Levi: Aurora Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

Frosty night rides can feel like weather poetry. This late-evening trek puts you on Icelandic horses in Lapland’s darkening countryside, with a real chance of seeing the Northern Lights flicker above fells and snowy woods. The whole thing is built for comfort and first-timers, not previous riders.

I love that the experience stays human-sized: small groups, a short safety talk, and time outdoors before and after the ride. You get to enjoy arctic winter in motion, not from a bus window, and the open-air pauses make sky-watching feel part of the ride, not an afterthought.

One consideration: the aurora is never guaranteed, and the cold can be intense. Even when the sky is clear, you may not get lights, and your success depends on weather.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group ride (max 6 people), so the guide can adjust pace and help with comfort
• Beginner-friendly with initial training, so you do not need prior riding experience
• Late evening timing designed for star fields, moonlight, and Northern Lights hunting
• Route and speed change with conditions, based on your group’s experience and the weather
• A short photo stop built into the experience, so you can try for aurora-style shots
• Warm gear matters because Lapland winter nights can get brutal

Lapland after dark: what Levi’s aurora trek really feels like

This is the kind of winter experience that makes time behave differently. In daylight, you notice the snow and trees. After dark, your brain starts reading the sky first: moon, stars, and that faint, shifting glow that might or might not become a full-on aurora display.

The ride is designed to take you through changing terrain, like snowy forests or open areas, while the shadows of the fells lengthen around you. That matters because it gives you variety in what you see from horseback. If you are only in a tree-covered area, the view of the sky gets blocked. If you only stand in a field, the route can feel less like an adventure. Here, you get both.

And yes, this tour is explicitly about the aurora possibility. The operator is clear: it is a natural phenomenon, so you cannot expect guarantees. Still, the timing and the outdoors focus stack the odds in your favor more than a random stop in the day.

Where you start: Lapin Saaga stable yard, plus Levi hotel pickup

The trek starts and ends at the Lapin Saaga stable yard. In Levi, that is usually easy enough to reach, but you have two starting options, which helps if you are staying at Design Hotel Levi or closer to Lapland Saga.

If you choose the pick-up service, plan to be ready about 20 minutes before departure. They will wait a short window (about 5 minutes) before moving on, so build in buffer time if you are trying to fit this around dinner or another activity.

This setup is practical for winter travel. You avoid the hassle of figuring out how to get to the stables in the dark. You also get a single, organized flow into the ride, which is exactly what you want when temperatures are dropping and everyone is dressed for cold.

Your first 10 minutes on the horse: safety briefing that sets the tone

The ride itself is about 70 minutes, but the experience begins with a safety briefing that runs roughly 10 minutes. That part is not just formalities. It helps you settle in quickly so you can focus on enjoying the outdoors, not worrying about what to do with the reins or your balance.

Since there is no previous riding experience required, the session likely covers the basics you need to feel steady. The pace during the ride is also described as depending on experience level and weather, which is key for comfort. If your group includes total beginners, the guide can keep it gentle. If the weather is bad, speed can be adjusted, too.

I also appreciate that the ride is planned with both newcomers and more confident riders in mind. You do not have to feel like you are slowing everyone down. The whole point is an enjoyable and safe trek for mixed skill levels.

The 70-minute trek: forests, fields, and the feeling of moving through darkness

Once the riding starts, you are out into winter night, with the stables behind you and the surrounding terrain in front of you. The trek goes through varying landscapes, and the operator is honest that the exact route and speed depend on weather and participant experience.

That variability is not a flaw. In Lapland, weather is the boss. If visibility is good and conditions are stable, you may get a route that gives you more open-sky moments. If conditions are rough, you can still get the core experience: horse riding through snowy Lapland with a guide handling the route.

One detail I like is the way the trek is framed around the sky. The evening setup means you are likely riding while stars are out and shadows are stretching. If the aurora decides to show up, you are not stuck watching it from somewhere static. You are moving, looking up, and taking it in from different angles.

Photo stop reality check: five minutes can still be magic

There is a built-in photo stop of about 5 minutes. On paper, that sounds short. In practice, it is often the difference between getting a quick aurora shot and missing the moment entirely.

The challenge is that darkness changes everything. When you are on a horse, your hands are not always free. When it is cold, you want your gloves on, which makes camera controls harder. And if the aurora starts moving fast, you can spend those minutes fiddling instead of photographing.

That is why I like that the tour gives you an actual pause rather than hoping you can stop whenever you want. Just go in knowing you may get the best results with a simple plan: phone or camera ready, settings checked before you leave, and patience for small changes in the sky.

Also, if you want a practical workaround, plan to lean on the guide’s support for photos if they share images afterward. Some riders have noted photo sharing after the trek, which can be a lifesaver when night shooting is tricky.

Northern Lights chances: what you can control, and what you can’t

The Northern Lights are the headline here, and the operator is upfront: you cannot guarantee an encounter. That is the correct attitude, because aurora visibility depends on solar activity and local conditions like cloud cover.

Still, you can control your odds. Arrive on time, bundle up properly, and stay present. If you are too cold to stand still and look up, you will miss the subtle beginnings of an aurora.

