Yes, beginners can absolutely participate in horseback riding treks in Finnish Lapland with Polar Lights Tours. Our specially designed experiences cater to all skill levels, including complete novices, with gentle Finnish horses, comprehensive training sessions, and attentive guides who ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey. The pace and duration of treks are carefully adapted to accommodate beginners while still providing an authentic wilderness adventure. Each trek includes thorough pre-ride instruction, quality equipment, and specially selected accommodations that complement the riding experience, making Finnish Lapland’s pristine wilderness accessible to riders of all abilities.
What to expect on horseback riding treks in Finnish Lapland?
Horseback riding treks in Finnish Lapland offer an immersive journey through some of Europe’s most pristine wilderness landscapes. Riders can expect to traverse enchanting snow-draped forests in winter and vibrant, scenic landscapes in summer, with each season offering its unique charm and the captivating beauty of Lapland’s nature.
Our treks range from short 1-2 hour excursions to multi-day adventures spanning 2-3 days with overnight accommodation in our comfortable lodging options. The terrain varies from gentle forest trails to open fells and riverside paths, providing diverse scenery throughout your journey.
Finnish Lapland’s distinctive seasonal changes dramatically transform the riding experience. Summer brings the magical midnight sun with nearly 24 hours of daylight, perfect for extended evening rides. Autumn showcases a spectacular display of russet and gold foliage, while winter offers the unique opportunity to ride through snow-covered landscapes with potential northern lights sightings.
At Polar Lights Tours, we’ve carefully crafted comprehensive experiences that seamlessly blend riding adventures with authentic accommodation options. After a day on horseback, guests can retreat to one of our three accommodation options: Aurora Wilderness Cabin, Cozy Kammi Experience, or Wilderness Caravan Adventure, all strategically located to enhance your connection with nature.
Our friendly Finn horses—a native breed known for their steady temperament and surefootedness—are perfectly adapted to Lapland’s environment. These reliable companions make the wilderness accessible even to those with no previous riding experience, ensuring that everyone can safely enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Finnish Lapland.
Can beginners really enjoy horseback riding in the Finnish wilderness?
Beginners can not only participate but thoroughly enjoy horseback riding in the Finnish wilderness thanks to our carefully designed approach focused on accessibility and safety. Polar Lights Tours specializes in creating beginner-friendly treks that introduce newcomers to the joy of exploring Lapland on horseback without overwhelming them.
Our treks start with comprehensive training sessions where our experienced guides teach fundamental riding skills, proper posture, basic commands, and safety protocols. This preliminary instruction ensures that first-time riders develop sufficient confidence before venturing into the wilderness. We allocate extra time for this training with beginners, never rushing the process.
The gentle temperament of Finnish horses makes them ideal companions for novice riders. These sturdy, patient animals are specifically selected for their calm disposition and reliability on the trail. Their innate steadiness provides beginners with a sense of security that’s essential for enjoying the experience rather than feeling anxious.
Trek pacing is thoughtfully adjusted to accommodate beginners. We incorporate frequent rest stops, maintain slower speeds, and select gentler terrain for groups with novice riders. Our experienced guides continuously monitor each participant’s comfort level, offering personalized tips and encouragement throughout the journey.
Safety remains our paramount concern, with guides trained in first aid and emergency procedures. Beginners receive appropriate safety equipment including riding helmets and detailed briefings about trail etiquette and wilderness safety. The guide-to-rider ratio is kept intentionally low to ensure personalized attention for those requiring additional support.
Riders consistently report that even as beginners, the natural magnificence of Lapland’s landscapes and the unique perspective gained from horseback creates an unforgettable experience that transcends initial apprehensions about riding skills. The combination of proper instruction, suitable horses, and attentive guiding allows beginners to focus on enjoying the wilderness rather than worrying about their riding abilities.
What type of accommodation complements horseback riding experiences?
Our horseback riding experiences are enhanced by three carefully selected accommodation options that provide both comfort and authenticity after days spent exploring the wilderness. These thoughtfully designed lodging options form an essential part of the complete horseback adventure, offering riders places to rest and rejuvenate that align perfectly with the natural immersion of riding through Lapland’s landscapes.
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!
By thoughtfully pairing these accommodation experiences with our riding programmes, we create comprehensive packages that address all aspects of your Lapland adventure—from daytime exploration to evening comfort and cultural immersion.
How should beginners prepare for a Lapland horseback riding adventure?
