Levi: Snowy Forest Ride and Polar Lights Tours

Lapland feels especially quiet from horseback. You move beneath snow-laden trees, hear the soft rhythm of hooves, and get a close look at the Finnhorses carrying you through the forest. This is not a fast thrill ride. It is a gentle, cold-weather outing built around scenery, animals, and calm.

I like the separate beginner and advanced groups, which keeps first-time riders from feeling rushed while giving experienced riders more freedom. I also like the small groups of up to six, since the guide can pay attention to each rider, explain the horses’ personalities, and adjust the outing when needed.

The main thing to consider is the cold. One ride took place at -40°C, and even at milder temperatures your feet and hands can chill quickly. The riding time is about 80 minutes, so this suits you if you want a memorable forest ride rather than a long equestrian trek.

Key points to know before you book

• Three skill-based start times: Beginners meet at 8:40, advanced riders at 10:40, and the mixed group at 12:40.
• Calm Finnhorses: The horses are described as friendly, disciplined, clean, and well cared for.
• A genuinely small outing: Groups are limited to six people, with room for close guidance.
• Cold-weather comfort matters: Warm clothing is essential, and extra layers or suits have been offered when conditions are severe.
• A quiet forest setting: The ride focuses on snowy woodland, not speed or dramatic stunts.
• A warm finish: Hot berry juice and a local cookie are served after the ride.

A gentle ride through Levi’s snowy forest

The appeal here is simple: you get to experience Lapland at ground level, from the back of a horse. Snow changes the feel of the forest. Sound is softened, paths look clean and pale, and the Finnhorses move at a steady pace through the trees.

You should set your expectations correctly. This is primarily a slow ride, especially for beginners. It gives you time to watch the scenery, handle the horse, and settle into the cold surroundings. If your main goal is speed, jumping, or a long canter, this may feel too restrained.

For most people, that restraint is the point. The quiet pace lets you notice the forest and enjoy the horses instead of treating the activity as a quick amusement-park ride. One experienced rider even had the option to gallop after the less experienced members of the group had returned, but that kind of flexibility depends on ability, conditions, and the guide’s judgment.

Meeting at Hissitie 11 in Levi Center

Pickup and drop-off are included from Levi Center. Meet at Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to the pizza place. Look for the bus or taxi marked Polar Lights Tours.

The drive to the horse center takes about 15 minutes. That short transfer is useful in winter, when walking in bulky clothing and boots can be awkward. Arrive on time, since missing the vehicle means missing the connection to the riding center.

If you have your own car, the riding center is listed as Polar Lights Tours on Google Maps. One practical point from the experience of past riders is that you may be able to drive directly to the horse center rather than meeting the transfer in Levi, but confirm the arrangement before booking or changing your pickup plan.

The safety briefing and meeting your Finnhorse

At Polar Lights Tours, allow about 10 minutes for the introduction and safety briefing. You are shown how to handle the horse, and beginners receive the basic instructions needed to steer and control their mount.

The Finnhorses are used to working with different people, which matters if you have never ridden before. They are described as calm, reliable, disciplined, and well behaved. Several guides also explain the individual horses’ personalities, a small touch that can make the ride feel more personal and help you understand why your horse reacts in certain ways.

Helmets are provided. Wear warm clothing underneath, and accept any extra layer offered by the staff. At severe temperatures, one rider used an additional jumpsuit, and another specifically advised taking all the boots and suits provided. This is practical advice, not fussiness. Winter riding exposes your legs and feet to cold air for a long time, and the cold can become the weakest part of an otherwise enjoyable outing.

Eighty minutes among snow-covered trees

The main ride lasts about 80 minutes. Beginners have their own group at 8:40, advanced riders start at 10:40, and the mixed group begins at 12:40. These times are important because the wrong group can affect the pace and comfort of the whole ride.

The beginner session is designed for people with little or no experience. A clear introduction, steady horses, and a slow route make it a good first attempt at riding. You still need to listen carefully and follow the guide’s instructions, but you do not need previous horse-handling skills.

The advanced group offers more room for riders who already know how to handle a horse. The available details do not promise a fast or demanding route, so do not book it expecting a full training session. It is better understood as a chance to ride at a more suitable pace through snowy woodland.

The mixed group is useful for couples, families, or friends with different abilities. Still, a mixed session may naturally move at the pace of the less experienced riders. If pace matters to you, book the group that fits your ability rather than simply choosing the most convenient time.

Why the guides make a difference

The strongest feature of this outing is the personal attention from the guides. Jenni is praised for being friendly, funny, and helpful, and for explaining the horses’ different personalities. Saaga is remembered for giving a clear introduction and sharing information about the horses. Other riders identify guides as Yeni or Nette, though spellings vary.

The pattern is consistent: you can expect a guide who stays involved, explains what to do, and watches the group closely. That matters more here than a long commentary about Lapland. A good horseback guide helps you feel safe while also making sure the horses are treated properly.

Guides have also shown flexibility. A rider’s mother was offered a gallop after the less experienced riders finished, and shorter routes have been possible when the cold became too much. These choices are not guaranteed, but they show why a small group is useful. The guide can respond to the people in front of them instead of managing a large crowd.

