Imagine yourself on horseback, gently traversing the mystical landscapes of Finnish Lapland as the sky above bursts into a symphony of emerald, violet, and azure. The rhythmic clip-clop of hooves on the forest floor creates a natural soundtrack to nature’s most spectacular light show – the aurora borealis. As autumn paints Lapland in a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds, a unique opportunity emerges to experience the northern lights from a truly magical perspective.
Why autumn in Lapland offers a unique northern lights experience
Whilst many associate the northern lights with the depths of winter, autumn in Finnish Lapland presents extraordinary advantages for aurora hunters. From late August onwards, as the midnight sun retreats and darkness gradually returns to the Arctic, the night skies become a canvas for the northern lights. This early aurora season coincides perfectly with ruska – the breathtaking autumn transformation when Lapland’s landscape erupts in fiery hues.
This seasonal convergence creates a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream. Unlike the deep winter months when temperatures can plummet to -30°C, autumn offers more comfortable conditions for outdoor adventures. Evenings are crisp rather than bitterly cold, with temperatures typically ranging from +5°C to -5°C – perfect for spending extended periods outdoors gazing skyward. The unfrozen lakes and rivers act as perfect mirrors, potentially doubling your aurora experience as the lights reflect off water surfaces.
What truly sets autumn apart is the juxtaposition of elements. During the day, you’re surrounded by the warm colours of fall – the birch trees glowing golden, the ground cover of blueberry bushes turning crimson, and the evergreens providing a steadfast contrast. As evening falls, these warm tones serve as a stunning foreground to the cool, ethereal lights dancing overhead. This visual marriage of earth and sky creates a multisensory experience that simply cannot be replicated in any other season.
The practical benefits of autumn aurora hunting shouldn’t be overlooked either. With fewer tourists than the peak winter season, you’ll find yourself sharing these magnificent displays with fewer people, creating a more intimate connection with the landscape. The relative warmth also means more comfortable outdoor experiences and less cumbersome clothing, allowing greater freedom of movement – especially important when experiencing the wilderness on horseback.
How does horseback riding enhance your northern lights adventure?
There is something profoundly different about experiencing the northern wilderness on horseback. Unlike motorized travel, horse riding connects you to the environment in a way that honours the traditions of those who have traversed these landscapes for centuries. The gentle rhythm of the horse beneath you, the sound of hooves on forest paths, and the heightened awareness of your surroundings create a presence in the moment that few other experiences can match.
Horses provide access to remote wilderness areas that would otherwise remain unseen. They can navigate narrow forest trails, cross shallow streams, and climb to elevated viewpoints that vehicles simply cannot reach. This accessibility translates to unparalleled aurora viewing opportunities away from light pollution and human development. As darkness falls, your guide can lead you to open clearings or hilltops specifically chosen for their excellent northern lights visibility, places known only to locals and inaccessible by conventional means.
The environmental benefits of horseback exploration align perfectly with the values of sustainability-conscious travellers. Our horse riding adventures leave minimal impact on the delicate Arctic ecosystem, allowing you to witness nature’s wonders with a clear conscience. The Finnish horses themselves – sturdy, sure-footed, and well-adapted to the northern environment – become your companions rather than merely a mode of transport.
Perhaps most importantly, there’s a special magic in the silent communion between horse, rider, and the dancing skies above. Without the noise of engines or the distractions of technology, you’re free to immerse yourself fully in the experience. When the aurora appears, you can stop immediately, wherever you are, to witness the spectacle. This spontaneity and freedom create moments of genuine awe that remain etched in memory long after you’ve returned home.
The magical trails of Finnish Lapland in autumn
The network of riding trails winding through Finnish Lapland offers diverse landscapes, each with its own character and charm. Forest paths lead through ancient pine and spruce woodlands, where the scent of resin mingles with the earthy aroma of autumn. These sheltered routes, carpeted with fallen leaves and pine needles, provide comfortable riding while the canopy occasionally opens to reveal glimpses of the sky above – perfect for spotting the first flickerings of the aurora.
As your journey continues, the trails emerge from the forests to follow the winding courses of rivers and streams. These waterside routes are particularly magical during autumn evenings, as the northern lights often reflect on the water’s surface, creating a double display of celestial wonder. The gentle sound of flowing water accompanies your ride, adding another sensory dimension to the experience.
Some of the most spectacular horseback trekking routes lead to the open fells – the rounded, treeless highlands characteristic of Lapland. These elevated areas provide panoramic viewpoints over the autumn landscape, with vistas extending for miles in every direction. As darkness falls, these locations transform into perfect natural observatories for the aurora borealis, with unobstructed views of the horizon and sky.
The region around Levi offers particularly varied terrain for horse riding in Levi, combining forested valleys, riverside paths, and accessible fell routes. These trails have been carefully selected to showcase the best of Lapland’s autumn beauty while providing optimal conditions for northern lights viewing. The balance of sheltered woodland and open spaces ensures comfort even on cooler evenings while maximizing your chances of witnessing the aurora.
