Levi, Lapland: Ultimate Guide to Finland's Winter Wonderland
Levi, Lapland Ultimate Guide to Finland's Winter Wonderland
Nestled deep within the Arctic Circle, Levi in the Finnish Lapland offers an enchanting escape into a true winter wonderland. Known for its pristine snow-covered landscapes, vibrant Northern Lights and enchanting charm, Levi is one of Finland’s premier winter destinations. It is also one of my favorite places, that I visited for the second time in early March. So I want to share my Levi, Lapland Ultimate Guide to Finland’s Winter Wonderland.
Levi is the largest ski resort in Finland, with over 40 quilometres of ski slopes, perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers. But beyond skiing, its endless and vast snowy wilderness offers an authentic experience of Arctic getaway. Whether you’re an adrenaline enthusiast eager to hit the slopes, a nature passionate searching for a magical winter experience, or a Northern Lights chaser, your dreams will come true in Levi.
Located about 170 kilometers above the Arctic Circle, the easiest way to get to Levi is flying to Kittilä Airport, just a short 15-minutes drive away. Kittilä airport connects to Helsinki, Finland’s capital, and other major cities in the country. From the airport you can take a bus or a taxi to Levi. In alternative, to be able to explore the surrounding region at your own pace, I recommend renting a car.
Levis is a year round destination. From the long polar nights in winter to the endless golden glow of the midnight sun in summer, there is always an awe inspiring experience waiting for you. If you are looking for a snowy getaway with a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, I recommend going from late October to early April.
Be aware that from December to mid-January, Lapland is wrapped in the polar night blue magical hues, and the number of hours with some daylight is limited. I personally love that time of the year in the Arctic Circle. But this time I visited Lapland in early March, which was perfect to enjoy the winter scenery with the days stretching longer.
I hope that my Levi, Lapland Ultimate Guide will support you planning an unforgettable trip to this Finland’s Winter Wonderland. I’m sure that you will fall in love with Levi region, one of the most magical destinations in the world.
What to Do in Levi, Lapland?
Walk around Levi City Centre
Levi is a lively city in the heart of Lapland. Stroll around the relatively small city centre, with direct access to the slopes and great views to the surrounding mountains. It offers a diverse option of accommodation and shops focused on winter accessories and traditional handcraft. You will also find many restaurants where you can taste the delicious traditional gastronomy inspired by the surrounding nature and local Arctic ingredients, or international cuisine.
To get to the top of the mountain facing the city, you can take the scenic cabin lifts Express-Lift or Gondola2000. Or you can climb Panorama Steps, a wooden staircase almost hidden in the forest with 766 steps zig-zagging to the summit of the mountain (check first the conditions of the staircase, it can get icy in winter). In summertime it’s also possible to hike the scenic trails around the city, or to jump into the Summer Sled track.
Not far away from the centre, when you start to move away from the busiest streets of Levi, you will be surrounded by forests, cross country skiing paths and a lake that gets frozen in wintertime.
Enjoy Levi Slopes
In Levi you will find Finland’s most premium ski resort, that is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. It started its operations in 1964, and nowadays it offers a vast network of over 40 slopes and 27 ski lifts. The well-maintained trails, modern lift system, and great snow conditions throughout the season, make Levi a favorite among skiers and snowboarders.
Levi Ski Resort is suitable to all skill levels, with blue slopes for beginners, red for intermediate skiers, and black for advanced ones eager to tackle the most challenging slopes. Additionally, the Snow Parks add extra excitement for those who love jumps, rails and halfpipes.
Plus, with the long winter season from October to May, Levi ensures months of top-quality skiing under both the Arctic sun and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The majority of Levi’s slopes are illuminated, which means you can also have the experience of skiing at night.
Discover the Peak of Levi and the iconic “Tykky” Trees
No visit to this region is complete without exploring the Peak of Levi. The area around Tuikku panoramic restaurant is accessible by number five ski lift. In alternative, if you have a car it’s only a ten minutes drive from the city centre.
The Peak of Levi offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Lapland. You will be surrounded by a surreal Arctic wonderland where snow-load trees called “tykky” trees stand frozen in time. These ethereal white figures with branches weighed down by layers of frost and ice, create an almost mythical atmosphere that I haven’t seen nowhere else.
Stay in a Hotel with Beautiful Levi Views
During my visit to Levi I’ve stayed at Break Sokos Hotel Levi, a perfect place to explore this beautiful region at the heart of the Finnish Lapland. Conveniently located right in the city center, this hotel offers the best of both worlds – easy access to Levi’s slopes and the surrounding forest, while being steps away from the village’s vibrant shops, restaurants and activities.
The moment you step inside, the warmth of the top-notch service provided by the friendly staff makes you feel at home, ensuring a seamless and relaxing stay. In the morning, a tasty and hearty breakfast fuels your adventures, while in the evening the hotel’s restaurant delights with amazing food, from perfectly grilled meats to local specialties.
The rooms at Break Sokos Hotel Levi are a true highlight, featuring modern Scandinavian design, ultimate comfort, and breathtaking views of the slopes, the village and the forest. With a sparkle of luck, you can even see the Northern Lights from your room window or terrace! Some rooms come with a private sauna, allowing you to unwind in the most authentic Finnish way after a day in the snow.
