Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

Snow and silence on horseback sounds unreal. In Saariselkä, this Arctic trail ride at Polaris Point Horses is interesting because you get to ride your own steady horse through pristine woods at a calm pace. What I like most is the focus on peaceful trail time, not performance, and the way the guide helps you feel in control fast. One possible drawback: it is winter, so you’ll want proper layers and footwear, because transfers are not included.

This 2-hour outing is small group and low-pressure, but you should plan ahead for getting to the farm. Since outdoor clothing is not included, a last-minute gear scramble can turn a relaxing ride into a stressful one.

Quick Key Points Before You Go

• Small group size (max 4) keeps the ride relaxed and lets the guide give personal attention.
• At least 60 minutes riding in the forest is real time, not a short photo stop.
• Steady Finnish horses are used for a calm, beginner-friendly experience.
• Guided, slow-paced trail riding means you can enjoy the snow sounds and quiet air.
• Warm drinks and refreshments indoors give you a clean landing after the cold.
• Your helmet is provided so you can focus on enjoying the ride instead of hunting gear.

Polaris Point Horses: A Simple Setup That Feels Safe

Check in at Polaris Point Horses farm, where you’re greeted, briefed, and fitted with a helmet for the duration of the ride. That first step matters in Lapland winter, because your focus should be on riding, not figuring out what helmet fits over your hat. Then you meet the local Finnish horses, the real stars of the show.

The vibe here is not chaotic. You get an introduction on how to ride and how to handle these steady horses, and the guide keeps everything paced so newer riders can settle in. If you have zero riding experience, that’s fine. This is the kind of activity built for calm confidence, not tough lessons.

In the morning or evening cold, that “organized and unhurried” feeling can be half the value. It turns a potentially intimidating activity into something you can actually enjoy.

The 60-Minute Forest Ride You’re Really Paying For

The main event is the time in the woods: at least 60 minutes riding on your own horse through snowy forest trails. The ride is described as relaxing and quiet, and you’ll feel that in the schedule. There’s no rush, no darting between stops, no traffic noise, and no pressure to keep up with fast riders.

Instead, you’ll take small trails and move at a slow pace so you can breathe the clean air and look at what’s around you. In winter, that makes a big difference. Slow riding lets you notice details, like animal tracks in snow, and gives you time to take in the stillness.

You’ll also ride in a line with the rest of your group, guided by a professional guide. That structure helps you stay oriented on the trail. It also means you’re not wondering what to do every minute, which is exactly what you want when the ground is slick and everyone’s cold.

Riding Your Own Horse Without the Drama

A lot of people worry that horseback riding is only for people who already know what they’re doing. Here, the key is that the horses are steady. That matters because a calm horse reduces the effort it takes to feel comfortable.

After the initial guidance, you’re helped onto the saddle and then you’re out on the trail. The guide also provides detailed riding information, so you get the basics before movement starts. Even if you’re new, the goal is that you can focus on staying comfortable, listening to the guide, and letting the horse do most of the work.

One detail I really appreciate in this kind of ride is the attention to horse behavior and group dynamics. In this experience, guides explain how the horses work and relate to one another, including the idea of pecking order. It’s not about making you a horse expert. It’s about helping you understand why the line moves the way it does and why you should follow instructions without overthinking.

How the Guide Makes the Trip Worthwhile

This tour runs with a professional local guide who speaks English and Finnish. That bilingual setup is helpful if your group includes people with different language strengths. More importantly, a good guide can turn a horse ride into a story you can carry home.

What you’ll get here is forest and nature commentary during the ride, plus guidance that keeps you comfortable throughout. The tone is calm and practical, not lecture-y. The guide also pays attention to riders who need a bit more support, so you’re less likely to feel lost or behind.

If you’re hoping for wildlife context, you can expect the trail to come with small discoveries like animal tracks. Those tiny signs are one of the best parts of riding through snowy woods, because the forest becomes readable.

Small Group Size in Winter: Less Waiting, More Attention

This is a small group experience limited to 4 participants. In winter, that limitation has a practical upside. You spend less time standing around, and the guide can manage spacing and support without rushing you.

It also affects how the ride feels. With a tiny group, the line stays more controlled. You’re less likely to get separated from the rest of the group, and the guide can adjust pace if someone needs extra help.

For me, small group rides are the sweet spot. You still get a shared experience, but you don’t feel like part of a production line.

What to Wear for a Comfortable Arctic Ride

Outdoor clothing is required, and the right setup is what keeps the ride enjoyable. The experience notes that you should wear suitable outdoor clothing according to the weather, which in Saariselkä can mean serious cold and wind.

Footwear is specifically called out. Skip moonboots and other very large shoes, and avoid very big hats because they need to fit under a helmet. If your hat sits high or your boots are bulky, you can end up fighting fit instead of riding.

