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Finnish Lapland Trails

Overview

In this remote part of Finland the beauty is in the nature that surrounds you, from the endless forests and woodlands to the fells, steep gorges, valleys and mighty rivers that cut through the landscape, and there is no better way to explore them than on horseback. On this trail you will also have …

Highlights

  • Ride a Finnhorse
  • Learn about Lappish culture
  • Stay in Aurora Cabins
  • Camp under the stars
  • Search for the wild reindeer herds

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 5 riders per group
  • Average of 6 - 7 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 90kg/ 14.
    more info2st/ 199lbs

Description

In this remote part of Finland the beauty is in the nature that surrounds you, from the endless forests and woodlands to the fells, steep gorges, valleys and mighty rivers that cut through the landscape, and there is no better way to explore them than on horseback. On this trail you will also have the chance to ride the native Finnhorse, a horse bred to be essentially both a carriage horse and a ridden horse. They are strong, versatile, intelligent and quick to bond with their rider. They are also sure-footed in difficult terrain yet speedy when the opportunity arises! The summer trail enjoys a combination of accommodations from Aurora cabins to camping under the stars (and hopefully getting a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights). Your knowledgeable guide, Maria, will tell you all about the Finnish culture and way of life, including tales of the reindeer herdsmen who still shepherd their herds across the tundra to this day.

Horses & Riding

Tack

English and trail saddles are used.

Horses

Finnhorses are used on this ride - this versatile horse was bred to both work under harness and under saddle. They are bright, hardy, forward-going and have incredible stamina. The breed also has an extra gait; similar to the Icelandic 'tolt', it is a pacing stride called the 'monte'.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Summer Camping Trail is a trail ride

Weight

90kg/ 14.2st/ 199lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

The food of Finland understandably has a Scandinavian lilt, which favours local delicacies like smoked fish, black bread, pickled vegetables, fresh berries and reindeer. On the ride you can expect hearty fare in the evenings and picnic lunches during the day.
While not included in the price, guests can also opt to dine at Aurora Village's restaurant on the first and last night of the holiday, which offers a set menu each night and has a well-stocked bar. There will be an opportunity on arrival day to stop at the supermarket for supplies for those who prefer though.

Accommodation

A mixture of accommodation is to be expected on this ride. The first and last night will be enjoyed at Aurora Village, famous for its Aurora cabins which have glass roofs (so as to hopefully catch sight of the Northern Lights!). The next 2 nights are spent under canvas at the wilderness camp and you will need to provide your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat for these nights. There is also a night spent in a remote woodland cabin before returning to Aurora Village.

Itineraries

Summer Camping Trail accommodation.

Other Activities

For those staying longer at Aurora Village the following activities can be booked, payable onsite:

Hiking
Feeding the reindeer
Fat bikes
Northern Lights hunt by car

Travel

Guests need to fly into Ivalo (IVL) which is usually via Helsinki (HEL). Then airport transfers can be arranged payable on site.

Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival into Ivalo airport and transfer with the group to Aurora Village (approx. 15 minutes). With your guide Maria you will stop at the local supermarket to buy something for dinner, or if you prefer, you can book dinner at the Aurora Village restaurant (payable on site) which is walking distance from tonight's accommodation - the famous Aurora Cabins, where you will sleep under the glass roof and admire the starry sky of late summer. With a bit of luck you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights .
Overnight Aurora Village.

Day 2

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After breakfast at Aurora Village it is time to transfer to the stables and meet the horses. Here you will meet your guide and together you will prepare the horses and then set out for the trail. On the first day you will be riding 35-40 km. The pace is relaxed and moderate with some faster periods. You will enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness after 3-4 hours of riding. This day ends in a wilderness camp near a gold digging area. After taking care of the horses you will enjoy a tasty dinner (reindeer) prepared by a professional cook on the fire. Options for washing and swimming are limited, but a fresh stream runs next to the camp and canister of tap water is available for brushing your teeth etc. You stay overnight in an 8 person tent with stove heating.
Overnight Wilderness Camp.

Day 3

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

You will enjoy a tasty and leisurely breakfast in the camp, with fresh coffee by the campfire, before getting your horses ready for the day's ride. Today you will explore and enjoy the local wilderness, picking your way through the extensive forest and following your guide up into the hills. Weather allowing, you will climb on horseback to the top of a fell to enjoy the panoramic view. Most of the day you ride in a terrain with no paths to show you the way, so it is impossible to give a precise number of kilometres- a real adventure! You’ll enjoy a filling and delicious picnic lunch when you find a spot of your liking. Riding onwards to the next wilderness camp you will stay overnight by a river and get to try a real camp-life “luxury” – a tent-sauna! If you dare, feel free to dip in the cold river Tolos! At the camp your hosts will prepare a tasty dinner by the fire. You then stay overnight in a spacious tent with stove heating.
Overnight Wilderness Camp.

Day 4

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

After breakfast you will groom, tack up and mount your horses for the day's ride. First you will ride along the banks of the river Tolos, and then you will climb along signposted tracks to the magnificent Kulmakuru scenery. You will enjoy a light and tasty lunch on the way. The group will arrive at Laanilan Kievari (kievari = an inn) at approximately 4-5 pm, and after releasing the horses into a grassy glade for the night, you can relax your muscles in the sauna. You can also take a dip in the rustic outdoor plunge pool if you like. The sauna has a licence, so you can buy your beverages on site. After the sauna, you will enjoy a delicious three-course dinner provided locally. You will then sleep indoors at the cabin which offers simple accommodation.
Overnight Woodland Cabin.

Day 5

Riding: 7 - 8 hours

After breakfast at the cabin you will ride a short distance to the headquarters of the local gold panners. There you will learn all about the gold rush in Lapland and the cultural history of the region. After the visit you will continue on through the rugged wilderness, fording crystal-clear rivers and climbing hills and fells and before saying farewell to the wilds around you. You will reach the stables in the late afternoon and from there will be transferred to Aurora Village for your last night. Dinner tonight is on your own account. Tonight, you can gaze up at the sky and watch the stars as you lie in your comfortable glass roofed cabin, thinking over the adventures of the last week.
Overnight Aurora Village.

Day 6

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast at Aurora Village it is time to say goodbye.

Accommodation

Two nights Aurora Cabins (with glass roofs), Two nights wilderness camping, One night woodland cabin. All riders must be prepared to share, no single option is available on this ride. Riders will also need to bring sleeping bags.
Experience Experienced

Riders need to be confident and in control at all paces including gallop and fit enough to ride up to 8 hours a day. You will need to be able to mount and dismount unaided in order to lead your horse through tricky terrain.
Minimum group size 4
Maximum group size 5
Departure windows

Aug. 7, 2024 - Aug. 12, 2024

Sept. 11, 2024 - Sept. 16, 2024

Pricing

2024
Per person, sharing		 £2655 $3315 €3100
Included 5 nights of accommodation , full board with the exception of dinner on Day 1 and Day 5, all riding and guiding.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, alcoholic drinks, dinners on Day 1 and Day 5, travel insurance, tips.
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.