Saariselkä: Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour

Snowy trails feel different from the saddle. This two-hour outing from Polaris Point Horses gives you a quiet way to see Lapland, with your own Finnish horse, a small group, and at least an hour on forest trails. I like the calm pace and the chance to notice animal tracks, trees, and winter sounds instead of rushing between photo stops. I also like the personal feel: groups are limited to four, and guide Maria has earned praise for explaining the horses, forest, and local nature clearly.

The main catch is transport. The farm is about 25 minutes from Saariselkä and 40 minutes from Ivalo, with no transfer included. A taxi can add a serious cost, especially if you are staying at Holiday Club Saariselkä, where one booking reported paying about €90 for the return trip. Cold weather is another real factor, so proper outdoor clothing matters.

What makes this ride worth your time

• At least 60 minutes in the forest: The riding portion is not a quick farm loop. You spend real time on small woodland trails.
• Finnish horses chosen for calm behavior: These steady, well-trained horses suit beginners and help keep the ride relaxed.
• A maximum of four participants: The small group makes it easier to hear the guide and get individual help.
• Maria’s nature commentary: She has explained horse behavior, pecking order, animal tracks, and the surrounding forest during rides.
• A warm finish indoors: Hot drinks and refreshments await when you return to the farm.
• A quiet alternative to faster Arctic activities: There is no engine noise, traffic, or race to the next stop.

Arriving at Polaris Point Horses

Your experience begins at Polaris Point Horses farm, not in central Saariselkä. That distinction matters. You need to arrange your own transport, and the farm sits far enough outside town that a last-minute taxi plan may be stressful or expensive.

If you drive, allow roughly 25 minutes from Saariselkä or 40 minutes from Ivalo. If you need a taxi, book it ahead of time and arrange the return pickup as well. The return ride is easy to overlook when you are thinking about horses and snow, but this is the most important practical detail of the day.

The tour lasts two hours from arrival through the end of the refreshments. You should not treat that as two full hours in the saddle. The included ride lasts at least 60 minutes, with the remaining time used for arrival, instruction, mounting, and the hot drink break.

Meeting the Finnish horses before the ride

The first part is friendly and useful. You receive a riding helmet, meet the horses, and get an introduction to how to handle them. You are then helped into the saddle before the group sets off.

That introduction is especially valuable if you have never ridden before. You are not expected to arrive knowing how to steer, stop, or behave around a horse. The horses are described as steady, gentle, calm, and well trained, and the guide gives you the basic information needed to feel comfortable.

I like that you meet the animals before riding. It gives you a few minutes to get used to their size and character rather than being hurried straight onto a trail. One particularly useful detail from the experience is that the guide knows the horses’ pecking order. That may sound like a small farm fact, but it helps explain why the horses are placed in a certain order and why they behave as they do.

Guide Maria receives repeated praise for her care and clear instruction. She has paid special attention to first-time riders, checked that people were comfortable, and explained the horses as individuals. That personal attention is a big reason this feels more like a small farm visit than a standard group ride.

A slow ride through Saariselkä’s forest

Once everyone is mounted, the group follows the guide in a line along small trails into the woods. The ride is deliberately slow. You will not be asked to trot or gallop, and the outing is designed around a quiet, steady rhythm.

That pace suits the setting. The sound is mostly the horses’ hooves on the trail, with the forest around you and clean, cold air to breathe. In winter, the snow-covered trees give the ride its strongest visual appeal. The scenery can feel almost still, which is precisely the point.

You might notice tracks in the snow or signs of animals along the trail. Maria has pointed out animal tracks and shared information about local nature during the ride. The guide’s commentary gives you something to look for, but it does not turn the outing into a lecture. You can simply ride and take in the surroundings.

The group format affects the experience in a good way. With no more than four participants, you are not lost in a large procession. You can hear the guide more easily, and beginners have a better chance of receiving help when needed. The tradeoff is that the tour is not private, since you ride in a small line with other members of the group.

What the ride feels like for beginners

You do not need previous riding experience. The horses are selected for their calm nature, and the ride stays at walking pace. That makes this a good choice if you want to try horseback riding without committing to a demanding lesson.

Still, horseback riding is physical. You need to sit in the saddle for at least an hour and manage cold-weather clothing while doing so. The ride is gentle, but it is not a passive sightseeing vehicle. If you are nervous, tell the guide early. The information provided for the experience makes clear that new riders receive an introduction and help getting settled.

The horse controls are simple in principle, but each animal has its own personality. The guide leads the group and keeps the ride orderly. You should follow instructions and avoid trying to make the horse go faster or leave the line.

This is not the right outing if you want speed, jumps, or a riding lesson with advanced technique. It is better understood as a peaceful forest ride with a horse beneath you.

Winter clothing can make or break the outing

Outdoor clothing is not included, so you must arrive prepared. Wear suitable winter layers according to the weather, with regular winter walking shoes. The farm specifically advises against moonboots and other very large shoes because they may not fit safely in the stirrups.

A small cap or scarf can cover your head beneath the helmet. Avoid a large hat. This is a simple point, but bulky headwear and oversized footwear can cause problems once you are mounted.

