Levi: Snowy Forest Ride and Polar Lights Tours

Lapland looks different from horseback. The trail moves quietly through snow-covered trees, with the steady rhythm of a Finnhorse beneath you and no engine noise to break the stillness. I especially like the separate beginner and advanced groups and the small six-person limit, which make this feel more personal than a large winter excursion. The main catch is that the riding is fairly slow and lasts about 80 minutes, so experienced riders seeking a long, fast trail session may want more.

I also like that Polar Lights Tours uses calm horses accustomed to different riders. Guides such as Jenni, Yeni, and Nette have been praised for explaining the horses’ personalities and helping nervous riders settle in. Just prepare seriously for the cold. Temperatures have reached minus 40 degrees on this outing, although extra layers or a warm overall may be available.

Key points at a glance

• Quiet forest riding: Follow snowy woodland trails on horseback rather than by motorized vehicle.
• Separate riding levels: Beginners depart at 8:40, advanced riders at 10:40, and a mixed group at 12:40.
• Calm Finnhorses: The horses are described as friendly, disciplined, well cared for, and suitable for first-time riders.
• Small groups: The maximum group size is six, with room for more individual help.
• Warm finish: Hot berry juice and a local cookie are served after the ride.
• Simple Levi access: Pickup and drop-off are included from Hissitie 11 in central Levi.

A quiet way to meet Lapland on horseback

This two-hour outing gives you a gentler alternative to the usual husky, snowmobile, and reindeer activities around Levi. The main event is not speed or thrills. It is the calm of moving through a snowy forest with a horse that knows its job.

That slower pace is a real benefit for first-time riders. You have time to think about your balance, follow the guide’s instructions, and enjoy the trees instead of worrying about keeping up. The Finnhorses are described as reliable and well trained, but they still have their own personalities. That adds character to the ride without making it feel unpredictable.

The experience is also a good fit if you want something quieter than a motor tour. You might hear huskies from the nearby activity center or see reindeer in the area, but the horseback ride itself focuses on the forest and the horses. The word Polar Lights belongs to the company name here. The supplied details do not promise an aurora sighting, so book this for winter riding, not as a dedicated Northern Lights excursion.

Choosing the right departure time

The departure time matters because the riding groups are arranged by ability.

• 8:40: Beginners
• 10:40: Advanced riders
• 12:40: Mixed group

If you have never ridden before, choose the beginner departure. The guide gives you a safety briefing and explains how to handle the horse before you enter the forest. Several first-time riders found the horses easy to manage after this introduction, and the steady pace suits people who need a little time to get comfortable.

The advanced group is intended for riders who already have experience. One account describes an experienced rider being offered a chance to gallop after the less experienced members had returned, but you should not treat faster riding as guaranteed. The supplied information presents this as a possibility guided by conditions and ability, not as the standard program.

The mixed departure may work well for couples or families with different levels, but the pace will need to suit the least experienced rider. If your group includes both a complete beginner and a confident equestrian, separate departures may provide a better experience.

From Hissitie 11 to the stable

Pickup and drop-off from central Levi are included. 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 Polar Lights Tours takes about 15 minutes. Be on time, since the transport leaves from the stated meeting point and missing it could mean missing the activity. If you have a rental car, one useful option is driving directly to the Polar Lights Tours location instead of going first to central Levi for the transfer. The meeting instructions still point you to Hissitie 11 if you are using the included pickup.

Transport has received a high rating overall, with 89 percent of ratings giving it a perfect score. One piece of feedback raised a safety concern about a driver using a phone while driving. That is not presented as a general pattern, but it is worth keeping practical safety in mind and speaking up if anything feels unsafe.

The 10-minute briefing that makes beginners comfortable

After arrival, allow about 10 minutes for the safety briefing. This is where you learn how to handle the reins and communicate with your horse.

The guide also helps you understand the different horses. That personal introduction matters. A first-time rider may feel more at ease after learning that the horse is calm and accustomed to people. Guides including Jenni and Yeni have been singled out for being friendly, funny, attentive, and clear in their explanations, while another guide identified as Nette helped riders understand the horses’ different personalities.

You receive a riding helmet, and the team can help you get ready. Wear warm clothing under any outer layer provided by the operator. You need enough warmth for the transfer, the outdoor briefing, and the full ride, not just for the moments when the horse is moving.

Eighty minutes through the snowy woods

The ride itself lasts about 80 minutes. Expect a peaceful trail ride rather than a demanding equestrian lesson or a long-distance trek.

