Levi Lapland Travel Guide | 65 Best Travel Tips to Kittilä, Finland

Written by: Sini Hietaharju, Master of Tourism Research & Slow Traveller

Travel to Levi, Finland is a dream of many.


I have worked and lived in Levi myself, and want to give the best insider tips for this legendary Finnish ski resort destination in Kittilä, Lapland.

Levi is located in Kittilä, in a town called Sirkka north-west of Finnish Lapland.

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15 BUCKETLIST STAYS IN LEVI

where to stay in levi

The 5 best glass igloos to stay in Levi

This is the "bucketlist accommodation in Lapland" that you will see on Instagram and Pinterest.

Let me give you the list of best of the best glass igloos in Levi.

The 6 Best Hotels in Levi - Price-Quality Ratio on point

These hotels are offering a great mix of luxury, but with a smaller budget compared to the iconic glass igloos.

Choosing one of these, you can be sure your stay will be comfortable.

The 4 best cottages and cabins to stay in Levi Lapland

If you want to stay in Levi like a Finnish person, you would choose a cottage instead of a hotel.

These cottage provide all the main amenities and have also a great location.

The links take you directly to the Finnish cottage booking site.

If you would like to read more detailed reviews about the best hotels in Levi, check out the article:


10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LEVI

things to do in lapland finland

1. Chase the Northern Lights

This is probably one of the main reasons people want to travel to Lapland.

  • Top Spots: Levi Fell (panoramic views) or Lake Immeljärvi.

  • I recommend booking a guided tour, as then local's will drive you to the best spots, give you warm outfit and even take professional pictures for you.

  • Photography Hack: Use a tripod + 15-sec exposure
    More photo tips:How to photograph Northern Lights

Browse Aurora Borealis Safaris in Levi

2. Husky Safari

I would say this is a must-try activity during your stay in Lapland.

💡 Tip: Book ethical small-group tours (e.g., Kinos Safaris) where dogs retire to cozy farms after 5 years.

Browse Husky Safaris in Levi

3. Reindeer Farm visit

Did you know there are more reindeer than people in Lapland?

Would be a shame if you didn't spot any, so visiting a reindeer farm to meet and greet these half-domesticated animals is a must.

Browse Reindeer Farm visits in Levi

4. Snowmobile through Lapland's winter!

Combine the excitement of a snowmobile ride with the chance of spotting Northern Lights on an Aurora Borealis safari. This guided tour increases your chances of seeing the lights while experiencing the thrill of snowmobiling.

Levi: Snowmobile Safari to the Levi Nature

5. Ski the slopes of Levi Ski Resort

This is of course one of the best things to do in Lapland, Finland in December.

Hit the slopes at Levi Ski Resort, one of Finland's premier ski destinations. There are a variety of runs for all skill levels.

Tip: If you are really into skiing, you should stay in this fantastic Panorama hotel in Levi where you can ski in and out from.

6. Snow shoeing

Fantastic way to experience Finnish nature and winter wonderland.

If you are wondering what's the benefit of snowshoeing compared to regular winter hiking:


You can experience awesome winter wonderland spots that you can not access by regular shoes.

You won't suddenly drown into 2-metre snow, but you flot on top. Definitely one of my favorite things to do in Lapland.

Browse Snowshoe tours in Levi

7. Ice Floating

This is like meditation 2.0

Floating in ice-cold water under the start and auroras while feeling warm is surreal.

It is a bit pricey experience (about 125€/person), but I promise you won't regret experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Book Ice Floating Experience in Levi

8. After-Ski

Levi Ski resort is not only known for its ski, but also for its after ski. Keep on reading, as below I list all the best bars and nightclubs in Levi.

9. Visit Levi Spa

This spa in Levi includes hot outdoor pool, where you can stay warm when the air temperature is -30°C and stare at stars and auroras.

Levi Hotel Spa is also in central location, so a great accommodation option as well.

You can also visit there without accommodation; simply buy the spa ticket at the reception.

10. Try reindeer pizza

I know, this is not the most eco-conscious tip, so feel free to skip if it's against your values.

I anyhow find this a unique Lappish experience to try reindeer pizza in Levi. Below you can find the best restaurants in Levi.

