Autumn horseback adventures in Levi: Ride through Lapland’s golden forests

As the crisp autumn air settles over Lapland’s wilderness, the forests transform into a kaleidoscope of amber, crimson, and gold. There’s something truly magical about exploring this seasonal masterpiece on horseback—feeling the gentle rhythm of hooves on forest trails as golden leaves dance in the breeze. This special time in Finland’s northernmost region offers a horse riding experience unlike any other, combining natural splendour with the unique tranquility that comes after summer crowds have departed. For adventurous souls seeking to connect with nature in its most vibrant state, horse adventures through Levi’s autumn landscapes provide an intimate glimpse into the heart of Finnish Lapland’s wilderness. Our rides are available in various durations to suit your schedule: 1-hour, 2-hour, and 5-hour experiences, as well as more immersive 2-day and 3-day adventures.

Why autumn in Lapland offers the perfect horseback riding experience

Autumn in Lapland—known locally as “ruska”—transforms the landscape into a photographer’s dream. From late August through October, the region’s birch forests burst into brilliant yellows and oranges, while the ground cover of berries, mosses and lichens adds crimson and russet tones to create a truly breathtaking palette. This spectacular natural display makes ratsastusvaellus (horseback trekking) during autumn particularly special, as riders are immersed in an ever-changing canvas of colours that simply cannot be experienced during other seasons.

The weather during autumn strikes a perfect balance, with temperatures typically ranging between 5-15°C—ideal for active outdoor pursuits like horse riding Lapland adventures. Unlike the intense cold of winter or the mosquito-laden summer, autumn provides comfortable conditions for both horse and rider. The mild temperatures mean you can focus entirely on the experience without battling extreme elements. Additionally, this shoulder season brings fewer tourists, allowing for more peaceful explorations of the wilderness. Perhaps most excitingly, from late August onwards, the gradually darkening evenings create perfect conditions for witnessing the first northern lights displays of the season, adding a celestial dimension to evening Horseback Riding Levi experiences. There’s something truly extraordinary about pausing your ride in a forest clearing to watch the green and purple lights dance overhead—a moment that encapsulates the true essence of Lapland.

What makes Levi’s forest trails ideal for equestrian exploration?

Levi’s surrounding wilderness offers a remarkable diversity of terrain that makes it perfectly suited for horse riding Finland adventures. The network of trails winds through ancient forests of pine, spruce and birch, each offering distinct riding experiences throughout the autumn progression. Early in the season, trails lead riders alongside crystal-clear lakes where the still waters perfectly mirror the colourful canopy above. As you venture further, the landscape opens into rolling fells where panoramic views stretch for kilometres, showcasing the patchwork of autumn colours across the Lappish wilderness. These elevated vantage points provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photography moments and a sense of vastness that is quintessentially Finnish.

What truly distinguishes Levi’s trail system is its accessibility for riders of varying experience levels. At Polar Lights Tours, we carefully select routes that offer authentic wilderness immersion while remaining suitable for beginners and intermediate riders. The forest floors of pine-needle cushioned paths provide excellent natural footing for our Finnish horses, allowing for comfortable trekking even for those new to Horseback Riding Lapland. More experienced equestrians can enjoy the technical challenges of varied terrain, from gentle climbs up fell sides to navigating the mossy banks of bubbling streams. The trails’ natural diversity ensures that each ride offers something new to discover—perhaps a hidden berry patch bursting with lingonberries, a glimpse of reindeer moving through distant trees, or a perfect clearing for observing the northern sky. This combination of accessibility and authentic wilderness experience makes Levi a truly special destination for autumn horseback adventures.

Our sustainable approach to horseback adventures in delicate ecosystems

Lapland’s wilderness is both resilient and fragile, with ecosystems that have evolved over thousands of years to withstand harsh Arctic conditions while maintaining delicate ecological balances. At Polar Lights Tours, our horse riding philosophy is built around minimizing our environmental footprint while maximizing authentic experiences. We carefully limit our group sizes to a maximum of six riders per guide, ensuring personal attention while reducing trail impact. This smaller scale allows us to move through the environment with minimal disturbance to wildlife and vegetation, particularly important during autumn when many animals are preparing for the coming winter.

