Winter rides turn Lapland into a moving postcard. This experience in Levi is all about Icelandic horses and trying their special gait, the tölt, while you soak up arctic nature on horseback for 1 to 2 hours.

I like two things right away. First, the horses are described as reliable and calm, and you’re not thrown in at the deep end. Second, you get a short safety briefing plus initial training and riding gear, so first-timers can join without prior experience.

One thing to plan for: the cold. You’ll be outdoors moving at a winter pace, and you’ll want serious layering. Also, there are basic suitability limits like the rider weight cap and the minimum child age.

Key highlights I’d circle

• Tölt on a guided winter trek: You’ll have a real shot at this unique Icelandic horse gait during the ride.
• No riding experience needed: Coaching and training are built in, so beginners aren’t left guessing.
• Small group of up to 6: That smaller size helps the guide manage pace and spacing for your comfort.
• Two trek lengths (1 or 2 hours): Choose how long you want to be out there in the fells and forests.
• Gear provided: You won’t have to outfit yourself like a winter sports pro just to start.
• Photo stop plus a quick warm-up moment: A short photo break and a bit of time for shopping at Lapland Saga help the trip feel complete.

Why Icelandic Horses Feel Different in Levi’s Winter

If you’ve only seen horse riding from summer movies, Levi in winter will reset your expectations. The ground can be slick, visibility can shift quickly with snow and wind, and everything feels sharper. That’s exactly why the horse choice matters.

This ride uses gentle, reliable Icelandic horses, and the goal is simple: get you moving confidently through Lapland’s forests, plains, and roads (yes, roads), while your guide keeps the pace tied to your group’s skill level and the weather. These horses are known for their versatility, but what you really care about is how it feels when you’re on the saddle for the first time: steady, forgiving, and calm enough that you can focus on steering and balance.

Also, you’re not just there for a slow walk. The trek includes time to experience the tölt, a gait unique to the Icelandic horse breed. Even if you don’t become a tölt expert, you’ll feel the difference in rhythm. That’s the kind of specific “only-here” detail that makes a short excursion worth doing.

What the 1–2 Hour Trek Really Feels Like

You can pick a 1-hour or 2-hour trek. In practice, both options share the same structure: briefing, mounting and training, then riding out into the wintry surroundings with a guide watching how you hold the reins, sit, and respond to the horse.

The ride is guided, so you’re not navigating or choosing routes yourself. Instead, expect the guide to set the speed and route based on:

• your experience level (beginners are accommodated),
• group comfort (not everyone rides the same),
• weather conditions (because winter changes fast).

That matters because the experience is meant to be enjoyable and safe for mixed comfort levels. If you’re nervous, the guide’s job is to keep you in control of the situation. If you’re more confident, you’ll still get a paced trek that doesn’t treat you like a solo rider.

Timing-wise, you’re not just “outside on a horse.” The schedule includes a photo stop and a short block of free time back at Lapland Saga. That turns the trip into something you can actually plan around without feeling like you vanished into the woods and forgot to eat.

Step-by-Step: Lapland Saga, Safety Briefing, Photo Stop, and Return

Most departures start from Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi, depending on the option you book. The exact meeting point can vary, so pay attention to your booking details and show up early enough to keep the flow smooth.

Here’s how the timing typically runs once you’re at Lapland Saga:

Arrival and the short safety briefing

You’ll want to be at the stable area 15 minutes before the start time. This isn’t busywork. It’s what gives the staff time to settle you, fit riding gear if needed, and run a safety briefing (around 10 minutes) before you mount up.

This briefing is especially helpful if you’re new. You’ll get the basics you need to handle the horse calmly and understand what the guide expects from you.

Initial training, then the ride

After the briefing, the experience moves into initial training for riding and then the horseback trek. You’ll learn how to sit, how to hold on, and how to respond when the horse transitions at the guide’s direction.

The trek itself goes through areas with fells and forests around Levi, giving you that winter sensation of space—snow, trees, and distance—without needing to ski or hike for hours.

Photo stop and a small break for real-life humans

Around the middle of the flow, there’s a photo stop (about 5 minutes). It’s short, so if you care about getting a specific shot—group photos, a wide landscape view, or a close-up—you’ll want to be ready when the moment happens.

Then comes free time (about 10 minutes) that can include shopping at Lapland Saga. This helps because winter riding can make you forget that you’ll still want warm drinks, snacks, or souvenirs after you get back.

Drop-off back where you started

The tour ends with drop-off at Design Hotel Levi and/or Lapland Saga, depending on your starting option. If you choose pick-up, plan to be ready about 20 minutes before the activity start, and note that the driver waits 5 minutes before departing.

That pick-up detail sounds small, but in winter it really matters. You don’t want to rush through cold streets or scramble for a last-minute jacket adjustment right when the driver arrives.

