Location: Northern Finland, above the Arctic Circle.
Gateway city: Kittilä.
Currency: Euro (EUR).
Language: Finnish & Northern Sámi (English widely spoken).
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2).
Best Time to Visit: Winter (Dec–Mar): Northern Lights, husky safaris, reindeer rides, snowmobiling. Autumn (Sep): Fall colors, early Aurora season. Spring (Apr): Longer days, great skiing, fewer crowds.
Main Airport: Kittilä Airport (KTT) – 15 minutes from Levi Village.
Getting Around: Levi is walkable; most tours include transfers. Local buses and taxis are reliable; renting a car is convenient for exploring further.
What To Expect
Levi, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland above the Arctic Circle, is where fairy-tale winter dreams meet Nordic adventure. Expect snow-blanketed forests, cozy Scandinavian cabins, and thrilling Arctic experiences like husky safaris, reindeer rides, and snowmobiling. By night, step outside to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, and by day, warm up with hot berry juice or unwind in a Finnish sauna. With its walkable village, friendly locals, and surreal landscapes, Levi perfectly captures the quiet magic of Lapland.
Tip: Before you go, check out my guide for What to Pack for Levi, Finland (Winter Edition) — it’s a helpful resource to make sure you’re fully prepared and comfortable during your Arctic trip.
Day 1 – Husky Safari, Levi Village & Northern Lights
- Begin your day with a Husky Safari Adventure— drive your own team of energetic huskies across frozen lakes and snowy forests. Most tours include hot berry juice by the fire, a true Lapland tradition.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Levi Village, a charming and walkable area filled with cafés, shops, and a cozy alpine vibe.
- Optional: Visit Lainio Snow Village, an incredible site made entirely of ice and snow — complete with carved rooms, tunnels, sculptures, and even a snow chapel. We skipped this as we had previously visited the Ice Hotel in Sweden.
- As night falls, join a Northern Lights Safari departing from Levi’s Tourist Information Center. Guides take you out to wide-open areas where, on clear nights, the Aurora Borealis paints the sky in green and violet hues.
- Restaurant Recommendations:
- Chef’s Burger – casual and hearty, perfect after a day outdoors.
- Restaurant Asia – warm and cozy, serving comforting Asian dishes and sushi.
- Stay: Hotel K5 Levi – simple but comfortable hotel that is centrally located, situated near the Levi Ski Resort and within walking distance of the village center; excellent location for joining tours and walking to restaurants.
Day 2 – Reindeer, Gondola Views & Finnish Sauna
- Visit a Reindeer Farm to meet the animals and learn about Sámi culture before taking a peaceful sleigh ride through snow-covered pines.
- Ride the Levi Gondola to the top of the fell for sweeping Arctic views — especially stunning around sunrise or sunset. Ideal spot for photos or a warm drink at the mountaintop café.
- Optional afternoon activities:
- Snowshoeing through the forest.
- Cross-country skiing (over 230 km of trails).
- Ice-karting for a fun adrenaline rush.
- Enjoy a cozy afternoon in your cabin by the fireplace.
- End your Lapland stay with a traditional Finnish Sauna. Many cabins include one, or book a spa session in town. For the true Nordic experience, pair it with a quick dip into an ice hole or snow plunge.