If you would like more inspiration on best activities to experience in Finnish Lapland, read the article:


10 STUNNING LANDSCAPES AND PHOTO SPOTS IN LEVI, FINLAND

instagrammable spots Levi Kittila Finland

If you are into photography, or in general enjoy grand vistas, you should check out these spots during your trip in Kittilä, Finland.

You can see all on the map below, and download directly to your Google Maps.

See also: How to spot Northern lights in Finnish Lapland

  • Santa's Cabin - The one and only, must-see

  • Gondola Lift to the top

  • Panoramic Restaurant Tuikku - Famous viewpoint (and party place)

  • Kätkätunturi - Vistas from above

  • Levi Summit - Stunning views

  • Immelkaltio - Spring alongside a path

  • Taatsin seita - Cliff views into a cultural heritage lake

  • Ruoppaköngäs - Lake with rocky views

  • Levi Panorama Stairs

  • Hotel Levi Panorama - easy access to nature views

GET ALL THE SPOTS DIRECTLY TO YOUR GOOGLE MAPS

10 Must-see spots in Levi

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7 NOURISHING RESTAURANTS WITH GOOD ATMOSPHERE IN LEVI

  • Pizza de Levi
    Napoli-style artisanal pizzas fired at 450°C in a wood oven – a taste of Italy amid Lapland’s snowy charm.
    Torikuja 5 | 💰€€ | 🕒 Lunch & Dinner
    Try the Laponia pizza with reindeer meat.

  • Ravintola Utsu
    Igloo-framed fine dining celebrating hyper-local Arctic ingredients like foraged berries and reindeer, served under glass ceilings for Northern Lights viewing.
    Harjatie 2 | 💰€€€€ | 🕒 Seasonal (Winter only)

  • Saamen Kammi
    An underground Sami cultural immersion where joik singing accompanies fire-lit buffet feasts of sustainably hunted reindeer and Arctic char.
    Kätkänrannantie 2 | 💰€€€ | 🕒 Dinner by reservation
    Vegan menu available – pre-book for authentic Lappish plant-based dishes.

  • King Crab House Levi
    Norwegian-owned sanctuary for ethically sourced Barents Sea king crab – a oceanic delicacy balanced with surprisingly refined vegetarian options.
    Mariankuja 6 | 💰€€€ | 🕒 Lunch & Dinner

  • Pihvipirtti
    Log-cabin steakhouse ritual: Start with lavish fish smörgåsbord, choose your cut (even plant-based), and end with cloudberry dessert by crackling fire.
    Hissitie 10 | 💰€€€ | 🕒 Dinner
    Peak coziness during Christmas blizzards – book window seats.

  • Ravintola Sirkantähti
    Efficient buffet hub for ski-weary families, featuring rotating Lappish comfort foods and abundant salad/juice bars – best for early lunchers avoiding crowds.
    Levintie 1630 | 💰€€ | 🕒 Lunch buffet
    Arrive at 11:30 AM for peaceful fuel-up before tour buses.

  • Tunturiravintola Tuikku
    Two-in-one wonder: Upstairs pulses with après-ski parties, while downstairs offers serene buffet lunches with panoramic tundra views through ice-crusted windows.
    Tuikuntie 11 | 💰€€ | 🕒 Lunch (12-4 PM)
    View Hack: Request "Aurora table" for potential night-sky sightings during late winter lunches.

GET ALL THE RESTAURANTS DIRECTLY TO YOUR GOOGLE MAPS

7 Best Restaurants in Levi

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5 COZY CAFETERIAS IN LEVI

  • Káfet (Cafe & Bakery & Bistro)

    Specialties: Freshly baked pastries, salmon soup, Sunday brunch, and Segafredo coffee.

    Vibe: Cozy basement locale with an in-house bakery. Licensed for alcohol.

    Hours: Seasonal; check ahead. Mentioned for its "best pizza in Finland" by a customer 4.

    Location: Keskuskuja 5 (Basement floor).

  • Café Spiella

    Specialties: Burgers, soup lunches, and movie snacks for Levi Summit Cinema. Stunning slope views.

    Vibe: Gondola-accessible, ideal post-ski relaxation. Hosts private events.

    Hours: Tue–Sat 11:00–18:00 (summer); winter hours vary 5.

    Location: Next to Hotel Levi Panorama (Tunturitie).

