Sweden is an ideal destination for those who like to ride deep in nature. This is a large country, about twice the size of the UK, but sparsely populated leaving an unspoilt wilderness of endless forests and bountiful lakes (96,000!). Imagine experiencing the beauty of these untouched landscapes while taking in the incredible wildlife. It's a horseback vacation unlike any other. Keep an eye out for bears, lynx, moose, golden eagles, and if you're lucky, even the elusive reindeer. You might even get to see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky!
Whether you're craving an adventurous point-to-point trail that includes camping under the stars, traversing mountainous landscapes through pathless terrain, and connecting with nature, or a center-based holiday in a farmhouse, offering cozy accommodations and a variety of winter sports, we have horse riding holidays in Sweden for everyone.
A Little Bit About Sweden
Sweden is a Nordic country and sits on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. It has borders with Norway to the west, Finland to the north-east, and Denmark via the Oresund Bridge in the south west. However, Sweden's largest border is with the sea - the Baltic Sea to the east and the smaller straits of Skaggerak and Kattegat to the south west. With a coastline of 6,760 kilometres, Sweden is blessed with hundreds of glorious beaches.
Over the years Sweden had somewhat fluid borders as it gained and lost land to its neighbours, Finland and Norway, but it finally stabilised and is now the peaceful country we know - neutral in wars and independent in foreign policy. It has a fine democracy with a constitutional monarchy - along the lines of the UK. The Swedes have a liberal, laid-back approach to life and of-course produce some excellent pop stars and some awesome crime series!
Sweden's capital, Stockholm, is a collection of 14 islands. It is a very beautiful city and well worth a visit to take in its old Baroque town and its excellent architecture. But it's in central and northern Sweden that you'll find the landscape of huge pristine forests, sparkling lakes and even mountains.
Our Horseback Riding Vacations in Sweden
Unicorn Trails has several horseback riding vacations in the far north of Sweden to offer you:
Lapland Summer Trail: This Swedish horseback holiday is even further north than the Arctic Circle. It is a magical trail ride in the Kebnekaise mountains of Lapland, located in the far north of Sweden and Norway. Very few people venture to this remote but stunning location, providing an opportunity for riders to truly disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. You'll ride Icelandic horses, known for their even temper and sturdy build, through pathless terrain and small paths. The slower pace allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. This holiday is perfect for adventurous riders who enjoy camping. On the evenings, you'll have the chance to sit around a campfire, learn about the Sami culture, and sleep in a traditional lávvu (Sami tent) under the stars. So, if you don’t mind forsaking luxury for true adventure and exquisite nature then this equestrian holiday in Sweden is waiting for you.
This ride is designed for intermediate riders and above, suitable for individuals over 12 years old and under 90 kg. Participants should be confident riding at all paces and in open spaces. Additionally, we offer a short break option for this vacation, adjusting the itinerary from a 7-day to a 5-day, 4-night program, which includes 3 days of riding.
Winter Wonderland: Spend an adventurous and varied week on your hosts beautiful farm near lake Kalix, in the pristine natural landscape just west of Kiruna. This area is home to the Sami people, who will guide you through their homeland, sharing their culture and knowledge passed down by their forefathers. This is a centre based riding holiday which caters to both riders and non-riders, allowing everyone to have the perfect winter wonderland experience. Riding can be replaced with snowmobiling, a photo tour, dog sledding, skiing or snowshoeing while the riders explore the snowy paths on Icelandic horses and participate in informal lessons. The resourceful locals will make sure you are well taken care of in this harsh but beautiful environment. Additionally, you'll have the chance to visit the remarkable Ice Hotel. If luck is on your side, you might even witness the Northern Lights!
This holiday is perfect for families seeking adventure and bonding time, with exciting activities suitable for all members. The minimum riding age is 12, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for younger participants. We also offer our Winter Wonderland riding holiday as a short break.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Sweden
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Sweden has a warmer climate that most people expect. In fact, the resorts on the south coast can be as hot as those in Southern Europe. The summers in Sweden may be rather short but north of the Arctic Circle is the land of the midnight sun where it never gets dark. Midsummer's Day, June 21st, is a highly traditional day celebrated throughout Sweden. Winters may seem long and dark but they are also very beautiful with crisp snow, frozen lakes and air so clean and, if you are lucky, regular sightings of the spectacular Northern Lights. Swedish winters provide a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts - particularly cross-country skiing and ice skating.
At Unicorn Trails, our Lapland Summer Trail is offered on specific dates in July and August, providing opportunities for extended rides and deeper exploration of the region. While Swedish summer temperatures can reach up to 24°C, travellers should always pack warm clothing and be ready for sudden cold snaps, especially in mountainous areas, where temperatures can drop dramatically. Our Winter Wonderland experience is available during the winter months, from December to March, when temperatures can range from -10°C to -30°C, making it the perfect conditions for winter sports and experiencing the rich culture of the Sami people.
Getting to Sweden
Traveling to your equestrian holiday in Sweden is quite straightforward. Numerous flights from regional UK airports will take you to Stockholm, from where you can fly to Kiruna Airport (KRN). Upon arrival, our package includes the transfer from the meeting point. Should you prefer, we can also help you arrange your travel plans.
Book your Horseback Riding Trip to Sweden with Unicorn Trails
Unicorn Trails would be delighted to help you plan the perfect horseback vacation in Sweden. We are experts in our field and can cater to solo travellers, couples, friendship groups and families, creating the perfect holiday to suit all tastes, preferences and budgets. We will offer you independent advice, and you can rely on us to provide honest, trustworthy information. Our team is passionate about equestrian holidays and have extensive knowledge of Sweden. We can provide you with all the necessary information you need before your trip, including packing advice, local tips and a detailed itinerary of what to expect during your horseback riding trip to Sweden.
read less
