Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

Icelandic horses are the stars here. Their gentle nature makes this a good first riding experience, while their special tölt gives you a taste of something beyond an ordinary trail ride. I like the chance to see Lapland’s forests and fells from horseback, and I like that the guide adjusts the route and speed to suit the group.

The main catch is the cold. You will be outside for up to two hours, and the slow pace may feel too tame for experienced riders hoping for a fast ride. Still, with warm clothes, sensible expectations, and a willingness to let the horse set the mood, this is a friendly and scenic outing.

At a glance

• Ride Icelandic horses: Try the breed’s smooth tölt, a distinctive gait not found in most horses.
• Beginner-friendly: Initial training is included, and no previous riding experience is required.
• Small groups: The outing is limited to 6 people, with a minimum of 2.
• Choose your time: Pick a 1-hour or 2-hour trek, depending on your schedule and appetite for cold.
• Winter-ready setup: Riding gear is provided, but you still need warm clothing and shoes.
• Simple access from Levi: Meet at Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi, with pickup available.

Why Icelandic horses suit a Lapland ride

Icelandic horses are compact, sure-footed, and known for calm temperaments. Those qualities matter when you are riding in winter conditions and trying to take in the scenery at the same time. You are not expected to arrive with riding skills. The staff gives you basic instruction before setting off, then keeps the route and speed within the group’s ability.

The special feature is the tölt. This is a smooth, four-beat gait unique to Icelandic horses. You may get to try it during the trek, but the exact speed depends on the experience of the riders and the day’s weather. Beginners should not expect a long, fast gallop. The value is in learning how the horse moves and enjoying a steady ride through the snowy setting.

The horses’ temperament receives repeated praise in the feedback. Katie from the United Kingdom described the horses as having a lovely temperament, while another participant from the United States highlighted how well behaved they were. That is useful information for nervous beginners. A calm horse can make the difference between spending the ride worrying about reins and spending it looking at the scenery.

Starting at Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi

You have two starting point options: Lapland Saga and Design Hotel Levi. The exact meeting point depends on the option you book, so check that detail before leaving your accommodation. If you use the pickup service, be ready 20 minutes before the activity begins. The driver waits only five minutes at the pickup point.

If you make your own way to the stable, arrive 15 minutes early. That small buffer matters. The group needs time to get organized, put on the supplied riding gear, and receive its instructions. Arriving late could delay everyone or leave you trying to catch up with the safety briefing.

The activity is guided in Finnish and English. The group size ranges from 2 to 6 people, which keeps the outing fairly personal. A small group also makes it easier for the guide to notice if a beginner needs help with posture, reins, or confidence.

The 10-minute safety briefing

The first formal part takes about 10 minutes. You receive initial training before mounting or setting off, and the guide explains what you need to know for the trek. Since no previous riding experience is required, this is not a quick formality aimed only at experienced riders.

Pay attention to how to control your horse, how to follow the group, and what to do if you feel unsure. The route and pace are adjusted to the people taking part, so be honest about your experience. Someone who has never ridden before should say so clearly. Someone with more riding experience can also explain what they hope to do, though the guide still has the final say based on safety and conditions.

Children can join from age 7, unless they already have previous experience on riding treks. The price is the same for adults and children, so a family should factor that into the total cost. The 95 kg maximum rider weight is firm, and the activity is not suitable for anyone above that limit.

Riding through forests, plains, and roads

Once the briefing is over, you head out on horseback. The trek passes through forests, open plains, and roads around the stable, with views toward the surrounding fells and winter scenery. The exact route is not fixed for every group. Weather and riding ability determine how far you go and how quickly you travel.

That flexible approach is good for a mixed group. A family with first-time riders can have a calm outing without feeling pressured by a stronger rider’s pace. An experienced rider should understand that the trip may stay gentle if others are new to horses.

The 1-hour version works well if you want to add horse riding to a packed Levi day. It gives you the main experience without taking over your schedule. The 2-hour option gives you more time to settle into the saddle, watch the scenery change, and try the tölt if conditions and ability allow. It also means more time in the cold, so the longer trek is not automatically the better choice.

The most useful advice is to dress for standing still as well as moving. You will not be exercising hard enough to stay warm by body heat alone, especially at a slow walking pace. Wear warm layers and warm shoes, exactly as the operator advises. One first-time rider, Mary from the United Kingdom, specifically stressed bringing plenty of layers because the cold becomes noticeable during the ride.

The tölt: a small but memorable lesson

The tölt is the activity’s most distinctive riding detail. Icelandic horses can move with four beats touching the ground in a way that gives the gait a smooth feel. Your guide may invite you to try it, but do not treat it as a guaranteed performance segment.

For a first-time rider, simply learning to recognize the gait can be enough. You may feel a change in the horse’s rhythm and balance, then return to the calmer pace used for the group. More experienced riders may hope for more time in the tölt, but the guide must balance that wish with the ability of the least experienced person and the condition of the route.