The cold deserves respect. One booking described the ride as cold but entirely worth it, while others praised the magical feeling of moving through snowy woods. Both points can be true. The forest is beautiful, but you will enjoy it much more if your hands, feet, and torso stay warm.

Bring outdoor clothing rather than relying on ordinary resort wear. The helmet is supplied for the ride, but the rest of your clothing is your responsibility.

The return to the farm and hot drinks

After the forest ride, you return to the farm and go indoors for hot drinks and refreshments. This closing pause gives you time to warm up, talk about the horses, and let the experience settle before heading back to Saariselkä or Ivalo.

I consider this a valuable part of the two-hour schedule. A winter activity that ends the instant you dismount can feel rushed. Here, you get a proper finish and a chance to ask more questions about the animals or the surrounding area.

The indoor break also helps balance the physical side of the ride. You have spent at least an hour outside in winter conditions, so a hot drink is more than a nice extra. It is a practical comfort before your taxi or car journey.

Price and the real value of a small group

The price is $170 per person. That is not a bargain-priced activity, especially once you add transport to the farm. Still, value depends on what you want from a Lapland outing.

You are paying for a horse allocated to you, a helmet, riding instruction, at least 60 minutes on forest trails, a professional local guide, and hot drinks afterward. The group limit of four is also important. You are not paying for a large, crowded ride where the guide has little time for each person.

I think the experience offers fair value for someone who wants a quiet, personal activity and has room in the budget for a taxi. It is less attractive if you are comparing it only by minutes of activity or if you want a full two hours on horseback.

The transport cost can change the calculation. From Saariselkä, a return taxi may add a substantial amount, and one booking reported a €90 round trip from Holiday Club Saariselkä. Ask about the taxi fare before committing, especially if you are traveling alone or as a couple.

How this compares with louder Arctic activities

Saariselkä offers plenty of high-energy winter outings. This one takes the opposite approach. There is no snowmobile engine, no rush, and no sense of racing through a schedule.

I would choose it when you want to slow down and spend time with an animal rather than simply pass through the forest. The horses give the trip a human scale. You notice the trail, the cold, and the woods at walking speed.

That quiet quality may not suit every holiday plan. If you have only a short time in Lapland and want maximum action, another activity may give you more excitement. If you have already tried fast-paced excursions, this ride makes a pleasant change.

The experience also has appeal beyond winter. A September booking described the forest setting as peaceful and unforgettable, and one rider hoped to return in another season to see the area change. Snow gives the ride its most dramatic look, but the core attraction is the calm forest setting and the horses.

Who should book this horse ride?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time riders who want gentle instruction and a slow pace
• Couples looking for a quiet outdoor activity
• Families with children aged 12 and older
• Small groups who prefer personal attention
• Nature lovers who enjoy forests, animal tracks, and silence
• Anyone who wants a break from motorized Arctic excursions

The official age restriction excludes children under 12, even though one past booking described younger children enjoying the ride. Follow the current stated rule when planning your trip.

Pregnant women and people over 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms, should not book this activity. If you are unsure about your suitability, contact the provider before reserving.

The ride is conducted in English and Finnish. That works well for international visitors who want instructions and local information in English.

Booking advice for a smoother day

Reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially during the snowy winter period. The group limit is only four, so places can disappear faster than on a large bus excursion.

Take advantage of the option to reserve now and pay later if you are still arranging your Lapland schedule. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund, which gives you some protection if plans change.

Do not wait until arrival to think about the return journey. Arrange your transport to Polaris Point Horses and confirm how you will get back. Also check the starting time when you book, since availability varies.

Finally, dress for standing and riding outdoors, not just walking from a hotel to a restaurant. Comfortable winter walking shoes, a warm hat or scarf that fits under the helmet, and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing will make a clear difference.

Should you book the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour?

Book it if you want a gentle, personal ride through quiet Finnish woods, and you are happy to pay extra for transport. The calm horses, small group, clear instruction, and warm finish make this a strong choice for beginners and anyone seeking a slower side of Lapland.

Skip it if you want speed, a long advanced ride, or a low-cost activity close to Saariselkä. The $170 price is only part of the expense, and the farm is not walkable from town.

For the right person, though, this is a memorable way to see the Arctic. You ride your own horse, follow a peaceful trail, listen to the forest, and finish with a hot drink. That simple formula explains the exceptional 4.9 rating from 105 bookings.

FAQ

How long does the Arctic Trail Horse Riding Tour last?

The full experience lasts two hours. At least 60 minutes are spent riding your own horse in the forest, with the rest of the time used for arrival, instruction, mounting, and refreshments.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. The ride is slow-paced and suitable for beginners. You receive an introduction to riding the Finnish horses and help getting into the saddle.

Where does the tour meet?

You check in 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 transportation included?

No. You must arrange your own transfer to the farm and back. Booking a taxi in advance is recommended.

What should I wear?

Wear suitable outdoor clothing for the weather and regular winter walking shoes. Do not wear moonboots or very large shoes. A small cap or scarf can fit under the supplied helmet, but a very large hat will not.

What languages are available?

The tour guide service is available in English and Finnish.

Who cannot take this activity?

The experience is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or people weighing more than 254 pounds, or 115 kilograms.