Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses

Winter horses in Lapland? Yes, and they’re calm. This Levi horse riding trek is a very doable way to see Arctic forests and fells from horseback, even if you’ve never sat on a saddle before. What I like most is the chance to try the Icelandic horse gait, the tölt, and the steady, gentle way the team sets you up with training and guidance.

The main thing to plan for is the cold. Lapland winters bite, and your comfort will matter more than your riding skills. Wrap up properly, and this becomes a warm memory maker, not a shivering survival test.

Quick take: what makes this ride special

If you want a winter activity that feels personal, this works. With a small group and a route adjusted to skill level and weather, you spend your time riding, not waiting around.

And if you’re traveling with family or friends, the shared moment of watching snow fall while your horse moves at a confident pace is hard to beat. The 1 to 2 hour options also let you match the activity to your energy level.

5 key points before you book this Levi horse ride

• Beginner-friendly training and guidance, with easy expectations and no previous riding needed
• Icelandic horses with a gentle temperament, built for calmer treks in winter
• You can experience the tölt, a smooth, unique gait tied to the Icelandic breed
• Small group size up to 6 people, so you get more attention and a safer experience
• Time-boxed stops (like a short photo moment and a little shopping time) without dragging the day out

Why Icelandic horses make this a calmer winter trek

The big reason this ride feels approachable is the type of horse. These are Icelandic horses, and they’re known for being reliable partners on uneven, snowy ground. The whole experience is built around that steadiness, so your job is mostly to learn how to sit, steer gently, and follow instructions.

You’ll also get to experience the tölt, the gait that makes Icelandic riding famous. Even when you’re new, it’s the kind of moment where you go, Oh, that’s different. It’s not just walking in snow, it’s a more flowing rhythm that can feel surprisingly smooth.

Now, let’s be honest about what you should expect as a first-timer. You’re still in winter gear, on a living animal, on real terrain. You won’t control speed like you do at home in a vehicle. But the guides adjust the speed and route based on the group’s experience and the weather, which is a smart way to keep the ride enjoyable for everyone.

1 hour or 2 hours near Levi, how to choose

You can pick between a 1 hour trek and a 2 hour trek. That choice matters more than it sounds.

• If you’re short on time, doing just 1 hour is a great first taste. You’ll still get the training, the ride through Lapland nature, and the quick breaks without feeling like you used up your whole afternoon.
• If you want the trek to feel like the main event, go for 2 hours. You’ll have more time on horseback, more chances to relax into the rhythm, and more of that winter nature feeling.

In both cases, the actual route and pace can change based on weather and rider comfort. That’s not a bait-and-switch. It’s how the experience stays safe and fun when snow conditions shift or temperatures drop.

Getting started at Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi

Your meetup depends on the option you book. You’ll either start at Lapland Saga or be picked up from Design Hotel Levi. Both start points connect you to the same core experience: a short safety briefing, then time with the horses.

If you’re going to Lapland Saga, plan to arrive at the stable 15 minutes early. That buffer keeps things smooth so the departure time stays on schedule.

If you choose pick-up, plan to be ready about 20 minutes before the activity time. The driver waits 5 minutes before leaving, so don’t gamble on being fashionably late. This is one of those tours where being early actually pays off, because you get settled and don’t rush your warm layers.

Once everyone’s together, you get a safety briefing first. It’s about making sure you know what to do with your body and where to look, so you can ride with confidence instead of guessing.

Safety briefing, initial training, and what you learn fast

The experience includes initial training and riding gear, so you’re not showing up to guess how it all works. Expect a clear run-through before you mount.

For new riders, the training matters because it sets the rhythm for the whole trek. You learn the basics of how to hold yourself, how to follow the guide, and what movements you should avoid. In winter, simple habits matter more, because thick clothing can make balancing feel different.

The whole setup is also designed for easy skill requirements. No previous riding experience is required. That’s a big deal if you’re traveling with people who are nervous about animals or sitting in a saddle for the first time.

There’s also a clear limit on who can ride. Riders must be no more than 95 kg (209 lbs). That’s part of how the operation stays safe for both people and horses.

The trek itself: snowy forests, a short photo stop, then your rhythm on horseback

After the briefing, you’ll ride through Lapland nature around Levi, with scenery that includes fells, forests, plains, and roads. You’re not driving past these views. You’re moving through them slowly enough to notice winter details, but with enough momentum to feel like you’re really out there.

A highlight is the attempt to ride at the tölt, the unique Icelandic gait. The guide will adjust how much you get to experience based on weather and group experience. If you’re brand new, the focus will be on control and comfort first, then adding the special gait when it’s appropriate.

There’s also a photo stop for about 5 minutes. It’s long enough to grab a few shots, but short enough that you don’t lose the flow of the ride. If you’re serious about photos, bring your camera already ready. In cold weather, fiddling with gear becomes annoying fast.

