Best Summer Experiences in Levi

Light, Air, and Finnish Lapland at Its Best

Forget the skis – Levi is just as magical in summer. Think: midnight sun, forest scents, floating saunas, open-fire cooking, and fells stretching beyond the horizon. Here’s what to do when the light never fades.

TEXT: Marco Barneveld

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ruben Drenth

Magazine › Levi Finnish Lapland Special

WHAT TO DO:

Outdoor Fire-cooking Workshop
You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to prepare your own reindeer stew. In this forest workshop, you’ll learn to cook the way the Sámi have done for generations: over open fire, using wild herbs, freshly caught fish or local meat. In the woods of Lompolo, Heli from Soma Adventures introduces you to loimulohi – salmon on a wooden plank, slow-cooked over glowing embers. You taste everything, and the vibe is informal. Expect smoke in your clothes, a full belly, and a story to take home. And that’s just one of the many awesome things Heli offers.

Nightless-Night Hike to Kätkätunturi
Sleep is optional. Under a sun that never sets, you hike up the fell in the evening as if it were midday. The trail to the 503 m-high summit of Kätkätunturi is challenging but accessible – with a phenomenal view as your reward. On clear days, you’ll see dozens of peaks surrounding you. And if you’re lucky, there’s a fire at the top to warm up next to. No headlamp required – just good shoes and a sense of adventure.



Get hooked on fishing in one of the many lakes and rivers of Levi

Guided fishing trip
A Finnish fishing trip isn’t about a loud boat with six coolers. This is slow travel with a rod. Guide Janne from Adventure Marmot takes you to a lake or river so clear you can count the stones on the bottom. He’ll teach you how to cast like a pro (or at least without tripping over your feet). With a bit of luck, you’ll catch trout, grayling or a feisty pike. No experience needed – just a calm mind and a bit of patience.

Sauna Ferry Cruise on the Lake
Picture a traditional Finnish sauna, but floating. That’s exactly what you get with this Kinos Safaris cruise. As you drift across the lake, you stoke the fire, dive off the deck, and flip pancakes on the outdoor grill. You’re literally floating between steam and silence. And if you’re lucky, a moose or reindeer might appear on the shore. One of the most relaxing ways to experience Finnish life.

Riverbank Sauna & Jacuzzi – Elves Village
Looking for a spa without the spa music and branded slippers? On the banks of the Ounasjoki river stands a 100-year-old log sauna, complete with an open-air jacuzzi. You’ll stoke the fire yourself, sink into the warm tub, then dive straight into the river. Cold? Oh yes. Invigorating? Absolutely. Finnish wellness at its finest – the perfect way to end your day, tingling and refreshed.
More info: Elves Village – Sauna & Wellness

Canoe Trip on the Ounasjoki
The Ounasjoki isn’t a wild river with rapids. It’s calm and steady – perfect for paddling along sandbanks and bird-filled forests. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot reindeer sipping at the shore or an osprey circling overhead. Halfway through, you’ll stop on a small island for fire-brewed coffee. The guides at Kinos Safaris keep the pace relaxed, even if you’ve never held a paddle before. Perfect for anyone looking to slow down.


Get cultured in Levi, from theatre to modern art, to Sami indigenous culture

Levi Bike Park & Gondola 2000
In winter, this gondola is for skiers. In summer, it brings you and your bike to the top of the Levi fell. That’s where the fun begins: 18 downhill trails in all levels of difficulty, from smooth and flowing to full-on rocky drops. Not into adrenaline? Try the Ice Age Trail, a peaceful, educational path back down. And yes, the views are spectacular in every season.
More info: Levi Scenic Lifts & Bike Park

Särestöniemi Museum
In an old farmhouse by a river in Kaukonen, you’ll find the home and studio of Reidar Särestöniemi – Lapland’s most famous painter. His work is bold, colourful, and often a bit mystical – just like the landscapes he painted. The wooden buildings are beautifully preserved, and it feels as if Reidar might pick up his brushes again at any moment. A great counterbalance to all that outdoor activity.
More info: Särestöniemi Museum

Silence Festival
What do you get when you mix modern music, circus, dance and performance art in a remote Finnish village? The Silence Festival. Every June, Kaukonen transforms into a stage for international artists who love to experiment. You might find yourself sitting on hay bales in a barn or under the open sky. It’s always intimate, surprising – and yes, occasionally silent.