This is why the experience feels more like a scenic introduction to Icelandic horses than a sporting ride. You get a chance to learn, handle the horse, and enjoy Lapland without needing to prove anything.

The five-minute photo stop

The trek includes a short photo stop of about five minutes. It gives you a chance to take pictures of the horses, the winter setting, and your group without trying to manage a phone while riding.

Five minutes is brief, so do not expect a long photography session or a full portrait shoot. Keep your phone easy to reach, but secure it against the cold. Gloves can make handling a phone awkward, and winter conditions may drain a battery faster. The stop is best treated as a quick memory-making pause rather than a major part of the tour.

Ten minutes to browse and unwind

After riding, you have about 10 minutes of free time and shopping at Lapland Saga. This is a short closing period, not a major shopping stop. It gives you a little time to look around, warm up, and finish the visit before returning to your drop-off point.

Drop-off is available at Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga, depending on the arrangement you booked. If you use the pickup service, confirm both the pickup and return details in advance so you know where to wait.

What the $111 price gets you

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest short activity in Levi. The price covers the riding trek, the initial instruction, riding gear, guiding, and pickup service if selected. You are paying for a small-group outing with trained horses and staff who adapt the ride to the group.

The value is strongest for beginners and families. You do not need to arrange lessons, find suitable horses, or bring specialist riding equipment. A first-time rider can arrive with warm clothes and shoes, receive instruction, and take part without booking a separate training session.

The value is less clear for a confident rider seeking speed, advanced instruction, or a long trail ride. The activity lasts only 1 or 2 hours, and the pace can be limited by other members of the group. Pick the 2-hour option if you want the price to feel more worthwhile and have enough time in your Levi schedule.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start gives you some protection if the weather or plans change. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if you are arranging several Arctic activities before the final schedule is settled.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Families with children aged 7 or older
• Couples and friends looking for a shared outdoor activity
• Visitors who want snowy scenery without a demanding hike
• Riders curious about Icelandic horses and the tölt
• Small groups that value a quieter, more personal outing

I would be more cautious if you dislike cold weather, feel uncomfortable around horses, or want a fast-paced ride. The activity is not suitable for children under 7 or anyone over 95 kg. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, which is sensible for a horse activity and should be treated as a strict rule.

The ride also asks for a little patience. Your group may include people who have never sat on a horse. That means the route and speed may be gentler than you hoped. The tradeoff is a safer, more welcoming experience for everyone.

Practical clothing advice for the Arctic

Start with warm layers rather than one bulky coat. You need enough freedom of movement to sit comfortably and follow instructions. Warm shoes are required, and your footwear should be suitable for winter conditions.

Bring clothing that keeps your hands, feet, and head warm. Even when riding gear is provided, that does not mean every part of your winter outfit is covered. The operator specifically asks you to bring warm clothing and warm shoes, and the cold deserves serious attention.

Do not plan to drink alcohol before the activity. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited. Arrive rested, dressed for the weather, and ready to listen during the briefing.

How the experience is rated

The activity has a 4.8 rating from 39 reviews. The strongest praise centers on three things: the gentle horses, the helpful guides, and the clear instruction for beginners.

Mary’s first riding experience went well because the instructions made the activity approachable. Katie praised the equipment and the horses’ temperament. A participant from the United States called the guide great and again pointed to the horses’ good behavior. A French participant found the staff welcoming and the experience true to its description.

One useful note comes from a rider in the Netherlands, who enjoyed the guide and the ride but added that you should be comfortable with horses. That is fair advice. A gentle horse does not remove the need to respect the animal, follow instructions, and accept that riding may feel unfamiliar at first.

Should you book the Levi horse trek?

Book it if you want a friendly, beginner-level horse ride with winter scenery, a small group, and Icelandic horses known for calm behavior. The 1-hour trek fits a busy day, while the 2-hour version gives you more time to settle in and enjoy the route.

Think twice if you want speed, advanced riding practice, or a warm indoor activity. The cold is the main challenge, and the pace depends on the least experienced riders and the weather. For most families, first-time riders, and horse-loving friends, the combination of clear instruction, provided gear, and gentle horses makes the $111 price reasonable.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding experience start?

The starting location may be Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi, depending on the option booked.

How long does the activity last?

You can choose a 1-hour or 2-hour horse riding trek.

Is previous riding experience required?

No. The activity is considered easy, and initial riding training is included.

What languages are used by the guides?

Guiding is available in Finnish and English.

How many people can join the group?

The minimum group size is 2 people, and the maximum is 6 participants.

What is the minimum age?

Children must be at least 7 years old unless they have previous experience on riding treks.

Is there a maximum rider weight?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 95 kg, or 209 pounds.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes.

Is riding gear included?

Yes. Riding gear and initial training are included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the activity and pay later.