Santa Claus Village Finnhorse Trek Lapland Horseback Riding

Snow crunches beneath hooves as you ride through Lapland's quiet forest.

Horseback riding at Santa Claus Village puts you on a Finnhorse for a guided trek through Lapland's untouched nature, with a safety briefing, 30–40 minutes in the saddle, and a warm drink and gingerbread by the campfire afterward. No riding experience is needed. The pace adjusts to the least experienced rider in the group.

The experience

The Finnhorse is a cooperative, steady animal built for Lapland's terrain. You start with a safety introduction so you feel secure in the saddle, then head out on a slow-paced trek that moves at the speed of the least experienced rider, which means no previous riding experience is required. The route takes you through forest scenery that shifts with the season: autumn brings colored foliage, winter silences everything under snow, spring brings birdsong and weak sun, and summer is when the horses mostly rest in pasture.

The ride itself lasts about 30 to 40 minutes depending on weather. Afterward you return to a hut where the group gathers around a fire for a warm drink, gingerbread cookies and marshmallows while the guide shares stories about Finnhorses and the land they work. A helmet is provided and mandatory for safety.

What’s included

• Helmet cap and riding helmet.
• safety introduction.
• guided trek on a Finnhorse.
• warm drink, gingerbread cookies and marshmallows at the campfire.
• campfire stories about Finnhorses.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 13:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6 · max 5 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Finnish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Aurora Horses

Is this one for you?The pace is slow and adjusts to the least experienced rider, so the focus stays on the forest and the horse rather than on speed or skill: ideal if you want to move through Lapland's nature without pressure to keep up.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Finnish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to have ridden horses before to book this?

No. The trek is slow-paced and the guide sets the pace to match the least experienced rider in the group, so complete beginners are welcome.

What happens during the safety introduction at the start?

You receive a comprehensive introduction to the horses and how to handle them safely before the trek begins, so you feel confident once you're in the saddle.

What's the weather like when I ride, and what should I wear?

Lapland's seasons change the scenery: autumn brings colored forest, winter has snow and quiet, spring brings birdsong and weak sun. Wear warm clothes suitable for riding, plus shoes and gloves. The helmet is provided.

How long is the whole experience, and what's included after the ride?

The safety introduction and ride take about an hour total. After you dismount, the group enjoys a warm drink, gingerbread cookies and marshmallows by the campfire.