Nestled in the heart of Rovaniemi, Finland, the Santa Claus Village offers an enchanting equine experience that transports visitors on an unforgettable journey through Lapland’s breathtaking landscapes. The Riding Tour with Finnhorses, a 30-40 minute excursion, invites riders of all skill levels to explore the region’s enchanting wonders, from snow-capped peaks to lush forests. With a focus on safety and a warm introduction to the gentle Finnhorses, this tour promises a truly memorable adventure. But the experience doesn’t end there – after the scenic ride, guests can gather around a cozy campfire, indulging in warm drinks, gingerbread cookies, and marshmallows, creating a magical moment that lingers long after the tour has concluded.
Key Points
- A 30-40 minute riding tour in Rovaniemi, Finland, showcasing Lapland’s landscapes across all four seasons with Finnhorses.
- Suitable for all experience levels with a focus on safety, including mandatory helmet use and participant weight/age requirements.
- Includes an introduction to the Finnhorse breed and characteristics, followed by a scenic trail ride and post-ride campfire refreshments.
- Offers unique seasonal experiences, from colorful autumn forests to snow-covered winter landscapes and lush summer pastures.
- Accessible via public transportation, with detailed instructions provided, though not wheelchair accessible.
More tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
The riding tour with Finnhorses in Rovaniemi, Finland, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the untouched beauty of Lapland’s landscapes across the changing seasons.
Whether it’s the vibrant autumn foliage, the snow-blanketed winter wonderland, the rejuvenating spring thaw, or the lush summer pastures, the tour showcases the region’s natural splendor.
Suitable for all experience levels, the slow-paced excursions typically last 30-40 minutes, depending on weather conditions.
Participants can look forward to a comprehensive introduction to the Finnhorses and a chance to savor warm drinks, gingerbread cookies, and marshmallows around a cozy campfire after the ride.
Safety Considerations
Ensuring the safety of participants is paramount for the riding tour with Finnhorses. Riders must wear approved safety helmets at all times during the tour. The tour is only suitable for those over 7 years old and weighing less than 120kg (265 pounds). Proper cold-weather attire, including warm clothing, shoes, and gloves, is required to ensure a comfortable experience. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and public transportation is available nearby. Pregnant travelers are not recommended to participate due to the nature of the activity.
| Safety Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Participants must be over 7 years old |
| Weight Limit | Participants must weigh less than 120kg (265 pounds) |
| Attire | Warm clothing, shoes, and gloves are required |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible, near public transportation |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended for pregnant travelers |
Tour Agenda
Commencing with a safety briefing, the tour agenda includes a comprehensive horse introduction before embarking on the riding trek.
Participants will learn about the Finnhorse breed and its unique characteristics during this informative session.
The actual riding experience takes place on a scenic trail, with the pace adjusted to accommodate the least experienced rider in the group.
Following the trek, guests can look forward to enjoying a warm drink, gingerbread cookies, and marshmallows around a cozy campfire.
This combination of hands-on interaction with the horses and post-ride refreshments ensures a well-rounded and memorable experience for visitors.
Seasonal Experiences
Riding tours with Finnhorses offer visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of Lapland’s untouched nature across the seasons. Whether you visit in autumn, winter, spring, or summer, each season presents a unique and captivating landscape.
| Season | Scenery |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Colorful forest scenery |
| Winter | Snow-covered trees, crunching snow |
| Spring | Sunshine, migratory birds, warmth |
| Summer | Horses enjoying pasture life |
The tours are designed to showcase the region’s natural splendor, allowing riders of all experience levels to appreciate the serene and peaceful environment at a leisurely pace.
Practical Information
Visitors can access the Aurora Horses Napapiiri meeting location in Rovaniemi, Finland, via public transportation. The activity concludes back at the same spot, ensuring a seamless experience.
Timeliness is crucial, as late arrivals forfeit refunds.
The tour includes:
- A comprehensive introduction to the Finnhorses before the ride.
- A short safety briefing and helmet usage.
- A riding trek adjusted to the least experienced rider, followed by post-ride refreshments like warm drinks, gingerbread cookies, and marshmallows around a campfire.
