Levi: Snowy Forest Ride and Polar Lights Tours

A snowy forest ride in Lapland hits different. This one is built around calm Finnhorses and a quiet, arctic feeling you can actually hear.

I like that you’re not thrown into the deep end. You get a short safety setup, helmet included, and there’s a dedicated beginner group plus a separate advanced group. I also love the small-group vibe, limited to 6 riders, so your guide can watch you closely instead of rushing everyone through.

One thing to think about: the total time on horseback is about 80 minutes, so if you’re craving a long, nonstop ride, this may feel a bit short. And yes, it can be brutally cold, so plan to dress like you mean it.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Two rider levels, real separation: beginners and advanced riders start at different times.
• Finnhorses are the star: friendly, reliable, and used to working with new riders.
• 80 minutes in the snowy forest: enough time to settle in, not so long that you freeze.
• Small groups up to 6: more attention, more calm, more control.
• Warm-up snacks at the end: hot juice plus local cookie keeps the experience comfortable.
• Guides who tailor the ride: you may get options like an extra push in speed for more confident riders.

Entering Lapland on Finnhorses, not by bus window

This tour is a simple idea done well: you swap Lapland sightseeing by car for a slow ride through snow-covered woods. The “silent” part is real, at least in the sense that you’re moving gently and the forest takes over the soundscape. When the horses walk, the whole area feels quieter and more focused than the busier parts of Levi.

I also like the way it balances comfort and authenticity. You’re outside long enough to feel the arctic air, but not so long that it turns into a survival test. And because you’re on a horse, the snowy trails feel personal, not like a photo stop you sprint through.

The Finnhorses are the reason this works for almost everyone. They’re described as calm and reliable, and riders repeatedly highlight how well they behave for first-timers and experienced riders alike. That matters, because the best “Lapland horse ride” is the one where you can relax into it.

Choosing the right start time: beginners, advanced, and mixed groups

The biggest practical win here is that the tour uses level-based groups. Beginners start at 8:40, advanced riders start at 10:40, and a mixed group starts at 12:40. That helps because guides can pace the training and route for the skill level in the room, instead of trying to teach every skill at once.

If you’re new to riding, you’ll appreciate the beginner group setup. You get the basics you need to feel steady with the horse, plus time to get comfortable before you’re led deeper into the snowy forest.

If you’re already comfortable in the saddle, the advanced group is where you’ll likely feel less “stopping and starting.” In one example, a guide offered a gallop option to a rider’s mum after the less experienced riders returned, which tells you they do adjust what’s possible based on group ability.

For planning: check the start time before you book everything else that day. This is the kind of activity that is easy to miss if you’re late, because the ride time is fixed and the transfers are scheduled.

How the transfer works from Levi Center, and why it matters

You’ll meet at Levi Center, Hissitie 11. It’s across from the parking lot and next to the pizza place, and you should look for a bus or taxi with Polar Lights Tours written on it.

The transfer itself is short, about 15 minutes each way. That’s a good length, because it’s enough to get you to the riding area without turning the outing into a travel day.

In real terms, the included pickup and drop-off are part of the value. You don’t need a rental car, you don’t need to hunt for the riding location after dark, and you avoid the stress of trying to park in winter conditions. One rider even noted it can be simpler to take the bus drop-off point if you do have a car, because the company still handles the shuttling from the meeting area.

Also, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is worth noting if mobility is a factor for you.

Safety briefing and helmets: the calm before the snow magic

Before you mount up, you’ll get a safety briefing for about 10 minutes. This isn’t just rules on paper. Guides explain how to handle the horse, and that’s what turns horseback riding in snow from intimidating into manageable.

Helmets are provided, and that’s a clear plus for new riders. Even if you’re comfortable with horses, winter conditions make footing and balance feel different, so proper gear helps you focus on the moment instead of worrying about risk.

What I like most is that the horses are described as used to working with different people. That doesn’t mean you should be passive, but it does mean you’re not dealing with wild energy. Riders repeatedly describe the horses as well cared for, clean, and clearly treated well, and that calm shows up in how the tour feels.

Guides also seem to make a point of being attentive. In the feedback, names like Jenne and Yeni come up as friendly and thorough, and Nette is mentioned for helpful, clear explanations. You can expect a guide who explains what you need to do, then stays alert while the group settles into the ride.

The 80-minute snowy forest ride: slow pace, big payoff

The core of the experience is an 80-minute horseback ride through Lapland’s snowy forest. This is not a theme park trot. It’s a paced trek where your horse leads you along quiet, arctic-feeling routes.

The “silent forest” idea shows up here because you’re moving at a human pace, close to the snow and trees. That’s why it feels magical, especially when weather cooperates and visibility is crisp. Several riders describe the scenery as stunning, with the forest atmosphere making the ride feel more like an event than an activity.