A rider once described being lucky enough to see aurora surroundings while riding, which is the dream scenario: the sky lights up while you are already outside, already bundled, already looking upward. Another account mentioned a full moon and very cold temperatures near the -28°C range, yet the sky experience still worked out well because the night was clear.

So, think of this as an aurora-focused evening ride with a solid chance if conditions cooperate. It is not a guaranteed aurora ticket. But it is one of the better ways to hunt, because you are actually outside for the hours when the sky is at its most alive.

Gear and cold-weather survival: what to wear for a comfortable aurora ride

The tour includes riding gear, but you still need to bring warm clothing and warm shoes. That is where most people either win or lose this experience.

Here is the practical approach I’d use:

• Wear layers you can move in, since you are on a horse and will likely be adjusting your position.
• Use warm shoes with good traction. Snow is slippery, and you want confidence with every step.
• Bring gloves that let you handle zippers and camera controls, even if you do not love taking photos.
• Plan for the possibility of very low temperatures. One rider said it was almost at -28°C. Even if you do not hit that, it can still feel sharply cold once night settles in.

Also, some riders mentioned head torches provided for helmets, though they did not end up needing them in clear conditions. Either way, do not count on light staying perfect. Have your eyes ready for dark adaptation, and keep your lights minimal if the group is using torches.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. In winter, that policy makes sense, because safety and alertness matter more when everything is freezing.

Horses and the guide: small-group attention that keeps things calm

The stars of the show are the Icelandic horses. These are typically sturdy, sure-footed, and well-suited to winter riding. They are also often friendly in a way that turns a short trek into a personal experience, not just a checklist activity.

One rider talked about getting lots of kisses from the horse they rode, named Yorma. That kind of detail tells you the horses are not treated like equipment. They are part of the experience, and you will likely notice their temperament as the guide handles the group and mounts.

The guide also matters. Reviews highlight guides as friendly and kind, and that fits with what you want in a winter ride. If something feels off, a calm guide helps you get your bearings fast, especially when it is dark and the terrain is snow-covered.

The trek is guided in English and Finnish, so you should be able to follow instructions without stress, even if your Finnish is zero.

Price and value at $147 per person: what you are paying for

At about $147 per person for roughly 1.5 hours, you are paying for a full, guided winter horseback experience, not just access to horses. That cost makes more sense once you consider what is included and what winter operations require: trained staff, horse care, safety briefing time, riding gear, and a guided route through snowy terrain at night.

You also get value from group size. With a maximum of 6 participants, you are not standing in a long line or competing for attention. A smaller group means the guide can control pace and adjust for comfort more effectively, which helps beginners feel secure.

If you are doing this during your Levi stay, it can also function as a “one evening, one big memory” activity. You get horse riding, winter scenery, and aurora hunting all tied together in one compact time block. That combination is often what makes the price feel fair, because you are not paying separately for transport, instruction, and sky-watching time.

Timing and practical pacing: what happens when the ride ends

After the riding portion, there is that short photo stop. Then you get a bit of free time and shopping for around 10 minutes. This is a nice buffer because it gives you a moment to warm up, check your gear, and browse without feeling rushed.

The trek is planned to start and end at the stable yard, so you are not left wondering how to get back after dark. That matters because when you are cold, the last thing you want is an unplanned commute.

The overall flow is also built around a late evening concept, so your body clock is already in winter mode. You get outdoors time when the sky is best for Northern Lights watching, without stretching the day so long that you lose energy.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This tour makes sense if you:

• Want beginner-friendly horseback riding in Lapland without needing skills first
• Are excited about the Northern Lights, but you also enjoy outdoor adventure beyond just standing in one place
• Prefer small groups and guided pacing
• Plan a winter evening where you will dress properly for cold

You should think twice if:

• You travel with children under 12. The age limit is 12 years unless a child has previous experience in riding treks.
• You are over the weight limit of 95 kg (about 209 lbs).
• You are hoping for a guaranteed aurora. The operator cannot promise it, and even the best night can be clouded.

Also, if you are very sensitive to cold, you may want to prepare mentally. Even riders who were prepared described near extreme cold temperatures. You will still enjoy the ride, but your comfort will depend on your layers.

Should you book Levi Aurora Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses?

Yes, if your goal is a real winter evening outdoors, with horses and a chance to see the Northern Lights. The value is strongest when you like guided experiences that are small, structured, and easy for first-timers.

Book this knowing two truths upfront: the ride is flexible with weather, and the aurora is never guaranteed. If you can handle that, you are in for a memorable night that feels made for Lapland. Dress warm, be on time, and spend the ride looking up as much as you look ahead. That mix is where the magic tends to happen.

FAQ

How long is the Levi Aurora Riding Trek?

The total duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The activity is listed as easy and specifically says no previous riding experience is required, with an initial training session included.

What should I bring for the ride?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. The tour also provides riding gear.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children must be 12 years or older, unless they have previous experience in riding treks. The maximum rider weight is 95 kg (209 lbs).

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?

No. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and the operator cannot guarantee you will see them.

Does the tour offer pickup and what languages are used?

Pickup is available, with starting options that include Design Hotel Levi and Lapland Saga. The guide speaks English and Finnish. The group is small, limited to 6 participants.