Darkness is when Lapland turns magical. In Levi, this late-evening ride on Icelandic horses is all about slipping through the night landscape while the sky does its Aurora math. If conditions line up, you may see the Northern Lights glow overhead.

I love that this is set up for first-timers: you get an initial riding training and the pace can be adjusted to your experience. I also like the small group feel, capped at 6 participants, which makes the whole experience calmer and easier to manage in winter.

The one drawback to plan for is the big one: the Northern Lights are never guaranteed, and the exact route and speed shift based on weather and rider comfort.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• Northern Lights are possible, never promised on these rides
• 70 minutes on horseback with a gentle pace that depends on the group
• Beginner-friendly training plus included riding gear
• A short photo stop to grab what you can in real low light
• Very cold nights can happen (so warm layers are not optional)
• Small group size (max 6) with guides in English and Finnish

An Aurora-Focused Winter Ride in Levi (1.5 Hours, After Dark)

This is a short tour on purpose. You’re out long enough to feel like you’ve left the town behind, but not so long that the cold takes over the show. The timing is the point: you’re riding during the darkening evening hours, when Lapland’s sky can flip from stars and moonlight to Aurora potential.

The ride itself runs around 1.5 hours total, and it keeps moving: a little briefing, then about 70 minutes in the saddle, then you wrap with a quick photo stop and a bit of downtime back at the yard. That structure matters because it helps you stay warm and focused, instead of standing around waiting for the sky to do something.

You’ll also be riding through changing terrain—forests or open fields are both possible—while the fells (the surrounding arctic hills) cast those long winter shadows. It’s not just “a horseback ride in the snow.” It’s a winter evening experience designed to connect you to what’s above and around you.

Lapin Saaga Horses and the Beginner Setup That Makes It Work

Lapin Saaga is the stable yard where everything starts and ends. That’s a good thing to know, because winter activities go smoother when the operation is centralized: you get briefed, geared, and sent out from the same place.

The horses are Icelandic horses, and the tour is pitched as easy. No previous riding experience is required, and the guides adjust the trek based on your group’s experience level. In practice, that means you should not expect technical riding drills. Instead, you’re there to sit securely, learn basic control, and enjoy the pace.

Also, the tour includes initial training and riding gear. You’re not stuck improvising in the dark with whatever winter boots you happened to pack. The ride is designed so you can focus on staying warm, listening to the guide, and watching the sky—not figuring out how to make the horse do anything dramatic.

One practical safety detail: there’s a rider weight limit of 95 kg (209 lbs). That’s not just fine print. It’s part of why the trek can be both safe and comfortable for the horses and riders.

Safety Briefing in the Yard: How You’re Set Up for the Night

Before you mount up, you’ll get a safety briefing (about 10 minutes) at the stable. That might not sound exciting, but it’s exactly what you want on a winter night. Even if you’re a total beginner, you’ll leave the briefing with clear guidance on how to handle yourself around the horse and what to expect during the ride.

Then comes the guided portion: the trek speed and route can vary depending on weather and participant experience. That flexibility is useful because winter conditions in Lapland can change quickly—snow, visibility, and temperature all affect what’s safe and comfortable.

On darker nights, you may find that you’re issued helmet head torches. One rider described a very cold night near the -28°C range where a full moon meant the torches were not even necessary. Still, it’s smart to assume the lights could be handy on cloudier or darker evenings, and to be ready for night riding.

And yes, gear and guidance are part of the deal: the guides work in English and Finnish, and they’re there to keep the group moving together.

The 70-Minute Horseback Trek: Snowy Woods, Open Fields, and Fell Shadows

Once you’re on the horses, the trek becomes the heart of the experience: about 70 minutes riding through varying scenery—forests and fields are both mentioned as possibilities. The mood is quiet and slow by design. You’re not racing down a track. You’re moving through winter space where sound carries, snow sparkles, and the sky is always part of the view.

During the ride, you’ll be surrounded by the rising shadows of the fells. That detail really matters in the dark. In daylight, hills look dramatic. At night, their silhouettes make the whole scene feel more monumental, like you’re riding inside the edges of the Arctic.

Your speed will depend on the group and the weather. That’s the difference between a trek that feels stressful and one that feels like a real outing. If you’re new to riding, you’ll likely appreciate the slower pace that gives you time to adjust your seat and stay relaxed.

And if the weather is kind, this is where Aurora potential turns into the moment you’ll remember. The tour is explicitly built around the idea that the sky might be clear enough to show moonlight, thousands of stars, and sometimes the Northern Lights.

Important reality check: this is a natural phenomenon. You can plan for it emotionally, but you can’t demand it on a schedule. When you go with that mindset, the ride stays enjoyable even if the Aurora stays hidden.

A Short Photo Stop: Getting Your Shot Without Freezing for an Hour

You’ll have a brief photo stop (about 5 minutes). It’s short on purpose. In winter, your hands, feet, and patience all have limits—especially once you’ve been moving and warming up inside layers.

That 5-minute window is your chance to do two things at once:

1. Capture the sky if it’s active
2. Get a few shots of the terrain and your group from outside the saddle rhythm

Low light is tricky from horseback. If you’re trying to take photos while riding, be realistic about what your camera can handle. One rider noted that photos were difficult in the dark and on the horse, which is exactly why a dedicated stop helps.

So bring a plan. Charge devices before you go. Keep your camera accessible. And accept that some of the best views are the ones you don’t interrupt to photograph.