Enjoy Winter Activities
There is no shortage of Winter activities around Levi. Whether you venture out on snowshoes, cross-country skies, a husky or a reindeer sled, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity of trying some experiences that you can only have in the Arctic Circle region. Those activities will also give you the opportunity to enjoy the uniqueness of the Arctic nature and to be close to the local culture.
For a more adventurous way to explore, snowmobiling offers an adrenaline-fueled ride deep into the forests and across frozen lakes. This was one of my favourite adventures while visiting Levi.
Some of those activities can also be done at night. At twilight the landscape gets an even more mystical aura, especially if the Northern Lights dance above the treetops, casting green hues across the sky.
Explore Lapland Forest
Exploring the forest around Levi is like stepping into a fairytale winter wonderland. Covered in a thick blanket of snow, the Arctic wilderness feels serene and untouched. The towering trees dressed in white fresh snow creates a mesmerizing landscape.
Levi is surrounded by forest, so you will have many opportunities of experiencing it. You can either walk in a forest trail near the centre, ski in the slopes nearby Levi or drive outside the city. Some beautiful spots to enjoy Lapland forest are Panorama Steps, Peak of Levi or the area around Lake Immeljärvi, just a short walk away from Levi village.
Embrace the Local Culture
While in Levi region, don’t miss the opportunity to know more about the local culture and to connect with the traditions and heritage of Lapland’s Sami people. One of the most authentic ways to do this is visiting a reindeer farm, where you can learn about the centuries-old reindeer herding lifestyle, that has been central to Sami culture for generations.
Spending time with the reindeers in a traditional farm – feeding, petting, or even taking a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forest – offers a unique glimpse into Lapland’s way of life. Many farms also invite visitors into a Lappish kota, a typical wooden hut where you can sit by a crackling fire, enjoy warm berry juice, and listen to stories about Sami legends and traditions.
You can also learn more about local culture in Samiland, located at Koutalaki in Levi Summit. This exhibition is part of the UNESCO Observatory Cultural Village programme and it is dedicated to Sami history. The outdoor part of the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the past and the present of reindeer herding, and you can see reindeers from November to April.
Indulge in an incredible Arctic Spa Experience
An unmissable activity in Lapland is indulging in a traditional Finnish sauna, a cherished ritual that embodies relaxation and well-being. An amazing place to experience it is the Arctic Spa at Levi Foxfires, a truly magical way to unwind and connect with the raw beauty of Lapland.
Nestled in a secluded forest just outside Levi, this retreat offers a private and intimate spa surrounded by snow-covered trees and untouched Arctic wilderness. The highlights are the charming kota (a typical hut), and the traditional Finnish wood fired sauna with a big window facing the forest.
You can relax in the soothing warmth before stepping outside into the crisp winter air. Outdoor there is a hot tub to soak and enjoy the surrounding nature. For the ultimate contrast, roll in the fresh snow, a refreshing ritual that boosts circulation and leaves you feeling completely rejuvenated.
I tried Finnish sauna in the Arctic Spa in a snowy morning, and it was a bucket list experience. At night it should be also magical with candles and lights around the spa, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. Levi Foxfires is also a private boutique guesthouse with only two cabin rooms and one glass-roof cabin for an exclusive and unforgettable stay in the middle of the forest.
See the Northern Lights
Levi’s prime location above the Arctic Circle, makes it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. From September to April, when the skies are clear and there is solar activity, you have great chances of witnessing one of the most amazing natural wonders (visit my article to see more information about How to See the Northern Lights).
The lack of lights just outside the city makes it easy to find great viewing spots, where the auroras dance across the vast and open sky. For the best viewing experience, head to the Peak of Levi, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the night sky away from artificial lights. Another great spot is Lake Immeljärvi, offering stunning reflections of the auroras on the frozen surface.
If you are up for an adventure, join a Northern Lights snowmobile safari or a reindeer sleigh ride, taking you deep into the Lapland wilderness, where the sky is at its darkest. Some hotels, forest cabins and glass igloos in the area also offer great locations for viewing this unforgettable spectacle.
I was lucky to see the aurora borealis in Levi in my first visit there a few years ago. It was a truly magical experience, as the Arctic skies came alive with shimmering waves of green. Sometimes you can even see hints of purple, pink and red.
Visit Arcandia Arctic Adventure Park
Located just outside Levi village, Arcandia Arctic Adventure Park offers unique fantasy and action themed experiences. Visiting Arcandia is like stepping into a fairytale-like scenery. This area was built in 2009 as a movie set for a fantasy film that was never produced due to financial issues. Fortunately the buildings remained, and some years later the area was transformed in an adventure park.
Nowadays visitors can find a unique place with immersive lights, sound installations and enchanted buildings, surrounded by the beauty of Lapland nature. I visited it at twilight and the contrast between the vibrant lights and the deep darkness of the Arctic night, makes it a fantastic experience, perfect for visitors of all ages.
For more travel inspiration in the Arctic Circle region visit my articles “Ilulissat Greenland, Travel Guide to the Arctic Icefjord Gem” and “Travel Guide to Kiruna Winter Wonderland“.