Our guides are not merely skilled equestrians but trained naturalists with deep knowledge of Lapland’s ecology. During horseback riding excursions, they share insights about the boreal forest ecosystem, identifying native plants, animal tracks, and explaining the complex relationships between species that make this environment so special. Our Finnish horses are specifically chosen for these expeditions due to their sure-footedness and calm temperament—traits that allow them to navigate wilderness trails with minimal impact. These sturdy, native breeds are well-adapted to the northern environment and require less intervention than more delicate horse varieties might need. We maintain strict protocols regarding trail usage, carefully rotating our routes to prevent overuse of any single area and allowing natural regeneration. This responsible approach to horse adventures ensures that the same magical forest experiences can be enjoyed by generations to come, preserving both the environmental integrity and cultural heritage of Finnish Lapland’s equestrian traditions.

Complete experience: From wilderness trails to cozy accommodations

What truly elevates a horse riding Finland adventure is the seamless integration of exhilarating daytime explorations with comfortable, authentic accommodations. At Polar Lights Tours, we offer three distinctive accommodation options to enhance your Lapland experience:

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!

When can you see northern lights during autumn horseback adventures?

The dance of the aurora borealis adds an enchanting dimension to autumn horse riding experiences in Lapland, and understanding the timing can significantly enhance your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon. The northern lights viewing season in Finnish Lapland begins earlier than many realize, with displays often visible from late August onwards as darkness gradually returns to the Arctic. By September, the night skies darken enough to provide excellent viewing conditions, particularly between 10 pm and 2 am when aurora activity typically peaks. During this autumn period, the combination of reasonable temperatures (often still above freezing) and increasing hours of darkness creates ideal conditions for comfortable northern lights viewing without the extreme cold of winter months.

We schedule our evening horseback riding Levi rides to coincide with optimal aurora viewing times, venturing to specially selected locations away from artificial light sources. These horseback excursions take you to natural clearings and elevated positions that offer unobstructed views of the northern sky. Our 5-hour adventures and evening components of our multi-day packages are particularly well-suited for northern lights viewing. Our guides are skilled at monitoring aurora forecasts and recognizing the atmospheric conditions that indicate potential displays. They’ll help you prepare your camera settings to capture these magical moments, though no photograph truly compares to the experience of sitting atop your horse beneath a sky alive with moving colour. The unique perspective of witnessing the northern lights while on horseback creates a profound connection with the landscape—the silence broken only by the occasional soft nickering of horses and the whisper of wind through golden leaves. For those participating in our 2-day and 3-day horse trekking adventures, we incorporate flexibility into the itinerary to maximize northern lights opportunities, sometimes extending evening rides or arranging special midnight excursions when conditions are particularly promising.

How to prepare for your autumn horseback adventure in Levi

While previous riding experience enhances your journey, many of our horseback riding routes are suitable for beginners who possess basic fitness and a sense of adventure. Our 1-hour and 2-hour rides are perfect for novices or those looking for a gentle introduction to horseback riding in Lapland. For those seeking deeper immersion, our 5-hour, 2-day, and 3-day experiences offer progressively more comprehensive exploration of the region. We match riders with appropriate horses based on experience level, with our patient Finnish horses providing perfect mounts for those new to equestrian exploration. For photography enthusiasts, we recommend a camera with manual settings for northern lights photography and a small, secure bag that won’t bounce during rides. Our packages can be customized based on your experience level, specific interests, and desired level of comfort, from 1-hour rides with traditional Finnish meals to comprehensive multi-day adventures with varied accommodations. Whether you’re seeking a gentle introduction to Lapland’s autumn landscapes or an immersive wilderness experience, our team helps tailor your horseback adventure to create memories that will last long after the leaves have fallen.

“There is something profoundly moving about exploring Lapland’s autumn forests on horseback—the rhythm of hooves on the soft forest floor, the golden light filtering through birch leaves, and the shared silence of horse and rider as you witness nature’s most spectacular colour display.”