A photo stop and a warm snack by the fire

After the ride, there is about 10 minutes for photographs. This is a good chance to take pictures with the snowy forest and horses before moving on. In cold conditions, keep your phone protected and do not spend too long standing still. Fingers cool down fast after riding.

The final 20 minutes include hot juice and a local cookie. The drink is described as hot berry juice, served with a sweet local bread or cookie near the fire. It is a modest extra, but it works well after time outdoors. Warming up and talking about the horses gives the activity a pleasant finish rather than ending abruptly at the stable.

The horse center may also have huskies and reindeer nearby, though this horseback outing is focused on the horses. You might hear the huskies or see other animals at the center, but do not book this activity expecting a full husky or reindeer visit.

Is $147 a fair price for two hours?

At $147 per person, this is not a cheap short activity. The price makes more sense when you count the included transfer from central Levi, helmet, guide, horse, approximately 80 minutes of riding, photo time, and hot juice with a local snack.

The small group is also part of the value. With a limit of six people, the guide can give more direct help than on a large stable outing. That is especially useful for first-time riders who may need reminders about reins, posture, or pace.

Still, the ride itself is not two full hours in the saddle. The complete outing includes 15 minutes of transport each way, a 10-minute briefing, 80 minutes of riding, a photo stop, and refreshments. If you are comparing this with a longer riding tour, note that the riding portion is fairly compact.

For a once-in-a-trip Lapland experience, I think the price can be justified if you value a quiet setting, a small group, and careful instruction. If you are already booking several animal activities, snowmobile trips, and forest excursions, compare the total cost and decide if horseback riding adds something different for you. It does offer a slower, quieter view of Lapland than a motorized activity.

Who will enjoy this most?

This outing suits:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Experienced riders who prefer a small group
• Couples looking for a quiet winter activity
• Families with members at different riding levels
• People who care about animal handling and personal guidance
• Visitors who want forest scenery rather than a high-speed attraction

It may be less suitable if you dislike cold weather, have limited tolerance for sitting still outdoors, or want a long, fast ride. The horses are steady and the route is peaceful, but the conditions remain Arctic. Even a magical forest becomes less enjoyable when your feet are numb.

The activity is marked as wheelchair accessible, but the supplied details do not explain how mounting, riding, or transfer assistance is handled. If accessibility is important for your booking, ask Polar Lights Tours for the exact arrangements before paying.

Cold-weather advice that will improve the ride

Wear warm clothing in layers, with special attention to your feet, hands, and head. The tour provides helmets, but you should arrive prepared rather than relying only on equipment supplied at the stable.

Take the extra boots, suits, or layers offered by the staff. At temperatures near -40°C, ordinary winter clothing may not be enough. Avoid dressing so tightly that you cannot move your arms comfortably, since you still need to handle the reins.

Arrive at Hissitie 11 early enough to find the marked vehicle. The pickup point is central, but it can be easy to miss if you are watching traffic or standing on the wrong side of the parking area. Keep the meeting instructions available on your phone.

Choose the correct start time. Beginners should use 8:40, advanced riders should use 10:40, and the mixed group begins at 12:40. This simple choice can make the ride feel relaxed instead of awkward.

Booking flexibility and tour languages

The live guide service is available in English and Finnish. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. These policies are useful in Lapland, where weather can affect your plans and you may want to keep your schedule open.

The activity lasts two hours in total. Check the available date and start time carefully, since the riding-level schedule is fixed and availability may vary.

Transport receives a high satisfaction score overall, although one past account raised a safety concern about a driver using a phone and reading paperwork while driving. That appears to be an isolated complaint among otherwise strong transport feedback, but it is fair to mention when weighing the experience. The horse center and guide service receive much warmer praise than the transfer itself.

Should you book the snowy forest ride?

I would book this if you want a quiet, personal introduction to horseback riding in Lapland. The calm Finnhorses, small groups, attentive guides, snowy woodland, and hot berry juice make it feel more thoughtful than a quick ride arranged for a large crowd.

Book with realistic expectations. The route is generally slow, the riding time is about 80 minutes, and the cold can be severe. Pick the correct ability group, wear every warm layer you have, and treat the experience as a peaceful forest outing rather than an adrenaline activity.

For a first-time rider, this is one of the better formats: careful briefing, reliable horses, a small group, and a guide who can adapt. For a skilled rider, choose the advanced departure and ask what pace is planned. If that matches what you want, $147 is a reasonable price for a well-supported winter experience near Levi.

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.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from Levi Center are included, and the transfer takes about 15 minutes each way.

How long does the activity last?

The complete experience lasts two hours.

How long is the actual horseback ride?

The horseback riding portion lasts about 80 minutes.

What time should beginners arrive?

The beginner group starts at 8:40.

What time does the advanced group start?

The advanced group starts at 10:40.

Is there a mixed-ability group?

Yes. The mixed group starts at 12:40.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Riding helmets are included.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing. Extra layers, boots, or suits may be offered in very cold conditions.

What food and drink are included?

The tour includes hot juice and a local cookie. The snack may also be described as local sweet bread.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Live guides are available in English and Finnish.

How many people are in a group?

The tour is limited to six participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The activity offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.