Why autumn is the perfect season for exploring Lapland’s wilderness
Autumn in Finnish Lapland is a fleeting masterpiece, typically spanning from late August through October. This magical period, known as ruska, transforms the entire landscape as birch trees turn golden, blueberry bushes become crimson, and the ground cover shifts into deep russet hues. Unlike the stark white of winter or the vibrant green of summer, autumn presents Lapland in its most photogenic splendor, creating a natural canvas that changes daily as the season progresses.
Beyond the visual feast, autumn offers practical advantages for wilderness exploration. The temperature hovers comfortably between 5-15°C during daytime—ideal for outdoor activities without the extremes of winter cold or summer heat. The notorious Lapland mosquitoes have disappeared, allowing for peaceful outdoor experiences. Perhaps most significantly, visitor numbers drop dramatically after the summer peak, meaning you’ll often find yourself alone on trails with nothing but the sounds of nature and your horse’s steady breathing for company.
What many travelers don’t realize is that the northern lights season begins as early as late August. As nights gradually lengthen, opportunities to witness the aurora borealis increase, especially during clear September and October evenings. Imagine returning from a day’s horseback adventure to your wilderness accommodation, only to step outside later that evening and witness the sky erupting in swirling curtains of green and purple—a perfect conclusion to a day spent connecting with Lapland’s autumn wilderness.
“Autumn is when Lapland truly reveals its soul—when the land speaks through its colors and the sky begins its winter dance of light. There’s simply no better time to be in the wilderness.”
What makes horse riding the ultimate way to experience Levi’s autumn landscapes?
Horse riding offers a perspective on Lapland’s autumn wilderness that no other mode of transport can match. Seated atop a horse, you travel at the perfect pace—slow enough to absorb the intricate details of the changing landscape, yet fast enough to cover significant ground during your adventure. The elevated vantage point provides unobstructed views across lakes, rivers, and fell landscapes, allowing you to fully appreciate the tapestry of autumn colors spreading to the horizon.
One of the most compelling reasons to choose horse riding in Lapland is access. Our sturdy Finnish horses can navigate narrow forest paths, cross shallow streams, and climb to viewpoints that remain inaccessible to motorized vehicles. These ancient trails, some used for centuries by the local people, lead to hidden valleys and secluded wilderness spots where you can experience total immersion in nature’s autumn symphony.
The historical significance of horses in Arctic culture adds another dimension to your experience. Long before snowmobiles and ATVs, horses were essential companions for northern peoples, enabling winter travel, forest work, and maintaining connections between isolated communities. By exploring Lapland on horseback, you participate in this rich heritage, experiencing the land as generations before you have done.
Perhaps most importantly, ratsastusvaellus (horse trekking) represents a form of low-impact, sustainable tourism that aligns perfectly with the pristine environment you’ve come to experience. Unlike motorized tours, horseback journeys leave minimal trace on the landscape while creating a profound sense of partnership between rider, horse, and nature. The only sounds you’ll hear are natural ones—the soft thud of hooves on forest floor, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and perhaps the distant call of a bird gliding above the golden canopy.
Our guided horse trekking experiences: From forests to fells
At Polar Lights Tours, we’ve crafted a range of horse riding experiences specifically designed to showcase the breathtaking beauty of Lapland’s autumn landscapes. Our Finnish horses—known for their calm temperament, sure-footedness, and adaptability to varied terrain—are the perfect companions for wilderness exploration. Each horse in our small herd has been carefully selected and trained for the unique conditions of Arctic trail riding, ensuring both safety and enjoyment for riders of all experience levels.
We offer several distinct horse riding Levi experiences, ranging from 1-hour introductory rides through golden birch forests to full-day adventures that combine forest trails, open fell landscapes, and riverside paths. For those seeking a more immersive experience, our multi-day wilderness treks include overnight stays in traditional wilderness cabins, allowing you to witness the landscape transformation from dawn to dusk and perhaps even glimpse the northern lights from remote locations far from light pollution.
| Experience | Duration | Highlights | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest Discovery Ride | 1h or 2h | Golden birch forests, small streams, wildlife spotting | Beginners and families (ages 12+) |
| Fell & Forest Adventure | 5h | Forest trails, fell views, wilderness picnic | Intermediate riders with basic experience |
| Wilderness Trekking Experience | 2 days or 3 days | Remote trails, cabin accommodation, northern lights potential | Confident riders with previous experience |
Our experienced local guides lead all rides, combining expert horsemanship with deep knowledge of the local landscape, wildlife, and cultural history. They’re skilled at adapting the pace and route to suit the abilities of each group while ensuring everyone experiences the magic of Lapland’s autumn wilderness. Safety is paramount, with comprehensive briefings, quality equipment, and carefully assessed trails forming the foundation of every experience we offer.
What makes our horse riding Finland experiences truly special is their seasonal adaptation. Our autumn routes are specifically chosen to showcase the most spectacular ruska displays, visiting viewpoints where the tapestry of colors can be fully appreciated and timing rides to make the most of the golden autumn light that bathes the landscape in a warm glow during morning and evening hours.
Complete wilderness packages: Combining riding tours with authentic accommodation
To create a truly immersive Lapland autumn experience, we’ve developed comprehensive packages that pair our horse riding Lapland adventures with three distinctive accommodation options that enhance your connection to the wilderness. These complete experiences allow you to fully surrender to the rhythm of Arctic nature, with every aspect of your journey thoughtfully arranged to showcase autumn’s splendor.
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!
These comprehensive packages seamlessly integrate all elements of your Lapland adventure—from airport transfers and quality riding equipment to locally sourced meals featuring Arctic ingredients like berries, mushrooms, reindeer, and freshly caught fish. For multi-day ratsastusvaellus Lappi (horse trekking in Lapland) experiences, we handle the logistics of transporting your luggage between accommodations, allowing you to ride with just the essentials and fully immerse yourself in the wilderness experience.
What many guests particularly appreciate is how these packages create a natural rhythm to their Lapland experience. Days are spent actively exploring on horseback, while evenings offer time for relaxation, reflection, and cultural experiences like traditional Finnish cooking classes or storytelling sessions around the fireplace. This balanced approach ensures you return home feeling both invigorated by adventure and restored by connection with nature’s autumn transformation.
When and how to plan your autumn horse riding adventure in Lapland
The optimal window for experiencing Lapland’s autumn wilderness on horseback typically runs from late August through mid-October, with the most spectacular ruska colors usually peaking around mid-September. However, nature operates on its own schedule, and exact timing varies yearly based on temperature patterns and precipitation. Early September generally offers milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, while late September and early October bring increased chances of northern lights visibility as nights lengthen.
For those hoping to combine their horse riding adventure with northern lights viewing, we recommend planning stays of at least 3-4 nights to maximize your chances of clear skies. Consider downloading aurora forecast apps before your journey, and remember that patience and flexibility are key—nature’s most spectacular light show operates on its own mysterious schedule, making each sighting all the more magical when it occurs.
Through our horse adventures in Lapland’s autumn wilderness, we invite you to discover a different rhythm of travel—one that honors ancient traditions, respects the natural environment, and creates space for genuine connection with one of Europe’s last true wilderness areas. As our horses carry you through forests aflame with autumn colors and across open fells under vast Arctic skies, you’ll experience Finnish Lapland’s most enchanting season from a perspective few travelers ever witness.