The horses are Finnhorses, and they’re highlighted as calm and reliable. For beginner riders, that reliability is what lets you enjoy the forest instead of constantly checking if the horse is going to spook. For more experienced riders, the fact that the horses still have personality, and can do different gaits when appropriate, keeps it from feeling boring.

You should also plan for temperature. One rider reported conditions as low as -40°, and they mentioned receiving extra warmth gear, including an extra layer jumpsuit on arrival. Even if your day is not that extreme, winter in Levi is winter in Levi. Layer up early, and do not count on staying comfortable just because you’re moving.

How the pace works for different riders

The tour is designed so beginners don’t get overwhelmed and advanced riders aren’t trapped in ultra-slow steps the whole time. That’s why the level split matters so much. You’ll likely follow the route at a pace suited to the group, then adjust from there when the guide has a better feel for rider comfort.

If you’re hoping for a gallop moment, the best odds come when your group includes confident riders. In one account, a guide offered an option after the less experienced members returned, which suggests you should ask the guide what’s possible once everyone is settled.

Photo stop plus local snacks: a warm ending that feels well timed

After the ride, you get a short photo stop for about 10 minutes. This gives you a chance to capture the snowy forest without dragging the group into “let’s take 40 photos” mode.

Then you warm up with local snacks for about 20 minutes. The included treat is hot juice and a local cookie, served as you sit and reset. I love this part because it turns the day from cold-and-focused into something social. You can warm hands, sip something hot, and chat with your guide about what you’re seeing and how the horses work.

In multiple accounts, riders describe the end snack as a “lovely touch,” especially by the fire area. It’s also a good practical buffer. By the time you’re sitting down, you’re usually ready for it.

Price and value: what $147 buys you in real life

At about $147 per person for a 2-hour outing, this is not a cheap impulse buy. But the value is pretty clear when you break down what’s included and what the experience delivers.

You’re paying for:

• Pickup and drop-off from Levi Center
• Helmet and guided handling
• A small group limited to 6 riders
• A real horseback segment, 80 minutes, not a token trail
• Hot drinks and a local snack at the end

The small-group cap matters. When you’re bundled with 12 or 20 people, horse handling becomes more rigid and less personal. Here, riders highlight how intimate the group feels, and how guides can be attentive. That attention can be the difference between a ride you remember fondly and one where you spend half the time worried.

The guide quality also shows up in the details people mention: clear safety explanations, humor, and adapting to rider ability. Names like Jenni, Saaga, and Jenne appear in the feedback, and they’re described as attentive, friendly, and passionate about the horses.

If you’re the type who values comfort in winter and hates scrambling to figure out logistics, this pricing makes more sense. You’re not just buying access to horses, you’re buying a smooth, guided experience with warm-up time built in.

Who this is best for, and who should rethink it

This tour is a great fit if you want Lapland to feel personal. You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• Are riding for the first time and want a dedicated beginner group
• Want calm horses that help you feel safe in snow
• Prefer a small group with strong guide attention
• Like the idea of a quiet forest moment, not a rushed checklist

It may not be the best fit if you’re expecting a long, multi-hour ride or a fast-paced adventure. The ride time is substantial, but it’s still only 80 minutes on horseback. One rider even noted the ride could be a little longer, while still appreciating the experience.

Also, if you’re extremely sensitive to cold, you should treat warm clothing as non-negotiable. The tour provides helmets, and riders report extra warmth gear on very cold days, but you still need to dress correctly from the start.

Finally, if you’re doing a full day of multiple winter activities, you might want to choose your schedule carefully. This one works best when you give it room to breathe, so you can enjoy the forest instead of racing from one thing to the next.

Should you book Levi: Snowy Forest Ride and Polar Lights Tours?

I think you should book it if you want a short, well-run slice of Lapland on horseback, with calm horses and a guide who helps you feel confident. The mix of level-based groups, small-group size, helmet support, and a warm end snack makes this feel like more than a casual winter tour.

Skip it or at least adjust expectations if you want hours of riding. Think of it as a guided forest experience, about 2 hours total, where the “wow” comes from the quiet snowy trail and the horse doing the steady work for you.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my simple decision rule: if you can dress for cold and you want a memorable, guided horse moment over a long ride, this one is a solid choice. If you’re hunting for speed and duration, look for something longer.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding portion?

The total tour duration is about 2 hours, with around 80 minutes spent on the horse ride itself.

What start time should I choose if I’m a beginner?

Beginner riders start at 8:40. Advanced riders have a different start time, and there is also a mixed group start at 12:40.

Do I need prior experience to ride a Finnhorse?

No prior experience is necessary. There is a dedicated beginner group, and the horses are described as friendly and reliable for riders with different experience levels.

What’s included with the tour?

Pickup and drop-off from the Levi center, a helmet, and hot juice plus a local cookie are included.

Where do I meet the tour?

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

What should I wear in winter?

Wear warm clothing. Dress for cold conditions because you’ll be outside during the ride and waiting between stops.