Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

Quiet hooves in Arctic snow beat crowds. This Saariselkä Arctic Trail Horse Riding tour turns winter Lapland into something you can feel, not just photograph, thanks to calm Finnish horses and a slow, forest-focused ride. I also really like that you get real time on your own horse, not a quick pet-and-posing moment. One watch-out is getting there, since transfers are not included and the farm sits 25 minutes from Saariselkä (and about 40 from Ivalo).

At Polaris Point Horses, you get a helmet, a short riding introduction, then you’re guided out in a neat line with a professional local guide. With the group capped at 4 people, you won’t feel shuffled or crowded, and your guide can check in on how you’re doing.

After the ride, you warm up back at the farm with hot drinks and refreshments indoors. It’s a relaxed 2-hour block overall, but you’ll still want to dress properly for cold standing, mounting, and waiting in winter light.

Key points that make this tour worth your time

• Small group of up to 4 means less waiting and more personal help
• At least 60 minutes in the forest on your own horse, not just a short loop
• Relaxed, slow-paced trail riding with steady horses and a calm vibe
• Guide-led animal and nature spotting, including tracks in deep snow
• Hot drinks and refreshments indoors after you come in from the cold

Arriving at Polaris Point Horses, and the quick riding setup

Your experience starts at Polaris Point Horses farm, where you check in. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can get your helmet sorted and meet the staff without rushing. Once you’re ready, you’ll get an introduction on how to ride these steady Finnish horses, including what to do and what to avoid on the trail.

This is one of the smartest parts of the tour. Winter horseback riding can feel intimidating if you picture chaos, but this setup aims for comfort. You’re not being thrown onto a wild animal and hoped-for-the-best. You’ll be taught how to handle your horse safely before you head into the woods.

Language is listed as English and Finnish, so if you’re an English speaker you should be fine. And because the ride is designed to be relaxing, the training stays practical, not technical.

Your Finnish horse, your pace: calm riding for beginners

This ride is specifically set up for riders who don’t have previous experience. The horses are steady, and the pace stays slow and quiet. That matters in Lapland, because the real “event” is the nature and the feeling of moving through it, not speed or big maneuvers.

You ride your own horse, and you’ll be guided by a professional local guide. You’ll also ride in a line with other group members, which keeps things organized and helps your horse stay relaxed. The trail is described as small, forest paths with no rush and no traffic, so your brain can actually slow down.

One thing I’d keep in mind: even with calm horses, you’re still responsible for your own seat and comfort. If you’re comfortable following simple directions and staying aware, this tour fits you well. If you want a high-adrenaline ride, you might find the pace too gentle.

What the snow-forest trail feels like in the Arctic

Once you’re out, the tour leans hard into serenity. You’re taken into the woods on smaller trails, breathing clean air and watching winter unfold at human speed. The rhythm is simple: the hooves step, the guide sets the line, and the landscape goes quiet around you.

In deep snow, the ride can feel surprisingly intimate. You may notice tracks in the snow along the way, and your guide can point out signs you might miss on your own. That turns the forest from background scenery into a real place you’re learning to read.

The most important benefit here is how your senses come forward. Cold air sounds sharper, your coat does its job, and the quiet makes every movement feel deliberate. You’re not trying to “cover ground,” you’re letting the forest come to you.

And because the ride is designed to be relaxing, the tour doesn’t push you into constant activity. It’s a slow trail ride, which is exactly what you want in winter when everyone is already doing enough thinking about warmth.

Maria’s kind coaching and forest talk that actually helps

A standout pattern in the experience is the guiding. Maria is repeatedly mentioned for being passionate and for giving helpful explanations. She doesn’t just narrate the obvious. She talks about the forest and the animals, and she also explains horse behavior so you understand what you’re seeing.

One review theme is that she pays special attention to newer riders. That matters because first-time riders often worry about basic things like where to put your hands, how to sit, or what to do if your horse reacts to something on the trail. A guide who checks in lets you relax faster, and it keeps the line moving smoothly.

You can also expect practical horse knowledge, including how the horses relate to each other. One person specifically noted that the guide could explain the pecking order, which might sound like horse trivia, but it actually helps you predict their behavior when you’re standing near them and when you’re riding.

This is a small-group experience, too, limited to 4 participants. Less crowd means more time for questions, and it helps the guide keep an eye on everyone without turning it into a classroom.

The warm finish at the farm: drinks, refreshments, and unwind time

When the ride ends, you return to the farm and warm up indoors. Hot drinks and refreshments are included, which is a big deal in Arctic conditions. You’ll likely appreciate the indoor reset because winter horseback riding is not just cold, it also involves holding still, sitting for time, and dealing with wind.