Free Time and Shopping Back at Lapin Saaga

After riding and the photo break, you’ll have some free time (about 10 minutes) for downtime and shopping. That’s a nice touch because the activity ends, but you’re still not rushed out immediately.

This short window is practical. You can warm up a bit, adjust layers, and browse without turning the trip into a long hangout. It’s also helpful if you want souvenirs that connect to the stable and the local winter experience rather than generic tourist items.

Then you’ll head back to the drop-off locations. The tour ends either back at Lapland Saga or at Design Hotel Levi, depending on what you booked.

Pickup, Timing, and Drop-Off: Don’t Let the Cold Win

You’ve got two starting options: Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga. The meeting point can vary depending on your option, so double-check what you selected before you show up.

If you choose the pick-up service, you’ll need to be ready about 20 minutes before the beginning time. If you’re not at the pick-up location on time, the guide waits 5 minutes before departing. That’s fair, but it’s also the kind of thing that can ruin a night if you lose track of timing.

The stable also asks you to arrive 15 minutes before the start time so everyone can depart on time. In winter, 15 minutes feels short, especially if you’re walking with a heavy coat and gloves. Build in buffer time so you’re not rushing right before you get geared up.

One more thing to remember: no alcohol or drugs. It’s a winter ride with safety briefing time and horse handling. Keeping riders clear-headed matters.

Price and Value: Is $147 Fair for 1.5 Hours in Lapland?

At about $147 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But it also isn’t just a ride around a field. You’re paying for several real components:

• Guided horseback trek with route planning in winter conditions
• Beginner training and included riding gear
• Small-group experience (max 6)
• A route timed for evening sky potential (moon, stars, Aurora chance)
• Transport options via pick-up and set drop-offs

For some people, the value is the Aurora opportunity. For others, it’s the novelty of experiencing Lapland at night from horseback rather than waiting indoors or doing a standard bus tour. Either way, you’re getting a focused chunk of time where you’re actively outside, moving through winter terrain while the sky is doing the most.

Compared with longer, more expensive multi-hour tours, the short duration can actually be value-positive. You don’t spend the whole evening exposed to cold. You get structure, a guide, and a defined plan.

If you’re the type who enjoys experiences that feel personal (small group) and you want to actually be in the open air, this price starts to feel easier to justify.

Who This Ride Fits Best (and the Limits You Must Know)

This tour is ideal if you:

• Want an evening winter activity in Levi, Lapland rather than just daytime sightseeing
• Have little or no riding experience and still want to be in the saddle
• Like small-group tours where you can hear the guide and move calmly
• Care about being outside at night with a real, even if uncertain, Aurora chance

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 12 years (unless they have previous riding trek experience)
• Riders over 95 kg (209 lbs)
• Anyone who wants to use alcohol or drugs during the activity

So if your group includes teens or you’re traveling with friends who aren’t comfortable in cold, you’ll need to manage expectations. The tour isn’t built for extreme flexibility outside its limits.

Also, keep your mental checklist ready: winter riding is not the same as walking. You need warm clothing and warm shoes, period. When the temperature drops hard, comfort affects your mood and your ability to enjoy the sky.

Practical Packing for a Cold-Weather Horse Trek

The tour instruction is simple: bring warm clothing and warm shoes. That’s it, and it’s enough. In winter, “warm” is not a style choice—it’s survival math.

Aim for clothing that stays comfortable when you’re sitting still for stretches, plus layers you can adjust without fumbling. For shoes, don’t rely on summer-style warmth. Your feet will be your limiting factor before anything else.

Also, arrive early. The whole experience depends on getting through the briefing, mounting, and departure on schedule. When you show up flustered, you’ll rush dressing, you’ll feel colder, and you’ll enjoy less.

If you’re worried about darkness, remember: the ride happens in the evening. You might get head torches for helmets, and the guide will manage safe movement. Your job is to dress for cold and follow instructions.

Should You Book the Levi Aurora Riding Trek?

If your goal is an out-in-the-open evening experience in Levi that mixes Icelandic horses, winter terrain, and a genuine shot at the Northern Lights, then yes, this is a strong booking—especially if you’re a beginner. The small group size, included gear, and guided training make it feel approachable, not intimidating.

Book it if you can handle uncertainty. The Aurora is weather-dependent, and the ride’s route and speed will adjust. But even on nights without Aurora, you’re still going out at the right time to see moon and stars, ride through snowy terrain, and experience Lapland’s night atmosphere up close.

Skip it only if you know you need guaranteed Aurora viewing, or if your group can’t meet the age and weight limits, or if cold weather isn’t your thing.

FAQ

How long is the Aurora Riding Trek?

The duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Do I need previous riding experience?

No previous riding experience is required. There is an initial training session and the trek can be adjusted to the group’s experience level.

Is Northern Lights viewing guaranteed?

No. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and the tour cannot guarantee an encounter.

Where does the tour start and end?

The program starts and ends at the Lapin Saaga stable yard. Drop-off locations depend on the option booked.

What are the pick-up options in Levi?

You can start from either Design Hotel Levi or Lapland Saga, and pick-up service is available.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 95 kg (209 lbs).

How big is the group?

It’s a small group with a minimum of 2 persons and a maximum of 6 participants.

What languages are the guides?

Guides speak English and Finnish.

Is this activity suitable for children?

The age limit for children is 12 years unless they have previous experience in riding treks.

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