11 Things to do in Levi, Finland in winter
Levi is full of dream-like winter wonderland scenes with candy floss skies where snow-dusted spruce stand tall across the whiteout landscape. From the sweeping fells where skiers carve up freshly fallen powder to the frozen landscapes where golden sunsets cast long shadows across the afternoon, Levi is a dream for visitors who make the journey to the far north of Finland.
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In the far reaches of Finnish Lapland inside the Arctic Circle lies Levi, a year-round destination and a popular Finnish ski resort. In winter, pastel skies set the perfect backdrop against powder-white scenes for a day on the slopes. But, there’s more to Levi than just skiing.
Winter is a truly magical time in Lapland, a place where the polar night casts a soft glow and snowflakes glitter under bright moonlight. The northern lights dance across the sky and winter activities are the best way to spend your days - whether you prefer getting outdoors or cosying up inside, there’s plenty of exciting ways to fill your time in Levi. Discover the best things to do in Levi, Lapland in winter.
1 | Hit the slopes for a day of skiing
Levi is Finland’s most popular ski resort, and for good reason. Those looking to hit the slopes can expect 43 pistes and 27 ski lifts for skiing and snowboarding, with the views from the top of the fells affording spectacular vistas across the Lapland landscape.
If you want to make the most of Finland’s long winter, then you can expect to find powder here from mid-November through to Mid-May, and for beginners or those looking to polish up on their skiing skills, there is a ski school on site.
2 | Visit Santa Claus' hut
The north pole is home to Santa, and while you can’t visit him in Levi (though you can in Rovaniemi!), you can visit his hut on the mountainside. Santa Claus Hut can make for an adventurous trek through knee-deep snow while skiers pass by on the ski runs that stretch across the fells. A little wooden cabin on the mountainside, Santa Claus hut is a scenic pit stop on a day on the slopes or an adventure all of its own.
You can reach Santa Claus Hut by taking the gondola up the fell then head down the South-West side between the gondola and lift 11. Snowshoes would make the hike easier in deep snow and it’s important to be mindful of what lies beneath the blanket of snow. Remember, in summer this is a rocky mountainside that’s perfect for hiking so the ground below can be uneven sometimes.
3 | Be a musher for the day on a husky safari
A bucket list item for a lot of travellers who head to Lapland is to go husky sledding. For hands-on experience being a musher, join the family-run team at Tundra Huskies. We settled on this company for our husky safari as they seemed to be the most ethical and well-run business we came across.
They offer several packages from 5km - 15km distance and their packages include a visit to the husky ‘farm’ and a snack and hot beverage after the tour. Enjoyed by the fireside in a quaint wooden cabin, it’s the perfect way to thaw out after exploring the surrounding Finnish forest.
4 | Try and spot some local reindeer
Seeing reindeer in person is a pretty special experience, so if you don’t manage to spot any roaming among the Finnish forest, you can head to the grounds of the K5 hotel just outside of town. Alternatively, take a trip to Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm where you can interact with the reindeer and learn about the history of reindeer herding in Finland.
THE DETAILS
Location | Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm, Ounasjoentie 826, 99140 Köngäs, Finland
Open hours | 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday, open Saturday by request, closed Sunday
Costs | activities start from €20
5 | Try your hand at ice fishing
Do as the locals do and head out on the ice to try to catch some of the local fish. Rug up and learn the traditional ways of the Finnish as you cut a hole in the ice, drop your line in and aim to hook some fresh trout. Finland is full of lakes and ponds that freeze over throughout the polar winter, which gives visitors the unique opportunity to try this unusual fishing activity. It’s best to go with the experts, which is why joining this half-day ice fishing experience is the way to go.
6 | Search the skies for the northern lights
One of the biggest attractions in the Arctic Circle is to see the northern lights. A natural phenomenon caused by magnetic activity in the atmosphere causes ribbons of light to dance across the night sky. The aurora borealis, as it’s formally known, is best seen between September and March on a clear night.
You can join an aurora hunting trip with an organised tour to make the most of your guide’s expertise and check out my northern lights photography guide to prepare to get your camera ready to make the most of your northern lights adventures.
