Horse ride to the Haukivaara (ADVANCED ONLY)
Book this activity via EMAIL: info@laenlammen.fi Discover the wonders of Lapland with a 2.5-hour horseback ride to the Haukivaara fell. This excursion is for advanced riders only. Meet at the ranch, get matched to a Finnhorse, receive a short safety briefing, then ride across forest trails up to Haukivaara and along the shoreline of a nearby lake. Guide speaks Finnish & English. VG1 riding helmet
In Collaboration with Ranch Kuulas. Updated on April 23, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Ranch Kuulas, inspired by the tour Horse ride to the Haukivaara (ADVANCED ONLY). Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Advanced 2.5-hour trail ride to Haukivaara fell
- Finnhorses hosted at Laenlammen Tila / Ranch Kuulas
- English & Finnish guide; VG1 riding helmet provided
- Ride includes forest trails and lakeside sections
Explore all itineraries in Rovaniemi.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet at the ranch for briefing, tack up, ride to Haukivaara and return.
Meeting & safety briefing at the ranch
Arrive at the ranch for check-in, weight/health check and a short safety briefing. Guide will match riders with horses and confirm the planned route and pace (advanced-only).
- Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes early to complete check-in and the mandatory weight/health confirmation (stable enforces a 95 kg / 210 lb limit).
- There is no nearby public transport — plan to arrive by private car; parking is available at the ranch.
- A VG1 riding helmet is provided; bring your own gloves for better grip and warmth.
Horse preparation & short practice
Groom and tack your horse, receive any last-minute riding adjustments from the guide and test controls on nearby flat ground before entering trails.
- Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- Keep long hair tied back and avoid loose clothing that could catch on tack.
- Use sturdy, closed-toe footwear with a small heel — trainers or riding boots work best.
- If you wear glasses, secure them with a strap; the trail includes faster sections where eyewear can shift.
Trail ride to Haukivaara and lakeside
Main riding leg: follow forest trails and path up to the Haukivaara fell, with faster sections for experienced riders and scenic stops near a nearby lake. The guide controls pace and route for group safety.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Expect mixed terrain (roots, rocks, gentle climbs) — maintain control and follow the guide's instructions on pace changes.
- Bring a small daypack with a water bottle and a light windproof layer; longer daylight in summer means more exposed sun.
- Keep phone/ camera in a secure pocket or chest harness; sudden movements on faster sections can dislodge loose items.
Return, unsaddle and short debrief
Return to the ranch, unsaddle and cool down the horses, then a short debrief with the guide and basic horse-care tasks (water, hoof check). End of activity.
- Monday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- SundayClosed
Tips from local experts:
- Allow time to remove mud and check tack; volunteers to help the guide with basic horse care are appreciated.
- There may be horse hair on clothing — bring a lint brush or wear an outer layer you can shake out.
- If you drove, allow a short cooldown period before a longer drive home after the ride.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Experience, Outdoor, Break |
Why this experience
You'll ride a horse through deep Lappish forest and across frozen terrain to reach Haukivaara, a remote hilltop with views across the tundra. This is not a beginner's experience—your horse will navigate steep sections, cross frozen rivers, and move through dense forest that requires confident horsemanship. You'll feel the horse's power and responsiveness, and you'll need to trust your own balance and skill. The ride is a physical and mental test.
The landscape is the reward. Haukivaara offers perspectives of Lapland that most tourists never see—vast, wild, silent, untouched. It's an earned experience, not a scenic drive. The effort and risk—real but managed—make it memorable.
Best for experienced riders seeking an advanced Arctic adventure and willing to push their physical limits.
Before you go
- Best time: Winter (December through March). Snow cover makes the terrain more stable, though frozen river crossing is always challenging. Spring (April–May) is possible but less ideal.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Horse rental, guide service, and protective equipment are included.
- Difficulty: Challenging. This experience is for advanced riders only. You must be able to post, manage a horse at a trot or canter, handle steep terrain, and stay calm in unpredictable situations.
- What to bring: Riding helmet (provided or bring your own), warm riding coat or waterproof jacket over thermals, insulated gloves, warm socks, riding boots or sturdy winter boots with a small heel, thermal layers, hat under helmet, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Getting there: Meet at the riding facility near Rovaniemi. Details provided at booking.
- Accessibility: This experience requires advanced equestrian skill and physical fitness. Anyone with significant riding experience can inquire, but beginners will not be accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What defines "advanced" rider? You should have 50+ hours in the saddle, be comfortable cantering, and have experience with off-trail riding or challenging terrain. You should be able to ride without relying on the guide to manage your horse.
What if my horse spooks or I lose my seat? The guide will be present and watching. Horses sometimes spook; experienced riders recover. If you genuinely cannot manage, the guide may suggest turning back, but this is rare with matched horses and skilled riders.
Will we cross frozen rivers? Yes. The route to Haukivaara includes river crossings. Ice is checked by the operator before any tour, but it is inherently unpredictable. This is part of the adventure.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable experience includes horse, riding equipment, helmet, experienced guide for the full ride to Haukivaara and back, and route planning based on conditions.
Complete your trip in Rovaniemi
An advanced horse ride is best paired with other Alpine activities and gentler experiences for balance:
- Electric Bike - Electric fat biking at Porovaara reindeer farm — Gentler winter activity for contrast, or daytime activity if you ride in evening
- Husky - Drive your own husky sled through the taiga — Different animal-based winter adventure
- Snowshoe & Fish - Snowshoeing and ice fishing on a forest lake — Meditative contrast to active horseback riding
- Aurora Tour - Guaranteed Northern Lights with professional camera — Evening activity to pair with daytime riding
Browse all Rovaniemi itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: April 2026
