Plan your Levi Northern Lights visit

Levi, Finland’s northernmost resort town, is one of Lapland’s best bases for Northern Lights adventures. Surrounded by vast snowfields, pine forests, and open skies, Levi blends Arctic wilderness with comfort, cozy cabins, fire-lit camps, and expert-led aurora chases. Visitors can choose from guided minibus tours, thrilling snowmobile rides, or relaxed evenings by a campfire, all designed to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora in comfort and style.

Travel logistics

Levi is accessible via Kittilä Airport, just 15 minutes away, with regular flights from Helsinki. Most Northern Lights tours include hotel pickup from Levi village, saving you the trouble of driving on icy roads. Self-drivers can rent a car at the airport, though local guides know the best aurora routes and handle changing weather safely. Roads may be snowy and visibility low in winter, so guided transport is recommended. Evening tours depart between 7–9pm and last 3–6 hours, depending on weather and tour type.

Plan your day

• Quick visit (2–3 hrs): Join a short Northern Lights chase departing from Levi village, perfect for a quick evening excursion. Enjoy warm transport, hot drinks, and aurora sightings from nearby open fields or frozen lakes.
• Half day (4–5 hrs): Opt for a small-group minibus chase or a snowmobile safari that takes you deeper into the Arctic wilderness. Pause for photos and warm up by a campfire with Finnish snacks and berry juice.
• Full day (6+ hrs): Spend the day skiing or relaxing in Levi’s spa, then embark on an extended Northern Lights chase with unlimited mileage and guaranteed sightings. Combine it with a wilderness BBQ or photography add-on for the most immersive Lapland night.

Handy tips

• Tickets: Book tours at least 2–4 weeks ahead in peak season (Nov–Mar); small-group and snowmobile safaris sell out quickly.
• Best times: Join tours after 8pm when skies are darkest. Visit between late August and early April for the best aurora activity.
• Rules: Dress in thermal layers; overalls, boots, and gloves are provided. Snowmobile drivers must hold a valid license.
• Pro tip: Plan your tour early in your stay; many operators offer a free rebooking policy if the lights don’t appear on your first night.
• Respect: Keep noise low during aurora viewing and avoid using flashlights—your eyes need time to adjust to the dark Arctic sky.

Know before you book Levi Northern Lights tours

• Guided vs. DIY: Levi’s open fells and low light pollution make it one of Lapland’s best aurora destinations, but clear skies still vary nightly. Guided chase tours use live cloud radar and local insight to find optimal viewing areas across the fells, something impossible to guarantee on your own. DIY viewing works only if you have your own vehicle and are confident driving icy rural roads after dark.
• Transfers & pickup: Almost all tours include pickup from Levi hotels, cabins, or central meeting points near Zero Point and major accommodations. For guests staying in remote glass igloos or chalets outside the main village, confirm pickup range in advance; some tours charge extra or require self-drive to the starting point.
• Tour duration: Shorter evening tours (3–4 hrs) stay close to Levi and are ideal for families or first-timers. Longer excursions (5–7 hrs) head to wilderness areas like Kätkätunturi or Lake Immeljärvi for better aurora visibility and include campfire breaks or barbecue dinners. 
• Group size & comfort: Small groups (max 8–10) mean faster movement between viewing spots and more personalized attention, especially helpful for photography or warmth breaks. Large bus groups are more budget-friendly but less flexible in chasing the lights or making unscheduled stops.
• Inclusions & extras: Thermal suits, snow boots, and hot drinks are usually included, but not all tours provide gloves or tripods. Premium options add professional photo packages or grilled sausages by the fire. Always verify inclusions if you don’t have your own winter gear.
• Seasonality & conditions: The best time to see Northern Lights in Levi is from mid-August to mid-April, but conditions shift, snowmobile safaris begin only once snowpack is thick enough (usually November–April). Early autumn and late spring bring darker skies but mild weather, perfect for photography and comfort.
• Accommodation proximity: If you’re staying at Levi’s glass igloos or panoramic hotels, you can book shorter guided tours since you’re already outside the main light zone. Travelers in the central resort area benefit more from guided transfers to darker fells or lakeside viewpoints.

Tips from locals

• Dress smarter, not bulkier: Layers work best in Levi’s shifting Arctic weather. Thermal base, fleece mid, and windproof shell beat one thick jacket.
• Skip dinner rushes: Locals eat early before heading out on aurora hunts. Book tables for 6–7pm; most restaurants close by 10pm in winter.
• Avoid frozen fingers: Bring touchscreen gloves, essential for snapping Northern Lights photos without removing your mittens.
• Ride the gondola by day: Levi Summit’s panorama deck is quieter at midday, offering snowy views and a great lunch spot before evening tours.
• Plan your aurora chase early: Weather can change fast. Locals book Northern Lights tours at the start of their trip to allow for rebooking if needed.
• Stay near the slopes: You’ll be closer to pickup points, restaurants, and short walks to dark-sky areas, Levi’s outskirts get pitch-black fast.
• Warm up like a local: Order hot berry juice (“mehu”) at cafés instead of coffee, it’s caffeine-free, cozy, and perfectly Finnish.
• Visit in March: Slightly longer daylight, fewer crowds, and higher chances of clear skies for both skiing and aurora viewing.