Levi: Snowy Forest Ride and Polar Lights Tours

Lapland looks different from horseback. You move quietly beneath snow-covered trees, with a calm Finnhorse beneath you and very little noise beyond hoofbeats and winter air. This is a gentle forest outing, not a fast equestrian trek, and it suits first-time riders especially well.

I like the small groups of up to six, and I like the care taken to separate beginners from advanced riders. The friendly Finnhorses, patient instruction, and warm berry juice by the fire add real character. The main catch is the cold, plus a listed schedule that totals longer than the advertised two hours, so allow extra time and check the day’s exact timing.

Key points to know before booking

• Separate riding times: Beginners start at 8:40, advanced riders at 10:40, and a mixed group starts at 12:40.
• Calm Finnhorses: The horses are trained to work with different people and are suitable for new and experienced riders.
• Quiet forest setting: The ride focuses on snowy woodland scenery and a slow, peaceful pace.
• Small-group attention: Groups are limited to six, giving the guide room to help with reins, posture, and individual comfort.
• Warm finish: Hot berry juice and a local cookie or sweet bread are served after the ride.
• Very cold conditions are possible: One outing took place at minus 40 degrees, so use every warm layer provided.

A quiet way to see Lapland from horseback

Many people come to Levi for husky rides, reindeer visits, snowmobiles, and the northern lights. This horseback outing offers a softer change of pace. You are not racing across a frozen field. You are moving slowly through a snowy forest, where the silence is part of the experience.

That pace matters. If you are new to horses, you have time to learn how to hold the reins, guide your horse, and respond to instructions without feeling rushed. If you already ride, you can choose the advanced departure and explore at a more suitable pace.

The horses are Finnhorses, a Finnish breed known here for being steady and dependable. The animals are described as friendly, well trained, clean, and well cared for. Their different personalities also become part of the outing. Guides explain which horses are more spirited, which are quieter, and how to handle them.

Guide names that have been associated with this experience include Jenni, Yeni, Jenne, and Saaga. The names are not completely consistent, so do not worry if your guide introduces herself differently. The useful point is that the instruction is hands-on and personal rather than a quick group speech followed by a release into the forest.

Choosing the right 8:40, 10:40, or 12:40 departure

The start time is not just a scheduling detail. It determines the kind of group you will join.

The 8:40 departure is for beginners. Choose it if you have never ridden, have only sat on a horse a few times, or want the most relaxed introduction. The guide can spend more time explaining basic handling, and the horses are selected with a less experienced group in mind.

The 10:40 departure is for advanced riders. This is the better choice if you ride regularly and want to handle the horse with less basic instruction. One experienced rider was given the chance to canter after the less experienced members had returned, although you should not assume that a canter is part of every departure.

The 12:40 departure is mixed. It can work for families or friends with different levels, but the pace must suit the least experienced rider. That usually means the outing will feel more like a calm trail ride than a workout for a practiced equestrian.

Check your booking carefully. Arriving at the wrong time could place you in a group that does not match your ability or expectations. The experience provider lists English and Finnish as the tour languages.

Meeting the horses at Polar Lights Tours

Pickup is provided from central Levi at Hissitie 11. The meeting point is across from the parking lot and next to the pizza place. Look for the bus or taxi marked Polar Lights Tours.

The transfer is listed as about 15 minutes each way. One practical detail is worth knowing: the ride goes to Polar Lights Tours Oy, where the horses and the forest route are located. If you have a car, one booking account says you may be able to drive directly to the Polar Lights Tours location instead of going first to the central pickup point. Confirm this with the operator before changing the meeting plan.

On arrival, you receive a riding helmet and a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. The guide explains how to approach and handle the horse, how to use the reins, and what to do during the ride. This short lesson is important. A horse can be calm and still require clear, gentle instructions from its rider.

Warm clothing is essential. The company has provided an extra layer or insulated suit in very cold conditions, and people who accepted it were glad they did. At minus 40 degrees, ordinary city winter clothing may not be enough. Take the warm layers offered, and do not treat the helmet as your main protection from the cold.

Eighty minutes through the snowy forest

The riding portion is listed at about 80 minutes, though some descriptions put the actual ride closer to one hour. The exact length may change with the group, the weather, and the riders’ comfort.

Expect a slow trail ride through snow-covered woodland. The setting is quiet, and the forest can feel almost still. Snow on the trees creates the classic Lapland scene, but the real pleasure is the combination of scenery and silence. You get time to look around instead of concentrating only on speed or technical riding.

This is a good outing for anyone who wants a first taste of horseback riding without committing to a demanding lesson. The guide stays attentive to different abilities, and the horses are described as disciplined and easy to handle. A first-time rider can focus on learning rather than worrying about an unpredictable animal.

The ride may feel too gentle if you are an experienced rider hoping for long stretches of cantering. The advanced departure gives skilled riders a better chance to ride at their own level, but the published tour remains a forest ride, not a high-speed adventure. Even one positive account notes that the horse ride could have been longer.

The forest can also be very cold. Feet are a particular concern in winter conditions. If you become uncomfortable, tell the guide. One account describes the option of taking a shorter route because of the weather. That flexibility is useful, especially for children, older adults, and anyone unused to Arctic temperatures.

Photo time, reindeer sounds, and a warm drink

After riding, the schedule allows about 10 minutes for photographs. Use this time for pictures with the horses and the snowy surroundings rather than trying to take photos while riding. The group is small, so the stop should feel less hurried than a large organized excursion.