This is also the moment to reflect. The tour is described as quiet and relaxing, and the end at Polaris Point keeps that vibe going. You’re not rushing back into your day immediately, which helps you actually process what you just did.

If you want to get the most out of it, ask your guide what to look for next in the area. Even with a short ride, you can get better at reading tracks, seeing animal signs, and understanding why horses behave the way they do in snow-covered forests.

Price and value: why $170 can make sense here

At $170 per person for about a 2-hour block, this tour isn’t cheap. But the value is in the details: you get a helmet, a riding introduction, at least 60 minutes riding in the forest on your own horse, and a professional local guide. Then you add hot drinks and refreshments at the end.

If you compare that to short “photo rides” that barely get you off the yard, this one gives meaningful time outside. Winter riding is also labor-heavy for the provider: trained horses, winter gear, stable management, and a guide who can keep everyone safe on snow trails. The small group size helps you feel that attention instead of sharing it with a crowd.

Two costs to watch, though. Transfers are not included, and outdoor clothing is not included. That means your real trip cost can rise if you need a taxi and if you don’t already have winter-ready gear.

Timing and logistics: taxis matter more than you think

Transfers are not included, so you’ll need to handle getting to and from Polaris Point Horses. The farm is listed as about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and about 40 minutes from Ivalo. In winter, that’s not just distance, it’s also time and road conditions.

Booking a taxi in advance is a wise move. One rider noted a cost of around €90 each way from Holiday Club Saariselkä. Even if your exact number differs, the message is consistent: plan transportation early so you’re not stuck trying to solve logistics at the worst possible moment.

Also, because the ride itself is about 2 hours total, you’ll want to line up your day around that block. You don’t want to schedule a tight dinner right after unless your transportation is already locked in.

Clothing and shoe rules that can save your comfort

This is winter riding, so clothing is not a footnote. You’re told to wear suitable outdoor clothing for the weather, and you’ll also find strict limits on what your boots and hats can be.

• No moonboots or other very large shoes
• Big hats are not a good idea because they need to fit under the helmet
• Regular winter walking shoes are recommended
• A small cap or scarf to cover your head is recommended

Those rules matter because the helmet fit needs to be secure, and very bulky shoes can be awkward in the stirrups. The practical move is to wear something that you could walk in comfortably on snow, then layer up so you stay warm while you sit and wait.

If you’re missing gear, consider sorting it before you go. Outdoor clothing is not included, so borrowing at the last minute often leads to cold rides and grumpy ends.

Who should book this Arctic Trail ride, and who might skip it

This tour fits best if you want a peaceful winter experience, you like animals, and you want an active way to see Lapland without stress. It’s also ideal for first-timers since the ride is relaxing and doesn’t require prior riding experience.

It may not be the right choice if you’re dealing with mobility or comfort constraints, because you’ll be mounting and sitting on horseback in winter conditions. It’s also not suitable for:

• Children under 12 years
• Pregnant women
• People over 254 lbs (115 kg)

If you fall into those categories, you should choose another winter activity that better matches your needs.

Should you book the Saariselkä Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

Yes, if your goal is calm, guided winter horseback riding with real time on the horse and a low-stress atmosphere. The small group of 4, the steady Finnish horses, and the fact that you ride for at least 60 minutes in the forest make this a strong value for the experience you’re actually getting.

I’d book it soon if you want your preferred time slot, since the duration is listed as 2 hours and starting times depend on availability. And I’d plan your transport first, especially if you’re staying in Saariselkä or nearer to Holiday Club, since taxi rides can add up.

Skip it if you’re chasing adrenaline or if you’re not set on winter riding logistics and proper clothing. But if you want quiet snow, a knowledgeable guide like Maria, and the kind of nature time that feels personal, this tour is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour in Saariselkä?

The total duration is listed as 2 hours.

How much time do I actually ride in the forest?

You’ll have at least 60 minutes riding in the forest on your own horse.

Is prior riding experience required?

No previous riding experience is required. You’ll get a detailed introduction and guidance on how to ride these steady horses.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are a helmet for the ride, a detailed riding introduction, at least 60 minutes riding in the forest, hot drinks and refreshments, and the services of a professional local guide.

Do I need to bring my own clothing and shoes?

You should bring outdoor clothing. The tour also notes recommendations like regular winter walking shoes and a small cap or scarf. Outdoor clothing is not included.

What are the meeting instructions?

You check in for the experience at the Polaris Point Horses farm.

Are transfers included from Saariselkä or Ivalo?

No. Transfer to the location and back is not included. The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and about 40 minutes from Ivalo by car.

Is there a weight limit or age limit?

Yes. The tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, and people over 254 lbs (115 kg).

What languages will the guide speak?

The live tour guide is listed as English and Finnish.

Are alcohol or drugs allowed during the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.