Combining northern lights viewing with evening horse riding adventures in Lapland isn’t just possible—it’s one of the most magical ways to experience Finland’s wilderness. Autumn in Lapland creates a perfect backdrop for this unique activity, as the forests transform into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold whilst the skies darken early enough for aurora spotting.
Northern Light tours
We offer a range of experiences from quick 1h introductory rides to immersive 2h and 5h evening adventures. For those seeking a complete wilderness immersion, our 2-day and 3-day packages allow you to truly connect with Lapland’s untouched nature. During these rides, guests traverse tranquil forest paths on our gentle Finnish horses, far from light pollution and deep in the heart of Lapland’s wilderness.
The combination creates a multi-sensory experience: the sound of hooves on soft forest floor, the crisp autumn air filling your lungs, and above, the possibility of nature’s greatest light show. Our guides are expert aurora spotters, helping you identify the right conditions and ensuring you’re in ideal viewing positions when the lights appear.
This experience offers something truly unique—the mobility of horseback travel means we can adjust our position based on weather conditions and aurora forecasts, enhancing your chances of a spectacular viewing whilst enjoying the intimate connection with nature that only horseback riding provides.
When is the best time to see northern lights while horseback riding in Lapland?
The optimal period for northern lights horseback adventures in Lapland runs from late August through October. This autumn window offers a magical combination of factors that create perfect conditions for aurora viewing on horseback. As August transitions to September, the evenings begin to darken significantly earlier, providing the essential dark sky canvas for the northern lights whilst still allowing for comfortable evening riding temperatures.
Late August marks the beginning of “ruska” season—Lapland’s spectacular autumn transformation. During this time, the forests burst into vibrant colours of crimson, amber and gold, creating breathtaking scenery for our 1h, 2h, and 5h rides, as well as our multi-day adventures. By September, darkness returns to Lapland after the summer’s midnight sun, with clear nights offering ideal conditions for aurora spotting.
Weather conditions during autumn tend to be more stable than winter, making it more comfortable for both riders and horses. The temperatures typically range from 0°C to 10°C during evenings—cool enough to be invigorating but not so cold as to require the heavy winter gear necessary during deeper winter months.
Another advantage of autumn aurora hunting on horseback is the reflection of the northern lights on Lapland’s lakes and rivers before they freeze, creating double the spectacle. The combination of autumn’s darkening skies, reasonable temperatures, and the magnificent forest colours makes this season truly special for horse riding under the northern lights.
What does a typical northern lights horseback riding tour include?
Our northern lights horseback riding tours come in various durations to suit different preferences. Our most popular option is a 2-hour experience that immerses you in the beauty of Lapland’s autumn wilderness. For those with limited time, we offer a concise 1-hour introduction, while our comprehensive 5-hour adventure allows for a deeper wilderness experience. Each tour begins at our stables where you’ll meet your Finnish horse—a breed known for their calm temperament and sure-footedness on forest trails. These gentle companions are perfectly suited to riders of all experience levels.
Before setting out, our guides provide safety instructions, riding basics, and proper helmet fittings. Once mounted, we begin our journey into the forest as daylight begins to fade and the sky prepares its canvas for potential aurora displays.
The riding portion varies based on your chosen duration, with strategic pauses at viewpoints where northern lights visibility is optimal. During the ride, guides share fascinating insights about Lapland’s nature, the science behind the auroras, and traditional Finnish folklore surrounding these magical lights.
For our longer experiences (5h, 2-day, and 3-day adventures), we include a warming break where you can enjoy traditional Finnish campfire coffee and light snacks. This pause offers a perfect opportunity to scan the skies for the northern lights while resting from the saddle. Our guides assist with aurora photography, offering tips on capturing this natural phenomenon against the stunning autumn landscape.
Throughout the experience, the focus remains on creating a harmonious balance between the peaceful rhythm of horseback travel and the excitement of potential aurora sightings, making each tour a unique wilderness adventure.
How do accommodation packages enhance the northern lights horseback riding experience?
Our integrated accommodation and activity packages significantly elevate the northern lights horse riding experience by creating a seamless wilderness immersion. These carefully designed packages combine comfortable lodging with our signature rides of varying durations (1h, 2h, 5h, 2-day, and 3-day adventures), allowing guests to fully embrace the tranquility of Lapland’s autumn without logistical concerns.
