levi activities that works for families and friends because the horses do the heavy lifting, and the guides keep it safe and simple. You’ll also get small, practical extras like a short photo pause and a quick chance to shop nearby. Just remember the weight limit is 95 kg, and children need to be at least 7 years old unless they already have trek riding experience.

Key highlights to know before you go

Icelandic horses with beginner focus, including familiarization and training first
Try the tölt gait, a signature Icelandic movement that you may feel under saddle
Small group size (max 6), which helps with pacing and attention
Winter nature route, moving through forests, plains, and roads around Levi
Weather and skill-based route planning, so your ride adapts rather than forcing a one-size plan
Two starting locations, with optional pickup from Design Hotel Levi or meeting at Lapland Saga

Icelandic Horses in Levi Lapland: Why This Ride Feels Safer

Levi horse riding is often about the view, but here the bigger win is the horse choice. Icelandic horses are known for being reliable and steady. In practice, that means your biggest job is staying balanced and staying warm, not guessing what your mount will do next.

Before you head out, you get initial training for riding. That matters because winter footing and a new saddle can turn a small mistake into a bigger one. The guides give the right instructions so you know what to do with reins, posture, and basic cues, even if you have never ridden.

Then there’s the tölt. It’s not just a fun detail on paper. It’s part of why Icelandic horses are so popular for rides where you want comfort. The gait is unique, and you might get the chance to experience it during your trek depending on conditions and group level.

Most rides on snowy days can be either peaceful or stressful. This one leans peaceful because the experience is designed around a safe, personalized tempo. That personalization is also why the route and speed can vary by group skill and weather.

Choosing the Right Trek: 1 Hour vs 2 Hours

You can book either a 1 hour or a 2 hour trek. The obvious difference is time, but the smarter way to think about it is how much riding vs downtime you want.

A 1 hour option is a solid pick if you are squeezing activities into a day of winter exploring. You’ll still go through the safety briefing, ride with instruction, and get the short photo stop. It’s the kind of activity that gives you a taste of the Lapland landscape without draining your energy.

A 2 hour option is better if you want your day to feel more “out there.” More time in the saddle usually means more chances to settle in, feel the rhythm of the horse, and enjoy longer stretches of fells, forests, and quiet winter roads.

One practical thought: weather can affect pace and route. If the snow is tricky or visibility is limited, your ride might be adjusted. That’s not a bad thing. It’s how you stay comfortable and safe while still getting the Lapland experience you came for.

From Safety Briefing to Saddle Time at Lapland Saga

Your adventure starts at one of two places, either Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi. If you are meeting at Lapland Saga, you’ll spend about 10 minutes on a safety briefing. That short prep is exactly what you want in a winter environment. It helps you get confident fast and reduces the awkward stop-and-start feeling that sometimes happens on longer excursions.

After that, the core of the experience is the horseback trek. This is where you’ll move through the surrounding landscape, typically forests and plains, and sometimes roads depending on the route chosen for your group. Your guide handles the pacing, so you are not wrestling with navigation or timing.

Here’s what I think is most valuable: this is not a “figure it out” ride. No previous riding experience is required. The guides are there to instruct you, and the trek is arranged for easy participation while still giving everyone a satisfying ride.

The experience also includes a photo stop of about 5 minutes. It’s short on purpose, so you can take a few pictures without freezing your hands waiting. Bring gloves you can operate camera controls with, because cold fingers can turn photography into a hassle.

Lapland Saga Free Time and Shopping Moment

If you meet at Lapland Saga, there’s a bit of built-in downtime after the ride. You’ll get a free window of about 10 minutes for shopping. That might sound tiny, but it’s often enough to grab warm snacks, souvenirs, or small practical items you forgot to pack.

This part is useful for a couple reasons. First, it gives you a break after time outdoors in winter clothes. Second, it helps you convert the ride into a “complete stop” rather than only a saddle experience.

You also get drop-off options back to either Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga. That helps if you are combining the ride with other things in the Levi area, since you are not left stranded far from where you started.

The only thing to keep in mind is time in winter is real time. Ten minutes can vanish if you’re slow in a shop because your outer layers are thick and gloves slow you down. Go in with a simple plan, like what you actually want to buy, and you’ll feel calmer.

Gear and Warmth: Your Real Job in the Arctic

The guides provide riding gear, which takes some pressure off your packing list. But you still need to show up dressed for real cold. Warm clothing and warm shoes are specifically called out, and that’s not marketing fluff.