Tölt on Icelandic Horses: What to Expect Without Feeling Lost

You’re going to hear about the tölt because it’s the signature feature of Icelandic horse riding. Here’s the practical side: it’s a specific gait, so your body will feel a rhythm change compared with a basic walk or trot.

You don’t need to understand the mechanics. Your job is to stay relaxed and follow what the guide cues. In a beginner-friendly setting, the guide should pace you so you can feel the gait and keep your balance.

If you’re worried about it, use this mindset:

• Think of it as something you experience, not something you control.
• Focus on sitting steady rather than pulling at the reins.
• Let the horse’s rhythm do the work.

One clue from the overall vibe of the experience: you’ll get a better ride if you’re a bit horse-minded. That doesn’t mean you need to know horses. It means you pay attention to how your mount moves, and you treat the guide’s instructions like a checklist, not a suggestion.

Gear, Cold Weather, and Safety: How to Stay Comfortable

This is a winter ride, so your comfort plan is not optional.

What to bring

You’re advised to bring:

• Warm clothing
• Warm shoes

And that’s the understatement of the season. You’ll be outdoors and moving in cold air. Add extra layers so you’re not stuck making big warmth compromises once the trek starts. If you wear boots that are only mildly warm, you might regret it after the briefing and photo stop.

What’s included

Riding gear is included, along with guiding services and the guided trek itself. That’s a big value point: it lowers the friction of getting on a horse in winter. You’re spending money on the experience, not on assembling gear from scratch.

Safety rhythm you can trust

The ride’s speed and route change based on your skill level and the weather. That’s not a detail to ignore. It’s the safety engine of the whole trek.

You also need to follow the basic rules: no alcohol and drugs. (This is one of those “yes, obviously” rules that still matters when you’re handling a living animal in winter conditions.)

Finally, there are limits:

• Maximum rider weight is 95 kg (209 lbs).
• Children must be 7 years or older, unless they have previous experience on riding treks.
• The activity isn’t suitable for people outside those limits.

Price in Context: Is $111 Good Value for Levi?

At $111 per person, it’s not a bargain-basement activity. But it also isn’t priced like a luxury-only event.

Here’s why it tends to feel fair for most people:

• You get initial training plus a guided trek rather than a self-guided ride.
• Riding gear is included, which can save you money and hassle.
• You’re riding small-group style (min 2, max 6), so you’re not lost in a crowd.
• You can choose 1 hour or 2 hours, so the price matches how much time you actually want on horseback.

If you’re comparing value, think less about the number on the ticket and more about what you’re buying: a guided winter experience, coaching for first-timers, and time outdoors on Icelandic horses that handle the tölt moment.

In short: if you want a real winter horseback experience in Levi without worrying about planning, this price is in the “reasonable for what’s included” zone.

Who Should Book This Horse Trek (and Who Should Skip It)

This trek is built for people with all kinds of riding comfort—especially beginners.

You’ll likely love it if you:

• want to try riding without previous experience,
• like the idea of seeing Lapland’s winter surroundings from horseback,
• enjoy short adventures with a guide who keeps things organized,
• want a small group experience (up to 6 riders).

Consider skipping if you:

• can’t meet the 95 kg weight limit,
• are traveling with children under 7 years without prior riding trek experience,
• aren’t willing to dress for cold outdoor time (warm clothing and shoes are essential),
• are looking for an unguided, do-your-own-route type of ride.

Also, if you’re the type who needs lots of time to wander independently, the trek isn’t that. The structure includes a safety briefing, riding time, a short photo stop, and a quick shopping/free-time block. It’s designed to be efficient and fun, not slow and wandering.

Should You Book the Levi Icelandic Horse Trek?

I’d book it if you want a focused winter experience that delivers something specific: Icelandic horses and the chance to feel tölt with beginner-friendly coaching. The small group setup and included gear are strong practical wins, and the route adapting to skill and weather is what keeps it comfortable for real humans.

If you’re still deciding, use two quick checks:

1. Are you ready to dress properly for cold, steady outdoor time?
2. Do you fit the basic suitability limits (age 7+, weight 95 kg max)?

If you answer yes to both, this is an excellent way to spend 1–2 hours in Levi without overcomplicating your trip.

FAQ

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The experience is designed for beginners, and there is initial training plus a safety briefing before the trek starts.

How long is the horse riding trek?

You can choose either a 1-hour or a 2-hour trek. The exact duration depends on the option you book.

Where do I meet the guide?

There are two starting options: Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi. The meeting point can vary depending on the option booked.

Is pick-up available?

Pick-up service is available. If you choose it, you should be ready about 20 minutes before the activity begins, and the driver waits 5 minutes before departing.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. Riding gear is provided by the activity.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children must be 7 years or older unless they have previous experience on riding treks. The maximum rider weight is 95 kg (209 lbs).

Can I request a certain route or speed?

Yes, you can share wishes when booking. The actual route and speed depend on the group’s experience level and the weather conditions.

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