  • Café Zero

    Specialties: Daily soup lunches (10:30–15:00), extended hours in July.

    Vibe: Minimalist and efficient, popular for quick, hearty meals.

    Hours: Mon–Sun 10:00–18:00 (seasonal exceptions apply) 10.

    Location: Central Levi.

  • Coffee House (Break Sokos Hotel Levi)

    Specialties: Filter coffee, light bites, and lobby-side convenience.

    Vibe: Modern and relaxed; perfect for refueling mid-sightseeing.

    Hours: Daily 11:00–17:00 1013.

    Location: Hotel lobby, Levintie.

  • Café & Bar Kota

    Specialties: Reindeer-themed snacks, warm drinks. "Living room of locals."

    Vibe: Rustic timber hut with fire pits; opens summer only.

    Hours: Seasonal (summer); check reopening dates 610.

    Location: Torikuja (foot of Front Slope).

GET ALL THE CAFETERIAS DIRECTLY TO YOUR GOOGLE MAPS

5 Best Cafeterias in Levi

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7 BEST AFTER SKI PLACES - NIGHTLIFE IN LEVI

Best after ski places in Levi, Finland

After Ski

Nightlife at Levi- Best Bars

  • Bar Levi Ihku Well-known nightclub with dance music downstairs and karaoke upstairs.

  • ·Hullu Poro Areena This large arena, literally translated as Crazy Reindeer Arena, organizes multiple big events a year with well-known Finnish artists.

Best pubs in Levi

  • Pub Hölmölä Chill and fun pub in the centre of Levi with board games, beer and cocktails

GET ALL THE BARS DIRECTLY TO YOUR GOOGLE MAPS

Best After Ski Places in Levi

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7 BEST HIKING TRAILS IN KITTILÄ AREA

hiking levi

There are nature trails maintained by the municipality in Levi. You can see all routes also here.

Ice Age Trail, 9 km (departure from Eturinne and Summit)

Entisaikain Eloa - theme trail, 18 km, recreates life in Levi at the end of the 18th century (departure from the starting point of the Levi trails,)

Suurnoita Päiviö trail, 1.1 km (departure from Levi's Ympärystie)

Kätkätunturi trails, departure from Myllyjoentie (near the Levi Tourist Information Office)

Kätkätunturi summit trail, 9.1 km round trip / approx. 12 km circular route

Kätkä-Pyhätunturi trail, 22.7 km

Levi's summit trail, approx. 500 m, which can be reached by Gondoli lift and where the scenery can also be admired by those moving around in wheelchairs and strollers, for example (departure by Gondoli 2000 lift, Gondolitie)

BEST RETREATS IN LEVI AREA

Currently there are no retreats in Levi, Finland.

You can check all retreats organised in Finnish Lapland here:

11 BEST SITES TO BOOK YOUR TRIP TO LEVI

Accommodation

Booking - Best for hotels and glass igloos

Lomarengas - Best for cottages directly from owners

Activities

Getyourguide - best for guided tours, bucketlist activities and northern lights spotting

Transportation

VR - Finnish railway company for train from Helsinki to Lapland

Onnibus and Matkahuolto - Finnish Bus companies

Airport pickup

Discover cars for rental cars

Warm clothes and gear

Rent warm winter clothes during your stay in Levi

-This is a great option if you don't otherwise need proper winter clothes

Scandinavian Outdoor - Great online store for all the best outdoor clothes and gear, made for arctic conditions

Icaniwill for high-quality workout clothes (20% discount with code sinimalism20)

Manduka for lightweight, high quality travel yoga mat with 10-year warranty (15% discount with code sinimalism)

WRITTEN BY

Hey there, I'm the Author

I'm Sini, an enthusiast in slow traveling, yoga retreats, travel as self growth journey and rubbing dogs.

This is your go-to slow travel corner of the internet.

I'm here to share my best travel tips, digital nomad thoughts and photographs from the journeys.

I happen to be kind of a professional in this as well, as I have my Master's degree within Tourism Research and both my master's and bachelor's thesis are about yoga travel.

I want to share the best knowledge of hidden gem retreat and mindful destinations, as well as some deeper, honest thoughts what digital nomad lifestyle actually is.

You can read more about me here.

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