Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

The best part of this tour is its quiet pace. You ride your own Finnish horse through forest trails near Saariselkä, with only the soft rhythm of hooves and the snowy woods around you. No traffic and no rush make this a fine way to see Lapland without a loud engine or packed activity center.

I like the small group of up to four people, which gives the guide time to help new riders. I also like the calm, well-trained horses and the chance to learn about the forest, animal tracks, and the horses themselves from guides such as Maria. The main catch is transport: the farm is outside Saariselkä, and a taxi can add a substantial cost.

Key points at a glance

• At least 60 minutes in the forest: The two-hour visit includes preparation, riding, and time back at the farm.
• Calm Finnish horses: These steady horses suit beginners who may feel unsure in the saddle.
• Small groups of four: The guide can give personal help and keep the ride together.
• A genuinely quiet outing: The route follows small woodland trails at a slow, relaxed pace.
• Hot drinks after the ride: You return indoors to warm up and talk through the experience.
• Plan your transport: Polaris Point Horses is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo by car.

Meeting the horses at Polaris Point Horses

You begin at Polaris Point Horses farm, not in central Saariselkä. The first part is about getting comfortable. You receive a riding helmet, meet the Finnish horses, and hear a clear introduction to handling and riding.

That briefing matters if you have never ridden before. The horses are described as calm and steady, and the guide explains how to behave around them and what to do in the saddle. You are then helped onto your horse before the group sets off.

The Finnish horse is a useful match for this kind of tour. It is strong enough for snowy woodland paths but known here as a gentle, manageable mount. You are not expected to arrive as an experienced rider. The activity is designed for a slow trail ride rather than a lesson in advanced riding.

The small group helps at this stage. With no more than four participants, the guide can check your position, answer questions, and give extra attention to anyone riding for the first time. Maria is especially good at explaining the horses’ behavior and the order they follow in the group, a small detail that helps you understand why each horse has its place.

A slow ride through snowy Finnish woods

Once everyone is ready, the group follows the guide into the forest. The ride lasts at least 60 minutes, and the pace stays slow from start to finish. You ride in a line along small trails, with the guide leading and the horses moving in an orderly rhythm.

This is not a fast horseback outing. There is no promise of trotting or open galloping, and that is a benefit for beginners. You have time to settle into the saddle, watch the horse’s movement, and take in the trees without worrying about keeping up.

In winter, the setting can feel especially still. Snow-covered trails, clean air, and dark woods create the sort of silence that is hard to find around Saariselkä’s busier activity areas. You may notice animal tracks along the way, and guides can point out details about the forest and local nature as you ride.

I like that the experience gives you a different view of Lapland. Snowmobiles and husky rides are popular here, but horseback riding changes the sound and speed of the outing. You are close to the ground, moving at a natural walking pace, with the horse’s steps providing most of the soundtrack.

The ride is also relaxing for people who do not want a demanding activity. You still need to stay balanced and follow the guide’s instructions, but the trail is presented as accessible for beginners. The emphasis is on the setting and the horses, not on testing your riding ability.

Why the small group makes a difference

A maximum of four participants is one of the strongest features of this tour. Horseback riding can feel awkward when you are new, especially during the first few minutes. A small group gives the guide space to notice if you need help with the reins, posture, or pace.

It also keeps the group quieter. Four riders moving through the forest feel less intrusive than a large line of horses. The calm mood is part of the appeal, and the limited group size helps protect it.

The guide leads the ride and stays with the group throughout. English and Finnish are available, so you can receive the safety briefing and trail information in one of those languages. Maria is named by several participants as a warm and attentive guide who takes time with new riders and talks about the horses and the surrounding woods.

The horses’ order is worth noting. Trail horses often follow one another in a set sequence, and the guide knows which animals work well together. That helps keep the ride smooth and reduces the need for you to make complicated decisions. Your job is mainly to listen, stay relaxed, and follow directions.

What you see and learn along the trail

The scenery is not presented as a series of formal stops. Instead, the forest itself is the main attraction. The route uses small trails, giving you time to notice the shape of the trees, the snow underfoot, and signs of wildlife.

Guides can explain parts of the forest and point out animal tracks. That adds meaning to what might otherwise be a simple ride through the woods. You may find yourself paying more attention to the trail once you know what to look for.

The experience also gives you time with the horses before and after riding. Meeting them at the farm lets you see their size and temperament before you climb into the saddle. Afterward, you can reflect on how each horse behaved and what made the group move together.

For many people, the horses are the emotional center of the outing. They are described as gentle, well trained, and well cared for. That matters because a horse that feels settled makes the ride easier for a first-time rider. It also gives you confidence that the animals are being handled with care.

Staying warm in Arctic weather

The tour supplies helmets, but outdoor clothing is not included. You need to arrive dressed for a cold, exposed activity, even though much of the route is in the woods.

Wear regular winter walking shoes rather than moon boots or very large footwear. Oversized shoes may not fit properly in the stirrups. A small cap or scarf can cover your head, but it must fit under the helmet. Very large hats are not suitable.