Proper preparation significantly enhances the enjoyment and comfort of a Lapland horseback riding adventure, especially for beginners. Preparing both mentally and physically for your trek ensures you can fully appreciate the wilderness experience without unnecessary discomfort or surprises.
For clothing, the layering approach is essential in Lapland’s changeable climate. Start with moisture-wicking thermal base layers, add insulating mid-layers like fleece or wool, and finish with waterproof and windproof outer layers. Regardless of season, always bring waterproof riding trousers or chaps and multiple pairs of riding gloves. In summer, include sun protection and insect repellent; in winter, thermal underwear and additional warm layers become crucial.
Appropriate footwear is particularly important for comfort and safety. Waterproof riding or hiking boots with a small heel and good ankle support are ideal. For multi-day treks, pack comfortable camp shoes (like crocs) for evenings at your accommodation. Remember that Lapland weather can be unpredictable in any season, so prepare for varying conditions.
Physical preparation, while not demanding elite fitness, can enhance your comfort level. In the weeks before your trip, we recommend:
- Regular walking or light hiking to build stamina
- Simple core-strengthening exercises to support proper riding posture
- Basic stretching routines for flexibility, particularly focusing on legs and hips
- Spending some time sitting in positions similar to horseback riding
At Polar Lights Tours, our pre-trek briefings thoroughly prepare beginners for their adventure. These sessions cover safety procedures, basic riding techniques, horse handling, and wilderness etiquette. We provide all necessary riding equipment including helmets, and can offer guidance on what personal items to bring.
For multi-day treks, packing considerations include: headlamps (essential in autumn), personal toiletries, any required medications, a small first aid kit, a water bottle, a camera (preferably weather-protected), and a day pack for carrying essentials during rides. We provide detailed packing lists upon booking to ensure you arrive fully prepared.
Mental preparation is equally important. Approach the experience with patience and an open mind. Understanding that learning to ride takes time and that some initial muscle soreness is normal helps set realistic expectations. Most importantly, come ready to embrace the unique tranquility and beauty of Lapland’s wilderness—the true highlight of horseback trekking in this remarkable region.
What makes Polar Lights Tours’ horseback trekking packages unique?
Polar Lights Tours’ horseback trekking packages stand apart through our thoughtfully integrated approach that combines exceptional riding experiences with authentic accommodation options. Our holistic adventure packages ensure that every aspect of your Lapland journey—from daytime exploration to evening relaxation—delivers both quality and authenticity.
Our commitment to sustainability forms the foundation of our operations. We maintain strict environmental practices that minimise our impact on Lapland’s fragile ecosystems, including carefully planned trail usage to prevent erosion, waste reduction protocols, and energy-efficient accommodations. This sustainable approach allows guests to explore pristine wilderness with the knowledge that their adventure helps preserve these landscapes for future generations.
Cultural authenticity distinguishes our treks from standard riding experiences. We incorporate elements of traditional Sámi culture, local folklore, and regional history into our journeys. Our guides share stories of the land as you ride, bringing to life the rich heritage of Finnish Lapland. Our three distinctive accommodation options—Aurora Wilderness Cabin, Cozy Kammi Experience, and Wilderness Caravan Adventure—further immerse guests in genuine Lappish culture.
The quality of our guiding team significantly enhances the experience. Our guides possess deep knowledge of both horsemanship and the natural environment of Lapland. They expertly balance riding instruction with nature interpretation, pointing out wildlife, identifying plant species, and explaining ecological processes. This educational component transforms a simple ride into a comprehensive wilderness experience.
Our native Finnish horses represent another unique element. These special animals are perfectly adapted to Lapland’s environment with their sturdy build, sure-footedness, and remarkable stamina. Their gentle temperament makes them ideal companions for beginners, while their deep connection to Finnish heritage adds cultural significance to your riding experience.
The seamless integration of accommodations with riding activities creates comprehensive packages without logistical complications. Whether staying in our Aurora Wilderness Cabin with its stunning views through large windows, experiencing the cozy intimacy of our traditional kammi building, or enjoying the flexibility of our Wilderness Caravan Adventure, each lodging option is selected to complement the day’s riding activities and enhance your connection with nature.
Finally, our personalization capabilities set us apart. We understand that each group has different interests, physical abilities, and expectations. Our flexible approach allows us to tailor treks to your specific needs, whether adjusting riding distances for beginners or focusing on particular landscape features of interest. This customization ensures that your horseback adventure through Finnish Lapland becomes exactly the experience you’ve dreamed of—authentic, comfortable, and unforgettable.