Think in layers. You want insulation that stays effective even when you stop moving. Horse riding in winter is not constant motion like skiing. You sit, you wait at brief moments, and you stand still during transitions. That’s when cold creeps in if your layers are too thin.

Gloves matter more than you might expect, especially during the briefing and while handling your camera at the photo stop. Warm shoes are also key because stable footing is part of the comfort of a winter ride.

Also note what is not allowed: alcohol and drugs. It’s a safety choice for a reason, since you’ll be outdoors around animals and in cold conditions.

Finally, plan your arrival. You should be at the stable 15 minutes before the start time. If you are using pickup, you’ll need to be ready 20 minutes before departure, and the driver waits 5 minutes before leaving. In winter, being a few minutes late can turn into a stressful scramble.

Price and Value at $111 per Person

At $111 per person for a 1 to 2 hour guided ride, you’re paying for more than “just” a horseback trek. You’re buying a package: riding gear, initial training, guided riding, and the horse itself.

You also get two value boosts that matter a lot on winter trips. One is the small group cap of 6 participants. When the group is smaller, guides can manage spacing, adjust pace more easily, and spend more time on basics for beginners.

The other is the beginner-first approach. A lot of adventure activities charge similarly, but still expect you to arrive with confidence. Here, you get instructions so you can participate even if you’ve never ridden before.

Is it expensive? Depending on your budget, it can be. But it’s not “cheap thrill” pricing either. It’s a guided animal experience in winter conditions, which has real operational costs: horse care, stable work, gear, staff time, and weather-dependent planning.

For families, the value can be even better if you compare it to stacking multiple paid activities. This gives you nature, wildlife-adjacent calm, and a distinct Icelandic horse feature like the tölt gait, all in one block of time.

One more value tip: check the rider maximum weight is 95 kg. If someone in your group is near the limit, this can affect who can participate, so confirm during booking.

Who This Ride Suits Best in Levi

This is a friendly choice if you want Lapland winter scenery without needing advanced riding skills. No previous riding experience is required, and the ride is described as easy with instruction from the guides.

It also makes sense for:

First-time riders who want a safe start with training
Families with children aged 7 and up (or older kids with trek experience)
Small groups of friends who want something calm, scenic, and shared
People who want to feel that Icelandic horse identity through the tölt gait

It might not be the right fit if:

You have a rider over 95 kg (209 lbs)
You have children under 7, since the minimum age is 7 unless they have previous trek experience

• You want a totally rigid route with fixed timing, since speed and route depend on weather and group level

One helpful mindset: be a little horse minded. That does not mean you need to be an expert. It just means you should pay attention when the guide gives instructions and respect the horse’s space. If you do that, the ride will feel smooth and enjoyable.

Should You Book This Levi Icelandic Horse Trek?

If you want a winter activity that’s scenic, structured, and genuinely beginner-friendly, I’d book it. The combination of gentle, reliable Icelandic horses, a short safety briefing, and personalized pacing is the heart of the experience. You’ll also like that the trek includes a chance to experience the tölt gait, not just a slow walk for the sake of it.

I’d especially book it if your group includes non-riders, because training and gear remove the usual barriers. And with a maximum group size of 6, you’re less likely to feel like you’re stuck in a big crowd.

The decision comes down to two checks. First, can everyone in your group meet the age and weight requirements? Second, can you dress properly for cold outdoor time, with warm layers and warm shoes? If yes, you’re set for a memorable Lapland ride through forests and fells, with a pace that fits your day.

FAQ

Do I need previous horse riding experience?

No. The trek is designed for beginners, and the guides provide the required instructions.

How long is the horse riding trek?

You can choose between a 1 hour or 2 hour trek.

What is included in the price?

The price per person includes initial training, riding gear, the guided horse riding trek, guiding services, and the riding experience itself. Pickup is available if you choose it.

Where do we meet for the activity?

The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked, with starting locations including Lapland Saga and Design Hotel Levi.

Is there a photo stop during the trek?

Yes. There is a photo stop lasting about 5 minutes.

Is pickup available?

Pickup service is available. If you choose pickup, you should be ready about 20 minutes before the beginning time, and the driver waits 5 minutes before departing.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. You will also receive riding gear.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children must be at least 7 years old unless they have previous experience on riding treks. The maximum rider weight is 95 kg (209 lbs).