The experience isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly and not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Riders must be over 7 years old and weigh less than 120kg (265 pounds), with appropriate warm clothing, shoes, and gloves.
Transportation and Accessibility
The Aurora Horses Napapiiri meeting point in Rovaniemi, Finland, is accessible via public transportation. Detailed instructions on how to reach the location are available on the tour’s website. To assist visitors, the following table outlines the transportation options and accessibility details:
| Transportation | Accessibility |
|---|---|
| Bus | Stroller accessible |
| Walking | Not wheelchair accessible |
| Taxi | Near public transportation |
| Private vehicle | Not recommended for pregnant travelers |
The tour activity concludes back at the meeting point, ensuring a seamless experience for participants. Timeliness is crucial, as late arrivals forfeit refunds.
Participant Requirements
Participants must be over 7 years old and weigh less than 120 kg (265 pounds) to join the riding tour.
Safety is of utmost importance, and the following requirements must be met:
- Mandatory helmet usage during the entire riding activity.
- Warm clothing, including sturdy shoes and gloves, is essential to ensure comfort and protection against the elements.
- The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with limited mobility, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible.
These requirements ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, allowing them to fully enjoy the beauty of Lapland’s untouched nature while riding the majestic Finnhorses.
Guest Feedback
Guests have overwhelmingly praised the Riding Tour with Finnhorses, awarding it an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating based on 8 reviews.
Positive feedback highlights the beautiful horses and smooth rides, as well as the kind and knowledgeable staff. Many guests found the experience, especially in winter settings, to be truly memorable.
However, a small number of guests expressed dissatisfaction with the staff interaction and overall ride experience.
Despite the few negative comments, the tour has received mostly glowing reviews, cementing its reputation as a must-do activity for visitors to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Horse to the Tour?
No, participants cannot bring their own horses to the tour. The tour only provides Finnhorses for the riding experience, and personal horses are not permitted. The tour is designed to offer a standardized, guided horseback riding excursion.
Are the Horses Well-Cared for and Treated Ethically?
The horses are well-cared for and treated ethically. They’re given regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, and ample rest. The staff is trained to ensure the horses’ welfare and safety during tours.
Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing Personal Cameras/Phones?
Riders are generally allowed to bring personal cameras and phones on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand, as they may have specific policies regarding the use of personal devices during the riding experience.
Can I Extend the Duration of the Riding Tour?
The tour’s duration is fixed at 30-40 minutes, depending on weather conditions. While the standard tour can’t be extended, customers may be able to book additional riding time separately by contacting the tour operator in advance.
Are There Any Options for Private or Custom Tours?
Yes, the company offers private or custom tour options for those who want a more personalized experience. Guests can work with the staff to tailor the tour length, group size, and other details to suit their preferences.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Evening Ski Trek to the Wilderness – Extra Small Group
- Private Wooden Heated Sauna and Ice Swimming
- Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village, Reindeer and Husky Tour
- Small-Group Arctic Circle Horse Riding From Rovaniemi
- Rovaniemi: Vaattunkikönkä Nature Trail Hiking Tour
- Private Korouoma Canyon Tour
- Private Tour: Lappish Evening (Sauna, Jacuzzi and Dinner)
- Aurora Borealis Dinner in a Glass Igloo
- Amethyst Mine at Pyhä-Luosto National Park in Lapland
- Korouoma Canyon and Auttiköngäs Waterfall Hiking Tour With Picnic
- Lapland Family Snowmobile Safari From Rovaniemi
- Rovaniemi: Winter Gear Rental – All Sizes & Ages
- Elf Hat Academy in Santas Village of Rovaniemi
- Private Sleigh Ride With Finnhorse
- Snowmobile Driving – Morning Start
Recap
The Riding Tour with Finnhorses at Santa Claus Village offers a unique and memorable experience. Riders of all skill levels can explore Lapland’s stunning landscapes across seasons, enjoy a campfire with warm drinks and treats, and interact with the gentle Finnhorses. It’s an enchanting adventure that caters to families and nature enthusiasts, providing a well-rounded and immersive activity in the heart of Finnish Lapland.