August 5-9 | 5 days August 10-16 | 7 days August 19-23 | 5 days September 2-6 | 5 days September 9-13 | 5 days September 30-October 4 | 5 days October 7-11 | 5 daysSlow Travel Horse Retreat at Lake Saimaa, Finland
What to Expect
A quiet return to rhythm through horses, nature, and stillness. The Luontopolku Horse Retreat at Lake Saimaa invites you to slow down and reconnect; with yourself, your horse, and the surrounding Nordic landscape. Ride through forest trails and island paths, breathe the fresh lakeside air, and unwind in the calm of Finnish nature.
Between rides, share local meals, enjoy sauna traditions, and rest in the peaceful setting of a lakeside villa. Here, time softens and each moment becomes part of a deeper journey back to presence, happiness the Finnish way.
Intentional StructureEach day follows a gentle rhythm of riding, reflection, sauna rituals, and shared meals, allowing the retreat to unfold with purpose and ease.
ConnectionReconnect with yourself, your horse, and the Nordic landscape through shared riding, quiet presence, and time in nature.
Local Expert FacilitationLed by a transformative travel coach Mirka Kristiina and experienced riding instructor Maiju who create a safe, grounded environment for meaningful riding and insight.
A Supportive SpaceA tiny group (max 3) and calm lakeside home create a safe environment where you can slow down, reflect, and simply be. Perfect for families with riding children and non-riding partners.
Horse retreat at Lake Saimaa in Finland, where gentle horses support slow travel experiences guided by transformative travel coach Mirka Kristiina, offering grounding connection, nature-based reflection, and authentic interaction with horses.
Reconnect with yourself, your horse, and the quiet rhythm of nature. Enjoy your pause with horses or share the experience with your loved ones.
Who This Retreat Is For
For riders who seek more than a riding holiday. This retreat welcomes adults who wish to reconnect with themselves through horses, nature, and slower travel in unique environments. It suits experienced riders comfortable in all gaits who value calm environments, meaningful experiences in new cultures, and small groups.
We work with you when you wish to begin riding outside arena and exploring outdoors. We tailor experiences to your family or friends group.
What Makes This Retreat Different
This is not a performance-focused riding holiday. Through the Luontopolku – Back to Your Senses® method, horses become partners in presence and reflection. Small groups, intentional guidance, and immersion in Finnish lakeside life create a deeper connection to place, yourself, and your horse. This holiday continues to live with you.
We can accommodate children from 10 years of age in our small groups. Besides horses there are ponies and other activities for non-riding partners such as mountain biking, rowing and fishing, stand up paddling, hiking and playing garden games.
Day OneArrive & Meet
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed to settle in and ease into the calm rhythm of Blueberry Villa by Lake Saimaa. The experience begins with refreshments and a private introduction to the property, followed by a short walk to the nearby stables to meet your horse for the week and begin your connection through a guided arena session.
Check-In3:00 – 4:00pm
Meet your horse 4:00pm
1 hour ride on arena5:00-6:00pm
Relaxing, sauna, terrace6:00pm
Shared dinner 8:00pm
Day TwoForest Trails & Presence
Together, we pause in the forest during our Luontopolku walk to listen inward and notice what is present. We will walk by the horse pastures next door in our village.
After collecting our horses and riding along quiet island trails, the connection deepens through the rhythm of movement and the shared awareness between rider and horse. We explore all gaits across gently rolling terrain of birch and pine forests, open meadows, and soft natural paths.
In the evening, as we prepare and smoke salmon together by the lake, we reflect on the day; how the landscape, the horses, and the shared moments may have gently shifted or deepened what brought you here.
Local breakfast8:00 – 10:00am
Reflective Nature walk11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Afternoon with horses and a 2-hour forest ride2:00pm
Salmon smoking dinner experience, sauna, terrace6:30pm
Day ThreeNature Reserve & Lakeside Rhythm
The morning unfolds slowly at Blueberry Villa with time to enjoy Finnish lakeside life: rowing, stand-up paddling, cycling, fishing, or berry picking at our estate forest.
After lunch, we collect our horses from next door pastures and spend afternoon at the stables. On horseback we will explore the quiet landscapes of Ryngänsuo nature reserve, where marshlands, forest trails, and birdlife create a peaceful setting for connection with your horse and the surrounding nature.
The evening softens into shared dinner and quiet lakeside moments; time to read, reflect, or simply enjoy the calm Nordic summer light.
Local breakfast8:00 – 10:00am
Lakeside activitivies11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Afternoon with horses and a 2,5-hour ride to nature reserve2:00pm
Dinner, sauna, terrace6:30pm
Day FourDeepening the Connection
A slow morning at Blueberry Villa begins with breakfast and an optional gentle Pilates session on the terrace overlooking the lake. The rest of the morning invites your own rhythm; time for journaling, rowing, stand-up paddling, cycling forest paths, or quiet moments with your horse at the stables.
After lunch, we collect our horses, get them ready and ride an island trail ride through forest paths and viewpoints. You may choose to ride with or without a saddle to deepen your connection with the horse. Based on wishes we tune the gaits to comfort.
In the evening, we gather for a traditional Finnish lakeside sauna ritual followed by a relaxed barbecue dinner and shared reflections of the day.
Local breakfast8:00 – 10:00am
Lakeside activitivies11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Afternoon with horses and a 2-hour ride 2:00pm
Dinner & Finnish sauna ritual6:30pm
Day FiveThe Village Tales
The morning begins with a slow breakfast at Blueberry Villa. Afterwards, we head out for a guided rowing journey on Lake Saimaa, exploring nearby islands and hearing stories of local life, Castle Mountain, and ancient rock paintings. It is a quiet moment on the water to observe the landscape and reflect.
After a light soup lunch and collecting our horses, we ride out on a cultural trail ride through the Karelian countryside, discovering the region’s agricultural heritage and rural way of life. Time at the stables afterwards allows for brushing, bonding, and quiet moments with your horse.
The evening softens into a seasonal sauna ritual and shared dinner, with relaxed conversation by the fireplace or on the terrace as the Nordic evening settles around the lake.
Local breakfast8:00 – 10:00am
Rowing excursion11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Afternoon with horses and a 2-hour cultural landscape ride 2:00pm
Dinner & sauna & terrace6:30pm
Day SevenDeparture morning
The final morning begins quietly with tea or coffee by the lake or on the terrace. We gather for a gentle reflection—what did your horse teach you, and what will you carry home from the week?
A relaxed farewell brunch at Blueberry Villa brings the retreat to a close before departures by midday.
Local brunch9:00 – 10:00am
Lakeside reflection11:00am
Goodbye hugs12:00pm
Email mirka@thejourneystudio.co for any questions you make have about the slow travel horse riding retreats at Blueberry villa. I look forward to welcoming your this summer!
If you are traveling in Spain, you are warmly invited to join me for a half-day horse experience in the Valencia region.
How It Works and pricing5-day retreat 1766 euros
7-day retreat 2574 euros
transfers from Lappeenranta railway station 65 euros per trip
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Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host 5-7 day programs throughout the summer months.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot via Pegasus Horseback riding.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure. Stay in touch with The Journey Studio and our instagram @luontopolku_journeys to begin your journey.