The strongest part is the setting. Snow softens the forest, and the slow movement lets you notice the quiet, the trees, and the shape of the trail. Several descriptions emphasize how peaceful and beautiful the woods feel, particularly after fresh snow. This is the kind of activity where the silence is part of the attraction.

The horses are central to the experience. They are described as sweet, disciplined, clean, and well cared for. The staff’s relationship with them is also important. You can expect the guide to pay attention to both rider and horse, especially when a member of the group is nervous or inexperienced.

The ride may feel short if you already ride regularly. One person specifically wished it were longer, and another described it as a slow ride. That is the fair tradeoff: beginners get a manageable introduction, while advanced riders may find the session more scenic than athletic.

If cold affects your feet or hands, tell the guide. One account notes that the route could be shortened for comfort. The exact flexibility will depend on the group and conditions, but the operation appears used to adjusting help for different riders.

A photo stop and a warm local snack

After the riding portion, you have about 10 minutes for photos. This is a useful pause because horseback photos in snowy woodland are likely to be among your best reminders of the outing. Keep your phone or camera easy to reach, but protect it from the cold.

The final 20 minutes include hot berry juice and a local cookie. Some accounts describe warming by a fire with hot berry juice and sweet local bread, while the formal inclusions specify hot juice and a local cookie. Either way, this is more than a token snack. After sitting in cold air, a warm drink gives the activity a satisfying finish.

The stop also gives you time to talk with the guide and ask about the horses. The personal feel is stronger in a group of four or fewer, though the maximum group size is six. If your party fills the group, you still have a small outing rather than a large riding line.

How the $147 price works out

At $147 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend two hours in Levi. The price makes more sense when you count the included pieces: central Levi transfers, a helmet, the guide, the horse ride, the photo stop, and hot juice with a local cookie.

The small group is the main value point. A six-person limit allows the guide to spend more time helping individual riders than would be possible on a large stable outing. That matters most if you are a beginner, traveling with a child, or feel unsure about handling a horse.

The price is also easier to justify if horseback riding is a priority for you. If you are simply looking for any snowy activity, cheaper options may exist, and the 80-minute ride may feel brief beside a full-day excursion. I would compare it with the cost of other small-group activities in Levi rather than judging the number alone.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, although the provided details do not explain how riding transfers are handled, so ask the operator directly if that is important for your booking.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Couples looking for a quiet winter activity
• Families with children who can follow riding instructions
• Experienced riders who enjoy scenery and may join the advanced departure
• Small groups that value individual attention
• Visitors who have already tried the louder, faster Lapland activities and want something more peaceful

I would be more cautious if you want a fast ride, a long time in the saddle, or a guaranteed Northern Lights experience. The normal outing is slow and scenic. It is also weather dependent in the practical sense that extreme cold can affect your comfort, even when the forest looks beautiful.

The advanced departure may offer more freedom, but the information does not promise regular cantering or galloping. Ask about the planned pace if that is important to you.

What to wear for minus 40 conditions

Bring your warmest clothing. This is not a place for a fashionable but thin city coat.

Wear several warm layers, insulated trousers if you have them, thick socks, gloves, and a hat that works under a helmet. Some riders accepted an additional warm layer or overall at the stable, which was especially useful in very cold weather. Treat that as helpful protection, not a reason to arrive underdressed.

Your face, fingers, and feet are the areas most likely to become uncomfortable while moving slowly. Make sure your boots are warm enough for standing around before and after the ride. Keep spare phone batteries in mind too, since cold can reduce battery life, though the tour information does not specify whether charging is available.

Final decision: is this Levi horse ride worth booking?

Book it if you want a small, quiet, beginner-friendly ride through snowy woodland, and if the chance to spend time with calm Finnhorses appeals to you. The careful briefing, separate ability groups, friendly guides, and warm drink at the end give the outing a thoughtful shape.

Skip it if you are mainly looking for speed, a long trail ride, or a guaranteed aurora sighting. For most people who want a peaceful taste of horseback riding in Lapland, the $147 price is reasonable because transport and personal attention are included. Choose the correct ability departure, dress for extreme cold, and arrive early at Hissitie 11.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Levi?

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

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts two hours. This includes about 15 minutes of transport each way, a 10-minute safety briefing, 80 minutes of riding, a 10-minute photo stop, and 20 minutes for local snacks.

Which departure should a beginner choose?

Beginners should choose the 8:40 departure. Advanced riders have a 10:40 departure, and the mixed group leaves at 12:40.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. A riding helmet is included.

What is included after the horse ride?

The tour includes hot juice and a local cookie. The activity also includes pickup and drop-off from central Levi.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.