Layering is sensible. You need warm clothing for standing around at the farm, riding at a slow pace, and sitting indoors afterward. Gloves, warm socks, and clothing suited to the day’s weather are practical choices, though the operator does not provide outdoor gear.

Cold is the main comfort issue. One participant described the ride as cold but well worth doing. That is a fair way to think about it. A slow horseback ride may not generate much body heat, and you will spend time outdoors for at least an hour. Dress for warmth first, photographs second.

The hot drinks and refreshments at the end are a welcome part of the plan. You return indoors at the farm, warm up, and have time to talk with the guide and the rest of the group. This closing pause makes the outing feel like a complete visit rather than simply a ride followed by a quick departure.

The real cost: $170 plus transport

The listed price is $170 per person. That is not a low-cost activity, so the value depends on what you want from your Lapland day.

You are paying for a small group, a personal horse, at least an hour on the trail, a professional local guide, safety instruction, a helmet, and hot drinks afterward. The setting and group size are important here. A larger, faster operation might offer a lower price, but it would not necessarily provide the same quiet mood or individual attention.

Transport is the extra expense to plan carefully. If you drive, the farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo. Transfers are not included. A taxi from the Holiday Club Saariselkä area has been quoted at around €90 for the round trip, though your actual fare may differ.

That taxi cost can change the value calculation for solo visitors and couples. If you are already renting a car, the tour is easier to budget. If you need a taxi, ask about the return plan before booking and arrange the ride in advance. A rural pickup is not the place to assume a car will appear at the end.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option can help if your Lapland plans are still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, according to the stated booking terms.

Who should book this ride?

This is best for adults and older children who want a peaceful nature activity rather than a high-speed thrill. It suits first-time riders, couples, small families with eligible children, and anyone who likes animals and quiet scenery.

You do not need previous riding experience. The briefing and gentle horses make the activity approachable, and the guide can give extra help to new riders. The small group is also useful if you feel nervous about joining a large horseback excursion.

The official age limit is 12 and older. Pregnant women and people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms, should not book this activity. Those restrictions relate to safety and the practical fit of the riding equipment.

This is less suitable if you want a long, technical ride or plenty of independent control. You ride in line behind the guide, at a relaxed walking pace. The attraction is calm access to the forest, not speed or challenging horsemanship.

It is also not ideal if you dislike cold weather, outdoor clothing, or rural transport planning. The farm is not in the center of Saariselkä, and the ride does not include clothing or transfers.

What makes this different from a standard riding lesson?

The tour gives you basic riding information, but it is not built as a formal riding course. You learn enough to handle your horse safely on the trail, then spend most of the time moving through the forest.

That makes it a good choice if your goal is a memorable Lapland outing. You can learn about the horses, enjoy the woods, and try riding without committing to a longer lesson.

The horses do much of the work in the group. They know the trail routine and follow one another, while the guide manages the pace. You still need to listen and stay attentive, but you are not expected to navigate the route yourself.

I would choose this over a standard indoor riding session if you want the setting to be the main event. I would choose something else if your priority is improving riding technique or spending several hours in the saddle.

Practical details before you reserve

The full activity lasts two hours, with at least 60 minutes of riding. The remaining time covers arrival, introductions, mounting, instructions, and refreshments after the trail.

Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. The tour operates with a live guide in English or Finnish. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Bring suitable outdoor clothing and plan your transport before the day. If you drive yourself, allow around 25 minutes from Saariselkä or 40 minutes from Ivalo. If you need a taxi, pre-booking is the sensible choice.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 105 ratings, with particularly strong praise for the calm horses, the guides, the snowy forest setting, and the care given to beginners. Those are the parts I would use to judge the experience, rather than expecting an action-packed ride.

Should you book the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a quiet, personal way to enter the Arctic forest, especially if you are new to horseback riding. The calm Finnish horses, small group, helpful guide, and hot drinks afterward create a well-shaped two-hour outing.

Think twice if $170 already stretches your budget, then add a possible taxi fare. Also pass if you want speed, a long ride, or a formal lesson.

For the right person, this is less about mastering a horse and more about slowing down enough to notice the woods. Dress well, arrange the ride to the farm, and expect a gentle forest outing rather than an adrenaline activity.

FAQ

How long does the horseback riding tour last?

The complete activity lasts two hours. You ride in the forest for at least 60 minutes, with the rest of the time used for introductions, riding information, preparation, and refreshments.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at Polaris Point Horses farm.

How far is the farm from Saariselkä?

The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä by car. It is about 40 minutes from Ivalo.

Is transport included?

No. Transfers to and from Polaris Point Horses are not included.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The tour includes an introduction to riding, and the horses are described as calm and steady for beginners.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable outdoor clothing for the weather. Regular winter walking shoes are recommended. Avoid moon boots, very large shoes, and large hats that cannot fit under the helmet.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English and Finnish.

Who cannot take part in the tour?

Children under 12, pregnant women, and people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms, are not suitable for this activity.