Finnhorse Horseback Riding Tour near Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi

The Finnhorse, Finland's native breed

The Finnhorse is the only horse breed developed in Finland, a sturdy, versatile animal that has worked on farms, in forests, in harness racing and under the saddle for generations. It is known for its calm temperament, strength and willingness, and many have a chestnut coat with a lighter flaxen mane. The guides call these horses their hairy co-workers, and their gentle character makes them ideal partners for first-time riders.

Before the ride your guide gives a short safety briefing and helps you with the equipment, then introduces you to your horse. There is a weight limit of 118 kg for the comfort and safety of the horses. In the hut after the ride the guide tells you more about the breed and how the horses live through the Arctic seasons, including summer when they mostly rest in the pastures.

Stables near Santa Claus Village

The riding stables are at the north end of Joulumaantie, the road that runs from Santa Claus Village into the forest. How do you get there? From Santa Claus Village simply walk along Joulumaantie, turn left after the large yellow house on your right, and continue straight for about 200 metres past the end of the official road. Transport is not included, which makes this an easy activity to add to a day at the village.

Start times run through the late morning and early afternoon, at 10:00, 10:45, 11:30, 12:15 and 13:00, so you can fit the ride before or after meeting Santa or crossing the Arctic Circle. The whole activity lasts about one hour. Please arrive a few minutes early, dressed warmly with comfortable shoes, so there is time to get ready.

A slow forest ride through the seasons

The ride follows forest trails through Lapland's untouched nature at a slow, relaxed pace. In winter you hear the snow crunch beneath the hooves while snow-laden trees bend over the path. In spring bright sunshine glistens on the snow and the first migratory birds begin to sing. In autumn the forest glows with colourful foliage, a short but spectacular season in Lapland.

Is horse riding in Rovaniemi worth it? For travellers who want a gentle, quiet nature experience rather than speed, a ride on a Finnhorse is a lovely alternative to snowmobiles and huskies. The ride itself lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, and weather conditions may affect its length. The best time for a winter ride is from December to March, when the forest is deep in snow.

Warming up by the fire in the hut

After the ride the group gathers in a cosy hut where a fire is burning. You are served a warm drink with gingerbread cookies, a Finnish Christmas favourite, and marshmallows to toast over the flames. It is a relaxed moment to warm your hands, chat with the other riders and share photos of your ride.

Your guide uses this time to tell you more about Finnhorses, the stables and life with horses in the Arctic. Children from five years can join, and groups never exceed five riders, so the atmosphere stays personal. Then you walk back towards Santa Claus Village, ready to continue your day in Rovaniemi with a quiet forest memory and, very often, a new favourite animal friend from the Lapland stables.