The area may also offer glimpses of other Lapland animals. People have seen reindeer near the forest and heard huskies from the nearby kennels. Huskies and reindeer are part of the wider Polar Lights Tours operation, but they are not the main activity here. Book this experience for the horses and the forest, not as a guaranteed animal park visit.

The final food stop is simple but welcome. You receive hot berry juice and a local cookie, also described as sweet local bread. The drink gives you a chance to warm up, while the snack adds a small Finnish touch to the ending. It is not a meal, so eat beforehand if you need something substantial.

This finish helps the tour feel like more than a riding lesson. You have time to talk with the guide, hear more about the horses, and warm up before the return transfer.

What the $147 price really buys you

At $147 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see snowy Lapland. The price makes more sense when you count the included transfer from central Levi, helmet, guide, safety instruction, horse, ride, photo stop, hot drink, and local snack.

The small group is the strongest value point. With no more than six participants, the guide can watch how each person handles the horse. That matters far more for a beginner than a souvenir or a longer list of included items.

The price is also easier to justify if you want an experience that feels quieter and more personal than the larger snowmobile or husky departures common around Levi. If your main goal is speed, long riding time, or a full meal, spend your money elsewhere. If you want a gentle forest outing with animals and scenery, the cost is reasonable for a specialized two-hour activity.

The duration needs a close look. The experience is sold as two hours, but the detailed schedule lists 15 minutes to the site, 10 minutes for safety, 80 minutes riding, 10 minutes for photos, 20 minutes for snacks, and 15 minutes back. That adds up to 150 minutes, or two and a half hours.

Some of that timing may overlap or be approximate, and the actual riding time may vary. Still, do not schedule a tight activity immediately afterward. The safe plan is to allow at least two and a half hours from the central meeting point.

Cold-weather planning for a comfortable ride

Bring warm clothing, but think in layers rather than one bulky coat. You need to stay warm while sitting still on a horse, which can feel colder than walking through town.

Pay special attention to your feet. Several winter accounts stress the cold, and one outing took place at minus 40 degrees. Take any extra suit or layer offered by the operator. You will not look fashionable in it, but fashion has little value when your fingers and toes are freezing.

Arrive at Hissitie 11 on time. The transfer is included, but missing the bus or taxi could mean missing the activity. Look for the Polar Lights Tours name on the vehicle and use the pizza place and parking lot as landmarks.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Because the experience involves mounting a horse and riding through a snowy forest, ask the provider directly about your specific mobility needs before booking. The accessibility listing is useful, but it does not explain the transfer from vehicle to horse.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Levi plans depend on weather or changing winter schedules.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this tour for:

• First-time riders who want clear instruction and a calm horse
• Families with riders of different abilities, using the mixed departure
• Couples wanting a quiet outdoor activity
• Experienced riders who select the advanced departure
• People who prefer woodland scenery to engines, speed, and noise
• Visitors who want a smaller group rather than a large coach outing

I would be more cautious if you dislike cold weather, have limited mobility without checking the details first, or want a long and energetic ride. The experience is gentle by design. That is its strength, but it is also the reason some experienced riders may find it short.

It is also worth separating this from a northern lights excursion. The title includes Polar Lights Tours, but the supplied schedule describes a snowy forest horseback ride during morning or midday departures. There is no promise of seeing the aurora. For the best chance of northern lights, book a separate evening activity.

The practical verdict

I like this horseback ride because it offers a real sense of quiet. The horses are central to the experience, not just transport, and the guides take time to explain their care and personalities. The small group, ability-based departure times, and warm drink by the fire make it especially friendly for beginners.

The drawbacks are clear: Arctic cold, a fairly slow pace, and some uncertainty about the true total duration. The $147 price also asks you to value personal attention and atmosphere rather than maximum ride time.

Book it if you want a gentle introduction to riding in a beautiful snowy forest and you are willing to dress for serious cold. Choose the beginner time for a first ride, the advanced time for more independence, and the mixed departure only when your group is comfortable sharing a slower pace. Skip it if you are seeking speed, a guaranteed aurora, or a long equestrian trek.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding tour meet in Levi?

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

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from central Levi are included. The listed transfer takes about 15 minutes each way.

How long does the activity last?

The advertised duration is two hours. The detailed schedule includes 15-minute transfers, a 10-minute safety briefing, 80 minutes of riding, a 10-minute photo stop, and 20 minutes for local snacks. These times total about two and a half hours, so allow extra time.

What time should beginners book?

The beginner group starts at 8:40.

What time should advanced riders book?

The advanced group starts at 10:40.

Is there a mixed-ability departure?

Yes. The mixed group starts at 12:40.

Are horses suitable for first-time riders?

Yes. The Finnhorses are described as friendly and reliable, and the guide gives you instruction on how to handle the horse before riding.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. A riding helmet is included.

What food and drink are included?

You receive hot juice, described as berry juice, and a local cookie. The snack is also described as local sweet bread.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide is available in English and Finnish.

How many people are in each group?

The group is limited to six participants.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact Polar Lights Tours before booking if you need details about boarding, transfers, or mounting the horse.

Can I cancel the booking?

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

Can I pay later?

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

Is seeing the northern lights guaranteed?

No northern lights viewing is specified in the activity details. The scheduled horseback rides take place at 8:40, 10:40, and 12:40.