What makes these trails truly special is how they transform through the autumn season. In early September, the birch forests blaze with golden light as sunlight filters through yellow leaves. By late September and early October, the undergrowth adds its own fiery palette as berries and ground cover change colour. This progressive transformation means that even the same trail ridden weeks apart can offer completely different experiences.
Wilderness accommodation: The perfect complement to your horseback adventure
After a day in the saddle beneath the vast Lapland skies, the quality of your accommodation becomes not merely a luxury but an essential component of the overall experience. At Polar Lights Tours, we offer three distinct accommodation options to enhance your immersion in the northern wilderness.
Aurora Wilderness Cabin
Our Aurora cabins, nestled in the serene wilderness of Levi, Finnish Lapland, offer a peaceful retreat. Our guide will escort you through the woods to ensure a comfortable arrival. From late May to late July, you can enjoy the Midnight Sun, while from late August to early April, you might witness a sky full of stars or the Northern Lights. The cabins feature large windows, including a roof window, for stunning views. Inside, you’ll find an eco-toilet for convenience. This overnight experience includes a light evening meal and breakfast featuring Finnish specialties.
Cozy Kammi Experience
Spend a night in our round and cozy kammi building, where you can experience the intimacy of the wilderness while sleeping warmly in sleeping bags. Located on our horse and husky farm, the kammi offers an opportunity to meet and learn about our animals in the evening. Enjoy a dinner made with Finnish ingredients inside the kammi, and then relax in a hammock outside, gazing at the night sky and possibly seeing stars or the Northern Lights. In the morning, wake up to find a breakfast basket waiting outside.
Wilderness Caravan Adventure
Stay in a motorhome, caravan, private tent, or hammock. Our farm is located along Muonio Road, about a 10-minute drive from Levi towards Muonio. Enjoy nature, take a dip in the river, or rent a barrel sauna. We have 5 electric caravan pitches, unlimited tent and hammock spots, and offer all necessary services: Kammi atmospheric cooking and an open fire in the chamber, toilets and indoor WC, water point, electrical outlets (5 pcs), and drainage of chemical toilets and grey water. Guided tours to get to know our horses and dogs are included in the price!
What to expect on a northern lights horseback expedition
Our horseback riding adventures in Lapland are designed to accommodate various experience levels, from complete beginners to accomplished equestrians. Prior to departure, our guides assess each rider’s comfort and skill level, matching you with a suitable Finnish horse whose temperament and training align with your experience. These sturdy, good-natured horses are specially selected for their reliability in the varied terrain of the northern wilderness.
Expedition durations range from 1-hour and 2-hour rides perfect for beginners, 5-hour journeys for a more immersive day experience, to 2-day and 3-day adventures that fully immerse you in the rhythm of wilderness travel. The longer journeys allow you to experience the changing character of the landscape from day to night, with dedicated evening stops planned around optimal northern lights viewing conditions.
All necessary riding equipment is provided, including safety gear and weatherproof outerwear appropriate for autumn conditions. Our guides are not only expert horsemen and women but also knowledgeable naturalists and aurora specialists who can explain the science behind the northern lights while sharing folklore and legends associated with these celestial displays.
A typical horseback trek in Lapland follows a thoughtfully planned itinerary that balances riding time with rest periods and dedicated aurora watching. Days typically involve 4-5 hours in the saddle, traversing varied terrain chosen for its scenic beauty and riding suitability. As evening approaches, the focus shifts to finding perfect aurora viewing locations – natural clearings, lakeshores, or elevated positions that offer unobstructed views of the northern sky.
Beyond the northern lights themselves, these expeditions offer rich opportunities for wildlife observation and nature connection. Your guide will help you identify animal tracks, edible berries and plants, and the diverse bird species that inhabit these northern regions. This educational component adds depth to your experience, transforming a simple ride into a comprehensive introduction to Lapland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Planning your autumn horseback adventure under the aurora
The optimal window for combining horse riding Finland experiences with northern lights viewing extends from late August through October. Late August and September offer a perfect balance – sufficient darkness for aurora visibility combined with milder temperatures and the height of autumn colours. By early October, the landscape transforms again as the first light snowfalls dust the higher elevations, creating a transitional beauty before winter fully arrives.
When selecting your adventure, consider both your riding experience and your comfort with overnight wilderness stays. Complete beginners may prefer the shorter 1-hour or 2-hour rides with returns to comfortable accommodation, while those with some riding experience might enjoy the immersion of 5-hour journeys or the 2-day and 3-day expeditions with varied accommodation options along the route.
Photography enthusiasts hoping to capture the northern lights should bring appropriate equipment: a camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, and spare batteries (which drain more quickly in cooler temperatures). Your guide can offer advice on camera settings to best capture the aurora, though we always emphasize that your first experience of the lights should be with your own eyes rather than through a viewfinder.
While the northern lights are a natural phenomenon that cannot be guaranteed, choosing a horseback aurora expedition maximizes your chances of success through mobility and expert guidance. Our experienced guides monitor aurora forecasts and weather conditions, adjusting routes when possible to find clear skies and optimal viewing conditions.
Our comprehensive packages combine the horse riding experience with carefully selected accommodation options and often include traditional Finnish meals, creating a seamless journey through one of Europe’s last great wildernesses under the dancing northern skies.