At Polar Lights Tours, we offer three distinct accommodation options to complement your northern lights horseback adventures:
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 combining comfortable accommodation with our guided horseback aurora experiences, these packages create a comprehensive Lapland adventure that connects visitors deeply with both the cultural and natural wonders of the Finnish Arctic.
Are northern lights horseback riding tours suitable for beginners?
Yes, our northern lights horseback riding tours are specifically designed to be accessible for beginners whilst still engaging for experienced riders. We offer different durations to match your comfort level: 1h rides are perfect for complete beginners, 2h experiences provide a more comprehensive introduction, while 5h adventures are ideal for those wanting a deeper experience. Our 2-day and 3-day packages are adjustable to accommodate varying skill levels. We understand that many visitors to Lapland may have limited or no previous riding experience, which is why we’ve created a supportive environment that prioritizes both safety and enjoyment for all skill levels.
Our Finnish horses are particularly well-suited for novice riders. Known for their steady temperament and reliable nature, these horses are accustomed to working with people of varying experience levels. Their calm disposition makes them ideal companions for evening rides when the excitement of potential aurora sightings might otherwise make a nervous rider tense.
Before each tour, our experienced guides provide comprehensive instruction on basic riding techniques, proper posture, and how to communicate effectively with your horse. We supply all necessary safety equipment, including properly fitted riding helmets, and ensure each rider is comfortable before setting out on the trail.
The pace of our evening northern lights tours is deliberately gentle and relaxed—perfect for beginners. The trails we select for these experiences avoid challenging terrain, instead following well-established forest paths at a walking pace with occasional gentle trots for those who feel confident. Our standard group size is kept small (maximum of 6 riders per guide) to ensure personalized attention throughout the ride.
For families with children, we offer special tours with suitable horses and adjusted routes. Children as young as 10 years old can participate in our 1h and 2h evening rides when accompanied by an adult, making this a wonderful family aurora experience.
More experienced riders aren’t left wanting either—when possible, we arrange separate groups for advanced riders seeking a more dynamic pace, particularly for our longer 5h, 2-day, and 3-day adventures, though all evening aurora rides include strategic pauses at optimal viewing locations to maximize northern lights spotting opportunities.
Safety remains our foremost priority, with guides trained in wilderness first aid and equipped with emergency communication devices throughout all tours, ensuring peace of mind for riders of all experience levels.
Key takeaways: making the most of your northern lights horseback adventure
To fully embrace your northern lights horseback adventure in Lapland’s autumn wilderness, preparation and mindset are key. Timing your visit between late August and October maximizes your experience of both the northern lights and Lapland’s spectacular autumn colours. Consider which duration best suits your experience and interest: our 1h introductory ride, popular 2h evening adventure, immersive 5h experience, or our comprehensive 2-day and 3-day wilderness journeys.
For photography enthusiasts, bring a camera with manual settings and a tripod that can be easily packed in saddlebags. Our guides can advise on ideal camera settings and help position you for the best shots when the aurora appears. Remember that moments of stillness during breaks provide the steadiest platform for aurora photography rather than attempting shots while mounted.
Embrace the full sensory experience beyond just aurora hunting. The sounds of hooves on forest paths, the earthy autumn scents, and the feeling of connection with your horse create a profound wilderness immersion regardless of whether the northern lights make an appearance.
Our commitment to sustainable tourism practices shapes every aspect of our horseback experiences. By choosing smaller groups, following established trails, and respecting wildlife habitats, we ensure these pristine environments remain protected for future generations to enjoy. Our Finnish horses are treated as valued partners rather than mere tools for tourism, with careful attention to their wellbeing and rest periods.
Finally, approach your northern lights horseback adventure with openness and patience. While we carefully select optimal conditions and locations, aurora viewing is never guaranteed. However, the journey itself—discovering Lapland’s autumn beauty on horseback whilst sharing stories around a campfire—creates unforgettable memories regardless of whether the sky performs its dance of lights.
By combining the ancient tradition of horseback travel with the wonder of aurora viewing, you’ll experience Lapland in a way few visitors ever do—moving rhythmically through silent forests beneath a sky alive with possibility.