A solid rule that matches the guidance: use regular winter walking shoes and bring a small cap or scarf to cover your head. That combo usually works well under a helmet and helps you keep warmth around your ears and cheeks.

My practical tip: wear layers you can adjust. You want warmth at the farm and while you’re waiting, but you might generate some heat once you’re riding. Also, bring gloves you can manage with your hands, since you’ll be using your hands while following the guide’s riding instructions.

Getting There: Transfers Are Not Included

Transfers to and from the location are not included. The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and about 40 minutes from Ivalo by car.

So you have three realistic options:

• Use your own car if you’re comfortable driving in winter conditions
• Arrange a taxi in advance
• Use another local transport plan and add time for the ride departure window

If you’re staying in Saariselkä, plan extra buffer time. Cold weather makes “just a few minutes late” turn into “everyone is freezing while you scramble.” One rider noted that a taxi cost about 90 euros round trip from Holiday Club Saariselkä, which is a helpful reality check when you’re budgeting.

This is one of those activities where the ride itself is the main event, but transportation can quietly become the deciding factor if you don’t plan it.

Price and Value: What 170 Gets You

At $170 per person for a 2-hour experience, the cost can look steep until you break down what’s included. You’re paying for:

• A helmet for the duration of the ride
• A detailed introduction and riding guidance
• A guided forest ride of at least 60 minutes on your own horse
• Hot drinks and refreshments indoors after the ride
• Services of a professional local guide

The value is strongest if you want a calm, low-stress Arctic activity with real time outside. Many cheaper activities either have short riding time, fewer included services, or larger groups that reduce personal attention.

Here, the “included ride time” is the big selling point. If you’re going to spend winter hours in the cold, you want those hours to count. At least 60 minutes in the forest is plenty of time to feel like you did something substantial.

After the Ride: Hot Drinks and a Calm Letdown

Once you return to the farm, you’re not just sent away. You enjoy hot drinks and refreshments indoors. That warm-up moment is not a small detail. It’s the point where you come back from the cold and actually decompress.

You’ll also have a chance to reflect on what you saw and felt: the snow, the quiet, the rhythm of hooves on the trail. It’s the kind of wrap-up that helps the experience stick, especially if your day in Lapland is packed with other activities.

Who Should Book This Horse Tour (And Who Should Skip)

This is a great match if you:

• Want a quiet Arctic nature experience instead of an adrenaline-heavy day
• Are a beginner and want steady horses, slow pacing, and clear instruction
• Appreciate small-group settings (max 4)
• Plan to dress properly for winter and want warm drinks afterward

It’s not a match if you:

• Have limits tied to safety or comfort, since it’s not suitable for children under 12
• Are pregnant, since it’s not suitable for pregnant women
• Are over 254 lbs (115 kg), due to the stated limit
• Want to drink alcohol during the activity, since alcohol and drugs are not allowed

If you’re someone who hates being outside in cold without a plan, this can still be a bad fit. But if you’re prepared and you want the calm side of Lapland, it’s an excellent choice.

Should You Book Arctic Trail Horse Riding in Saariselkä?

Yes, if you want a calm, beginner-friendly way to see the snowy forest and you’re okay handling the cold with the right clothing. The combination of at least 60 minutes riding, steady horses, and a tiny group makes it feel like you’re getting real value for your winter time.

Before you book, do two quick checks:

• Can you get to Polaris Point Horses without stress, either by arranging transport or by planning your departure time?
• Do you have outdoor winter clothing that fits well under a helmet, plus winter walking shoes that are not overly bulky?

If you can answer yes to both, this is one of the more relaxing Arctic activities you can do in the area, and it’s the kind of experience that leaves you with quiet memories rather than rushing photos.

FAQ

Where do I check in for the horse riding tour?

You check in for your experience at the Polaris Point Horses farm.

How long is the Arctic Trail Horse Riding tour?

The experience lasts 2 hours total, with at least 60 minutes riding in the forest.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The ride is described as relaxing and quiet, and it does not require previous riding experience.

What’s included with the tour?

Included items are a helmet, a detailed riding introduction, at least 60 minutes riding in the forest on your own horse, hot drinks and refreshments, and services of a professional local guide.

Are transfers to and from the farm included?

No. Transfer to the location and back is not included.

What languages are the live tour guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and Finnish.

How big is the group?

The group is small, limited to 4 participants.

What should I wear or bring in winter?

Bring outdoor clothing. The notes recommend regular winter walking shoes and a small cap or scarf to cover your head. Avoid moonboots or other very large shoes and avoid very big hats that do not fit under a helmet.

Is the tour suitable for children or everyone with mobility constraints?

It is not suitable for children under 12 years, pregnant women, or people over 254 lbs (115 kg).

Can I bring alcohol on the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is there free cancellation or a pay-later option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.