7 | Go snowmobiling
Whizz across the Arctic landscapes on a snowmobile to take in the vast expanses of Finnish forest, frozen lakes, and the beauty of this winter wonderland. Adrenaline junkies will love this high-octane way of exploring the wilderness. Take a one-hour snowmobile tour to discover the sights of Levi, or opt for seeing the northern lights by snowmobile at night for something a little different.
8 | Take a sunset walk on a frozen lake
The short days of winter in the Arctic Circle make for beautiful golden hours that stretch on as the sun lingers on the horizon. The best way to admire the sunset is with a walk across a frozen lake. Just beyond the slopes of Levi ski resort is the frozen Immeljarvi Lake. Pack a thermos with coffee or hot chocolate, and a few biscuits, and admire the Lapland landscape at the most beautiful time of the day.
Be careful to ensure you aren’t walking on weak ice. Outside of the depths of winter in the shoulder seasons, the ice can be too thin to walk on and you should take care to ensure your safety is a top priority.
9 | Explore the local scenery with an afternoon of snowshoeing
Not a skier but still want to access all of the beauty this winter wonderland has to offer? Snowshoeing might be the best option for you. Largely comparable to ‘hiking’ through the snow, the wider footprint of the snowshoe allows you to walk on top of the snow more comfortably than wading through it. Snowshoes may be available from your hotel or from organised outdoor companies in Levi.
10 | Learn about the native Sami culture at the Samiland exhibition
The Sami are the indigenous people of the north and their unique culture is celebrated in an exhibition exploring the history, traditions, and mythology of the Sami community. Part of the UNESCO Observatory Cultural Village programme, you can learn more about the local people who are part of a native group of people spanning northern Scandinavia. This is a brilliant way to understand the long history of the local culture here in Lapland.
THE DETAILS
Address | Samiland Exhibition, Tunturitie 205, 99130 Kittilä, Finland
Open Hours | 10am - 8pm daily
Cost | €12 adults, children 7-16 €9, children under six go free
11 | Enjoy afternoon tea with a view at Scenic Café Laavu
Overlooking the front slopes of the Levi ski fields, Scenic Café Laavu is the perfect place to cosy up for an afternoon. Located at Hotel Levi Panorama, you venture through a short forest path before finding the cafe with an open fire at the heart of it. Enjoy hot drinks, freshly made crepes and sausages as you overlook the wintery views from the comfort of this scenic perch.
THE DETAILS
Address | Tunturitie 205, 99130 Levi, Finland
Where is Levi, Lapland?
Levi is located in Finnish Lapland, approximately 170 km north of the Arctic Circle. Levi is a fell and the largest and most popular ski resort in Finland. Known for its brilliant winters and outdoorsy summers, it is a popular destination year-round.
How to get to Levi, Lapland
The closest airport to Levi is Kittila, which is located a 15-minute drive from Levi ski resort. There are a handful of direct international flights during the ski season, but the airport is mostly serviced by domestic routes. Many flights to Kittila will connect in Helsinki.
Rovaniemi to Levi
Rovaniemi airport is the gateway to the Arctic Circle and is located a 2-hour drive from Levi, Finland. There are bus routes between Rovaniemi and Levi daily. Norwegian Air operates direct flights several times per week between London Gatwick and Rovaniemi.
Where to stay in Levi, Finland
From apartments to luxury hotels, these are some of the best places to stay in Levi, Lapland.
Hotel Levi Panorama & Levi Chalets | A 4-star stay perched on the mountainside overlooking Levi fell puts you right at the heart of the action for a winter stay. Including several restaurants, a sauna, and panoramic views across the ski fields, this is one of the best hotels in Levi.
Levi Northern Lights Huts | Been dreaming of a stay under the stars? Then these glass-roofed huts put you in a prime position to watch the northern lights dance across the sky from the comfort of your bed. Huts include a private bathroom and there is an on-site restaurant serving traditional Lapland delicacies.
Levin Alppitalot Alpine Chalets | These budget-friendly apartments are situated close to the main slope of Levi and offer a well-equipped kitchen making them ideal for self-catering. With free parking and the luxurious benefit of a private sauna, you have everything you need for the perfect Lapland stay.
