Thinking about adding a touch of nostalgia to your Lapland adventure? This Levi One Horse Open Sleigh Ride might just be what you’re looking for. It’s a charming, peaceful experience that offers a slow, scenic glide through snowy forests, with a chance (though not a guarantee) to see the northern lights lighting up the Arctic sky.
What we particularly love about this tour is its intimacy—you’re not part of a massive group or chasing adrenaline, but instead sharing a quiet moment with nature and loved ones. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the whole experience more meaningful. On the flip side, the ride itself is relatively short, and seeing the northern lights depends on weather and solar activity, so be prepared for some unpredictability.
This tour is ideal if you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly activity that captures the essence of Lapland’s winter charm without requiring athleticism or risking frostbite. It suits travelers who appreciate scenic downtime and a cozy atmosphere, especially those looking for a picture-perfect snapshot of Arctic life.
Key Points
- Peaceful and scenic ride through snowy forests, perfect for a laid-back experience
- Opportunity to see the northern lights, though sightings aren’t guaranteed
- Includes warm refreshments like berry juice and local cookies in a cozy setting
- Comfortable group size, suitable for sharing with family or friends
- Guides praised for their friendliness and knowledge
- Duration is approx. 1 hour, including transportation and stops
What Is the Levi One Horse Open Sleigh Ride?
This experience is all about embracing the stillness and beauty of Lapland’s winter landscape. You’ll hop aboard a traditional open sleigh pulled by a single horse, gliding along quiet, snow-covered trails. It’s a gentle ride designed to let you soak in the sights and sounds of the Arctic wilderness at a relaxed pace.
The entire journey lasts around an hour, which includes transportation, safety briefings, and a few stops. The ride itself typically takes about 20 minutes, but the overall experience—complete with warm drinks and a cozy fire—makes it feel just right. It’s not an adrenaline rush but a chance to slow down and appreciate winter’s calm.
The scenery is what really makes this outing memorable. We loved the way the snow muffles sounds and creates an almost magical atmosphere. If you’re lucky, clear skies might reveal the northern lights, dancing across the dark sky. It’s a peaceful, almost meditative way to connect with Lapland’s stunning environment.
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The Itinerary Breakdown
Starting Point: Levi Center Hissitie 11
Your adventure begins here, at the meeting point across from the parking lot next to Kotipizza. Look out for the bus with “Polar Lights Tours” on it, which will whisk you away for a brief transfer.
Transfer to Levi, Sirkka (10 minutes)
The shuttle takes you on a short, comfortable ride to the start of the sleigh trail. It’s a quick journey that gets you into the snowy landscape before you know it.
More Great Tours NearbySafety Briefing (5 minutes)
Once you arrive, guides provide a quick safety overview and some context about the area. This is a good time to ask any questions and get familiar with the equipment.
Guided Tour (30 minutes)
The main event! You’ll hop into the sleigh, pulled by a sturdy horse, gliding through serene forest paths. The guides are often praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, making the ride more engaging with stories or insights into the local environment.
Photo Stop (10 minutes)
Midway or at the end, there’s usually a chance to snap some photos of the snow-draped trees and possibly the northern lights if skies are clear. This pause adds a nice touch, giving you a chance to capture memories.
Local Snacks (15 minutes)
After the ride, you’ll gather around a traditional Kammi (Sami-style hut) fire. Here, hot berry juice and local cookies await, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere to relax and chat about the experience.
Return to Levi Center (10 minutes)
The shuttle takes you back to the original meeting point, bringing an end to a calming Arctic journey.
What’s Included and What to Know
Your ticket covers pickup and drop-off from Levi center, which is super convenient if you’re staying in the area. The experience also includes hot juice and snacks, perfect for warming up after the ride.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the guides speak both English and Finnish. The ride’s length and timing are designed to fit comfortably into your day, making it a flexible option.
What to bring? Warm clothing is essential—think layers, hats, gloves, and boots. The outdoor setting means you’ll want to stay snug, especially if skies are clear and temperatures drop.
A key consideration is that northern lights sightings are not guaranteed—they depend on weather and solar activity. Many past clients, however, have appreciated the peaceful environment regardless of whether the lights make an appearance.
The Experience—What Travelers Are Saying
Several visitors highlight the friendly guides and the beauty of the ride. One reviewer from the UK mentioned, “We enjoyed, just wish we seen polar lights, staff was very friendly,” showing how the experience is valued for both its tranquility and personal touch. A Finnish guest called it “Very nice! Enjoyed it very much,” indicating that locals also find it worthwhile.
Some feedback points out that the ride duration felt a bit short—about 20 minutes of actual ride time—but overall, travelers appreciate the calm, scenic nature of the trip. One guest praised the guide Nora, calling her “informative and welcoming,” and noted that her kindness made the experience particularly memorable, especially for their 6-year-old daughter.
Why You Should Consider This Tour
If you’re after a relaxed, picture-perfect experience that captures the essence of Lapland’s wintery quiet, this sleigh ride is a wonderful pick. It’s well-suited for those who want a scenic, tranquil activity that doesn’t demand much physical effort but still offers beautiful views and a cozy atmosphere.
The inclusion of warm refreshments adds value, turning the outing into a full, comfortable small adventure. While the ride duration isn’t very long, the overall experience, especially with the chance to see the northern lights, makes it a worthwhile addition to your Lapland itinerary.
This tour is best for travelers who enjoy gentle outdoor activities, appreciate local culture, and want a memorable, family-friendly experience—especially if they love the idea of a traditional horse-drawn sleigh through snowy forests.
FAQ
Is the ride suitable for children?
While not explicitly labeled as family-specific, the gentle nature of the sleigh ride and the cozy environment make it suitable for most ages, including children who can sit comfortably in the sleigh.
How long does the whole experience last?
The total duration, including transportation, safety briefings, the ride, and snacks, is about one hour.
Can I see the northern lights on this tour?
You might see the northern lights if the skies are clear, but sightings depend on natural factors and aren’t guaranteed.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.
What should I wear?
Warm clothing is essential—think layers, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots—to stay comfortable in the cold.
What is included?
Pickup and drop-off from Levi center, the sleigh ride, hot berry juice, and local cookies.
How short or long is the actual ride?
The sleigh ride itself usually lasts around 20 minutes, but the full experience with stops and transfers is about an hour.
What’s the meeting point?
Levi Center Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to Kotipizza. Look for the bus marked “Polar Lights Tours.”
How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellations possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Levi: One Horse Open Sleigh Ride
Final Thoughts
This Levi One Horse Open Sleigh Ride offers a peaceful, scenic way to experience Lapland’s winter beauty. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed outing that combines nature, tradition, and a sprinkle of Arctic magic. While it might not satisfy thrill-seekers or those dreaming of guaranteed northern lights, it excels at creating a calm, authentic memory of Arctic life.
The combination of friendly guides, stunning scenery, and cozy post-ride treats makes it a genuinely enjoyable activity—worthy of inclusion in a balanced Arctic itinerary. If you’re after a quiet moment to soak in the snowy landscape and enjoy some old-fashioned charm, this tour could be just right.
For those who value scenic serenity and cultural warmth over adrenaline, this sleigh ride stands out as a simple but meaningful way to connect with Lapland’s winter spirit.
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