What is the minimum age to join?

Minimum age is 4 years old; each sledge holds a maximum of two adults and two small children.

Meet at the stable yard at Viantienjoentie 138; staff wait on the right side of the road sign to check you in.

Is this activity accessible?

No; the operator lists accessibility as No and boarding a low sledge requires mobility to step up and into the seat.

Can we expect to see the northern lights?

The aurora is weather-dependent; clear, dark nights improve chances but sightings cannot be guaranteed.

What happens if I need to cancel?

The booking policy requests cancellation at least 48 hours beforehand for a refund; otherwise funds are non-refundable.

Is cold-weather gear provided?

Yes—overalls, helmets, balaclavas and warm mittens are provided, plus a hot drink after the drive.

Horse Sleigh Drive Under the Northern Lights in Simo, Finland | Horse

On a cold night outside Simo, Lappi, Finland, a horse-drawn sleigh becomes a slow-moving theater for winter. At Viantienjoentie 138, 95200 Simo, Finland, the stable yard greets visitors with a simple sign; guides meet guests on the right side of the road and fit everyone with warm overalls, helmets, balaclavas and mittens before lowering a fur-lined blanket over a two-adult, two-child wooden sledge. The route threads the private farm area and quiet country roads through Pömiö forestry village, where snow piles against birch and pine and the silence is only broken by hoofbeats and the horse's breath.

This roughly one-hour sleigh drive is uncomplicated by frills and made memorable by its setting: open fields that catch reflected starlight and stands of boreal taiga that crease the horizon. In clear winter nights the dark skies here offer a chance to catch the aurora borealis; when the green curtains sweep above, the slow pace of the sleigh turns the sky into the show and the ride into a simple, unplugged ritual. The operator supplies most cold-weather gear and serves a hot drink after the drive, so practical comforts are ready even as the landscape feels remote.

Safety and small-group intimacy shape the experience. Each sledge holds a maximum of two adults and two small children, and staff fit riders with safety helmets; riders with medical conditions or late-stage pregnancy are advised to consult their doctor and consider travel insurance. The route avoids busy roads, remaining on quiet lanes and farm tracks, which preserves a sense of wilderness while keeping the experience accessible—ideal for families with kids four years and older.

Photographers and quiet observers will find themselves framing horse tack, frosted trees, trailing smoke from distant farm chimneys, and the occasional wildlife silhouette: barn owls, hares, or elk along the treeline. Practicalities: arrive at the stable yard for check-in, expect about one hour on the sleigh, and plan for limited daylight in high winter - bring charged batteries and warm layers.

This sleigh drive is a low-impact, old-fashioned way to move through Lappi's winter country: no engines, just animal power and the long northern night. It's special because it foregrounds silence, star-filled skies, and the chance—weather permitting—to watch the northern lights sweep over a small farm road in the quiet of Simo.

About Arctic nature trips Ltd Oy

Arctic nature trips Ltd Oy is a horse-riding operator based in Simo, Lappi, offering guided horseback experiences across the Lapland countryside. The company focuses on small-group and private rides that showcase Finland’s natural scenery while providing options for different rider abilities. Trips include one-hour trail rides on private forest paths suitable for all skill levels, and two-hour cross-country safaris tailored for experienced riders that feature private roads, off-road sections, water crossings, and small jumps. Some rides include round-trip transport from nearby towns for a seamless half-day excursion.

Nighttime excursions are available in winter, with the Late Night Winter Ride — Northern Lights Horseback Safari designed to give riders a chance to experience snow-covered forests and the aurora borealis from horseback. Riders can expect authentic outdoor settings away from mass tourism and opportunities to relax after a ride with a warm beverage or snacks.

Arctic nature trips Ltd Oy emphasizes safety and clear rider guidance, matching ride difficulty to participant skills and offering a single cross-country group per day to preserve the quality of the experience. The operation’s rural location in Simo provides direct access to private trails and varied terrain.

Bookings are organized by trip type and transport preference, allowing guests to choose rides with or without included transport. With a portfolio that spans trail rides, cross-country safaris, and seasonal northern lights rides, Arctic nature trips Ltd Oy presents distinctive horseback adventures in Finnish Lapland.

Advance reservations are recommended to secure preferred dates and transport options during peak seasons year-round.

Horse Sleigh Drive Under the Northern Lights in Simo, Finland

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