After riding, there’s free time plus shopping for about 10 minutes. This is a little chance to warm up, pick up a small souvenir, and reset before the drop-off.

Dress like a pro: what to bring for real winter comfort

This is Lapland. The cold is not a polite suggestion. Your warmth is part of your enjoyment.

Bring:

• Warm clothing
• Warm shoes

You’ll also want layers you can adjust. Even if the temperature feels brutal when you arrive, once you’re moving on a horse, you may feel different. The goal is to stay comfortable without getting stuck in one heat level for the whole outing.

Gear for riding is provided, but you’re still responsible for your body warmth. One of the best pieces of advice I’d give: wear layers that work under a saddle and won’t shift around when you mount.

And if you’re doing this in deep winter, assume you’ll be outside during briefing and waiting moments. Plan your layers for longer than you think.

Group size up to 6 people, why it helps your experience

This is a small group tour, limited to 6 participants. That changes the whole feel.

In a tiny group, guides can:

• explain basics without repeating themselves forever
• check posture and hand position during training
• manage pacing so beginners aren’t overwhelmed and experienced riders don’t feel bored

It also supports safety. In winter conditions, clearer guidance matters. The tour explicitly notes that the route and speed depend on skill level and weather, and small groups make that personalization actually possible.

Minimum group size is 2 people, so you won’t be stuck as the only rider with no comparisons on the day.

Price and value: what you get for $111 per person

At $111 per person for a 1 to 2 hour activity, the price makes more sense when you look at what’s included.

You get:

• Initial training
• Riding gear
• Guiding services
• A guided horse riding trek
• Pick-up service available (depending on your option)

For winter activities in Lapland, this is not just a casual walking tour. You’re paying for horses, trained staff, gear, and the time needed to keep the trek safe in real Arctic weather.

It also helps that the experience includes that short, structured downtime (photo stop and a bit of free time) so the trek doesn’t feel like one long stretch with no break.

If you’re comparing options, I’d look at total value, not just the hourly feel. Training plus gear plus guided winter riding is the bundle that protects your comfort and your enjoyment.

Who this Levi ride is perfect for

This experience is a good match if you want:

• a beginner-friendly introduction to horse riding
• a winter nature activity that’s more active than a bus ride
• a calm way to see Lapland around Levi without needing advanced skills

It also suits families in the right age range. Children must be at least 7 years old, unless they have previous experience on riding treks. If you’re traveling with mixed experience levels, the guides adjust the route and speed to keep the group together.

On the flip side, it’s not suitable if you’re outside the weight limit (95 kg, 209 lbs). Also, it’s not a fit for kids under 7 based on the stated rules.

If you want adrenaline racing and control, this is not that kind of ride. It’s built for safe pacing and a good experience for beginners and mixed groups.

A few practical rules that keep things smooth

A couple of simple policies make winter tours feel safer and more comfortable:

• Arrive on time (stable 15 minutes early, pick-up timing matters)
• Plan your ride without alcohol and drugs, since those are not allowed

Also remember: the trek depends on weather and rider level. That means you might not ride exactly the same route or pace as someone else’s day. In winter, that’s normal and usually a sign the guides are prioritizing safety and comfort.

Should you book this Levi: Riding Trek with Icelandic Horses?

If you’re deciding whether to book, here’s my straight take: book it if you want a gentle, guided winter horse experience with training, gear, and a real chance to try the Icelandic tölt gait.

Don’t book it if you’re looking for long, self-guided control, or if you can’t handle cold-weather clothing. The experience will be only as pleasant as your warmth plan.

One smart move before you go: decide whether you want 1 hour as a first-timer sampler or 2 hours as the main event. Then pack layers you can wear for longer than you think you’ll need. Finally, show up early, because winter rides run on tight timing for everyone’s safety.

If that sounds like your kind of Lapland moment, this is a very solid choice near Levi.

FAQ

Do I need previous riding experience?

No. The trek is described as easy, and there is no previous riding experience required. You get instructions and initial training before you ride.

How long is the ride?

You can choose either a 1 hour or 2 hour trek. Duration can vary based on the option you select, and the speed and route depend on weather and group experience.

Where does the activity start?

You start from one of two locations: Lapland Saga or Design Hotel Levi. Meeting point may vary depending on the option you book.

What should I wear for winter?

Bring warm clothing and warm shoes. You should also plan for cold conditions, since the trek is outside and the route depends on the weather.

Is pick-up available?

Yes, pick-up service is available if you choose that option. If you use pick-up, be ready about 20 minutes before the activity start time.

What is the maximum weight for riders?

The maximum rider weight is 95 kg (209 lbs). People over that limit are not suitable for the activity.

Is there a cancellation option or flexible booking?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later to keep plans flexible.