Levi: One Horse Open Sleigh Ride

Imagine cruising through snow-dusted forests on a traditional sled pulled by a single horse, bells jingling softly, and the crisp Arctic air filling your lungs. That’s the promise of the Levi: One Horse Open Sleigh Ride—a charming experience that captures the essence of a winter wonderland in Lapland. With a duration of just one hour, the tour offers a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for those seeking a balance of adventure and tranquility.

What really makes this experience shine is the authentic, intimate feel of riding through quiet, snow-covered trails, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who adds local insights and friendly commentary. A highlight for many guests is the possibility of catching the northern lights, a truly awe-inspiring sight, though it’s important to remember that this natural phenomenon can’t be guaranteed. One small caveat? The ride itself, according to reviews, lasts about 20 minutes, with the full hour including transport and additional stops—so don’t expect a long, adrenaline-fueled ride, but rather a peaceful glide through Lapland’s winter landscape.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or groups wanting an authentic Arctic experience that’s easy to fit into a winter itinerary. It’s suitable for all ages, especially since it’s wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for travelers with mobility needs. If you’re after a relaxing, scenic adventure with a touch of holiday nostalgia, this sleigh ride should definitely be on your list.

Key Points

Authentic Arctic Experience: A peaceful, scenic sleigh ride through snow-covered forests, perfect for soaking in Lapland’s natural beauty.
Guided by Local Experts: Knowledgeable guides like Nora make the tour engaging, sharing insights about the environment and local culture.
Potential for Northern Lights: On clear nights, the sky may light up with the aurora borealis, adding a magical touch—though sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Family-Friendly & Accessible: Suitable for all ages and wheelchairs, making it a flexible choice for diverse travelers.
Value for Money: At $83 per person, it offers a cozy, memorable experience with included transport, hot drinks, and snacks.
Authentic Regional Touch: Ending the ride in a traditional Kammi around a fire provides a warm, local atmosphere that enhances the Arctic adventure.

A Deep Dive into the Sleigh Ride Experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

The tour begins at the Levi Center, Hissitie 11, a central spot easy to find across from the parking lot and next to the Kotipizza restaurant. From there, you’ll hop onto a 10-minute bus ride to the riding location, a brief journey that prepares you for the main event.

Once you arrive in Levi, a 5-minute safety briefing kicks things off. Don’t worry—guides like Nora are friendly, clear, and ready to answer questions. She was praised for her warmth and her ability to make a 6-year-old feel special, chatting away happily during the ride.

Next, it’s time for the 30-minute guided sleigh journey. The trail is peaceful, winding through snow-laden trees—serene enough to make you forget the outside world. The sled is spacious enough for groups, making it perfect for families or friends eager to share this charming experience.

Guests often mention the scenic landscapes as a highlight. The ride takes you through quiet forests, where you can truly appreciate the stillness of the Arctic winter. Some reviews note that the actual ride lasts about 20 minutes, with the rest of the hour including transport and stops.

The photo stop offers a chance to snap pictures of the pristine surroundings, while the local snack break—featuring hot berry juice and regional cookies—is a cozy moment to warm up and chat. Afterwards, you’ll return to the Levi Center, but many leave with a sense that they’ve experienced something quietly special and authentic.

The Snowy Trail: Why It Matters

Traveling through Lapland’s snow-covered woods on a traditional sleigh is more than just a ride; it’s a sensory experience. The sound of jingling bells, the crisp winter air, and the visual beauty of frost-laden trees combine to create a memorable atmosphere. This environment is ideal for relaxing and reflecting, especially under a starlit Arctic sky.

The Guide and Atmosphere

Guides like Nora stand out for their warmth and local knowledge, making the journey not just scenic but truly engaging. Their insights help you understand the landscape and culture, adding depth to the experience. Guests consistently mention how guides made children feel welcome and how their friendliness enhanced the overall vibe.

The Northern Lights: A Bonus Expectation

Seeing the aurora borealis is a highlight often mentioned, but it’s important to stay realistic—these are natural phenomena, and sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Reviewers like Lucy expressed hope, saying, “We enjoyed, just wish we seen polar lights.” Still, even without the lights, the ride itself remains enchanting.

Post-Ride Warmth and Comfort

The experience ends with a cozy moment by the fire in a traditional Kammi, where hot berry juice and local cookies serve as the perfect reward for your Arctic journey. This small, warm gathering adds a cultural touch, making the entire experience feel authentic and inviting.

Pricing & Value

At $83 per person, the sleigh ride offers good value considering the included transport, expert guidance, and the cozy fireside experience. It’s not overly long, but the tranquility and beauty of the scenery leave a lasting impression. The price also covers the small group size and wheelchair accessibility, making it a flexible option for many travelers.

While some might wish for a longer ride, reviews suggest that the journey’s emotional and visual impact outweighs the brief duration. The combination of scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and the chance to spot the northern lights makes this experience worthwhile for those wanting a taste of Lapland’s winter magic.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This sleigh ride is best suited for families, couples, or groups looking for a relaxing, scenic, and culturally rich Arctic experience. It’s ideal if you want to see Lapland’s natural beauty from a traditional perspective, with the comforting warmth of local hospitality at the end.

Travelers who appreciate guides with local knowledge and enjoy sharing experiences with loved ones will find this tour particularly meaningful. Because it’s wheelchair accessible, it also suits guests with mobility issues seeking a gentle yet memorable adventure.

The Sum Up

The Levi: One Horse Open Sleigh Ride offers a gentle, authentic glimpse into the Arctic winter. It’s less about adrenaline and more about soaking in the serenity of Lapland’s snowy landscape. The guided tour, led by knowledgeable locals like Nora, makes it engaging and personal. Although the ride itself is relatively short, the sense of peace, combined with stunning scenery and the potential for northern lights, makes it a worthy addition to any Lapland itinerary.

This experience is perfect for those seeking a quintessential winter memory—a peaceful, scenic journey that highlights the magic of Lapland’s winter landscape. It’s especially appealing for families or anyone wanting a slow-paced, culturally authentic Arctic adventure that’s both charming and memorable.

FAQ

How long does the sleigh ride last?
The actual ride lasts about 20 minutes, but the entire experience, including transport, safety briefings, stops, and warming in the Kammi, takes around one hour.

Is the ride suitable for children?
Yes, the ride is suitable for all ages, and guides like Nora are known for their friendly, engaging manner, especially making children feel comfortable.

Can I see the northern lights during this tour?
While there is a good chance to see the northern lights on clear nights, sightings depend on weather conditions and solar activity, so they cannot be guaranteed.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it a flexible choice for travelers with mobility needs.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing is essential—think layered, thermal gear, hats, gloves, and insulated footwear to stay comfortable during the ride.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation from Levi center, guidance, as well as hot berry juice and local cookies post-ride.

In summary, the Levi: One Horse Open Sleigh Ride offers a peaceful, scenic, and culturally rich Arctic experience. It’s ideal for those wanting a gentle, authentic taste of Lapland’s winter landscape, with the added thrill of possibly witnessing the northern lights. It combines scenic beauty, local hospitality, and ease of access — making it a charming highlight for many Arctic travelers.