Sámi Land and the joiks of Ante Aikio
Step inside Sámi Land and into the living heart of Lapland’s Indigenous culture. Ante Aikio is a master joik singer – his voice carrying stories older than the forests and fells. Between exhibits on Sámi history and reindeer herding, he shares the music, myths, and traditions that keep his heritage alive.
More info: samiland.fi/en

Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm
In summer, Ounaskievari comes alive with the soft clink of reindeer bells and the scent of fresh birch. Johanna Hietanen Ounaskievari invites you to meet her herd in the lush green pastures and learn the reindeer herder stories behind their migration. Under the midnight sun, you’ll share coffee and pastries outdoors, surrounded by the quiet magic of Lapland’s reindeer country.
More info: ounaskievari.fi/en • Instagram: @ounaskievari

WHERE TO EAT:

Gondola
After a morning of biking or hiking, Gondola is your go-to for a hearty lunch or salad buffet. The terrace overlooks the World Cup slope, the sun is high, and it’s very tempting to just stay until dinner.
More info: Gondola Restaurant

Grill It!
From juicy steaks to smoked salmon and reindeer fillet cooked over charcoal – Grill It! is all about fire and flavour. And they’ve nailed it. Highly recommended if you’re into great meat or fish.
More info: Grill It!

Restaurant Ämmilä
Reindeer stew with puikula potatoes, berry compote, and a cosy wooden interior. This isn’t a hip bistro, but honest Lappish cooking just like grandma made it.
More info: Restaurant Ämmilä

Foraging adventure
You don’t need to be a botanist to recognise wild herbs. During this walk, a local guide shows you which plants are edible, which are good for your skin, and which ones to avoid. Think: fireweed, pine buds, wild mint. You’ll make your own tea or balm and learn more about traditional Lapland remedies. Detail, taste and a touch of magic – that’s northern foraging. Afterwards, you’ll sit down to eat something delicious prepared by Heli.
More info: Soma Adventures

Midsummer nights in Levi, Finnish Lapland

WHERE TO STAY:

Hotel Hullu Poro (Crazy Reindeer)
With 158 rooms, several saunas, and a handful of restaurants, this is a Levi classic. Comfortable, friendly, and the perfect base for your summer stay.
More info: Hullu Poro

Aurora Pyramids – Elves Village
Spend the night in a glass pyramid with an unobstructed view of the sky. In summer: endless sun. In winter: northern lights. And in between? Just peace and quiet.
More info: Aurora Pyramids

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marco Barneveld's travel stories have been published in magazines such as National Geographic Traveler, Lonely Planet, Sidetracked (UK), Newsweek (US), and Explore (Canada) since 2004. ‘I like to inspire people to enjoy our gorgeous planet,’ Marco says. ‘Our goal is to motivate and create wanderlust.’ He has a background in advertising and global PR and has served as editor-in-chief for Wintersport Magazine, B-magazine, and MAN. Marco is also the founder of WideOyster.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Ruben Drenth is a photographer known for his striking visual storytelling and unique perspectives, specialising in travel, outdoor and leisure. Ruben’s work has been published in WideOyster, National Geographic Traveler, Op Pad and Volkskrant Magazine, among others. Ruben’s favourite type of trip? ‘The ones where you tell yourself ‘why?!’ at least a dozen times (per day). Because when cycling and camping in a tent for two weeks during rain, sub-zero temperatures, and merciless headwinds, it make...

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