If you're looking for the best things to do in Levi, you've come to the right place.
We've now visited Levi several times, both as adults and with our children, and it's become one of our favourite places in Finnish Lapland. From watching the Northern Lights at Polarman's Camp and meeting Santa at Arcandia to racing mini snowmobiles, riding husky sleds and simply enjoying the snowy scenery, we've experienced many of Levi's most popular attractions first-hand.
Although Levi is best known as Finland's largest ski resort, there's so much more to do here than skiing. Whether you're travelling with young children, teenagers, as a couple or with friends, you'll find everything from bucket-list Arctic adventures to free activities and cosy places to relax after a day in the snow.
In this guide, I'll share what I genuinely think are the best things to do in Levi, including our favourite experiences, who they're best suited to and tips to help you plan your visit. I've also linked to our more detailed guides where we've written about each experience in more depth.
If you're wondering what to do in Levi, or planning your first trip to Finnish Lapland, here's everything I'd recommend.
From DIY itineraries and Northern Lights tips to budgeting advice, destination guides and honest reviews of the places we've visited, you'll find everything together in our Lapland Travel Guide Hub.
Just a quick note before we begin. Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products, services and experiences we've used ourselves or genuinely believe will help you plan your trip. Thanks for supporting Build a Break.
Levi is one of the most popular places to visit in Finnish Lapland, and after visiting several times, it's easy to see why.
Unlike Rovaniemi, which centres around Santa Claus Village, Levi feels more like a traditional mountain resort. In winter, the village comes alive with skiers, snowmobilers and families exploring the snowy streets, while cosy cafés, restaurants and log cabins give it a relaxed alpine atmosphere.
One of the things we love most about Levi is how easy it is to tailor your trip. If you're travelling with young children, there are plenty of magical Christmas experiences, gentle husky rides and activities designed especially for families.
If you're visiting as a couple or with friends, you'll find adrenaline-filled adventures like ice karting, snowmobiling and Northern Lights excursions alongside unique experiences such as ice floating and traditional Finnish saunas.
Whether you're staying for a weekend or planning a longer Lapland holiday, there's far more to do than simply skiing. Here are the Levi activities I'd recommend after our visits.
If I could recommend just one activity in Levi, it would be Arcandia.
We visited during our family's very first trip to Lapland with our three daughters, and it quickly became one of the highlights of the holiday. In fact, we loved it so much that we returned later the same day for the evening Darkness Experience, which had a completely different atmosphere.
During the day, we explored the magical Elf Court, where we met Santa and joined in activities including archery, hill sliding, knockerballs and mini snowmobiles. It felt immersive from the moment we arrived and, unlike some Santa experiences, there was so much more to do than simply meeting Father Christmas.
When we returned after dark, the park had completely transformed. Lit by torches and fire pits, the Darkness Experience felt almost like stepping into another world. The atmosphere was magical and completely different from our daytime visit, making it well worth experiencing both if your itinerary allows.
Whether you're travelling with young children, teenagers or even just as adults, I think Arcandia is one of the most unique attractions in Finnish Lapland and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Best for: Families, teenagers and anyone looking for a magical Lapland experience beyond a traditional Santa visit.
Read our full Arcandia guide
Planning your own DIY Lapland adventure? These guides will help you choose the right destination, save money and make the most of your trip.
5 Days in Levi for Under £500 per Person – See exactly how we planned an affordable DIY Lapland holiday, including flights, accommodation and activities.
Rovaniemi vs Levi – Not sure which destination is right for you? Here's how the two compare for families, couples, Santa experiences, activities and value for money.
Lapland on a Budget: Our Top 10 Money-Saving Tips – Practical ways to keep costs down without missing out on the magic of Lapland.
What to Wear in Lapland – Everything we pack for sub-zero temperatures, including the items we'd never travel without.
Guide to Seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland for Free – Our favourite free viewing spots, plus tips for giving yourself the best chance of seeing the aurora.
Book your Lapland experiences through GetYourGuide and use our exclusive discount code BUILDABREAK5 to save 5% on eligible bookings, including many of the activities featured in this guide.
If you're hoping to see the Northern Lights during your trip to Levi, Polarman's Camp is one of the most memorable experiences we've done in Lapland.
Unlike many Northern Lights tours where you're standing outside in the cold for hours, Polarman's Camp gives you the best of both worlds. Set deep in the forest away from light pollution, the camp has a heated aurora dome where you can warm up with hot berry juice while keeping an eye on the sky.
During the evening, we learnt all about the science and folklore behind the Northern Lights, toasted marshmallows around the fire, enjoyed a traditional Lappish barbecue and even explored a real snow igloo.
We were incredibly lucky because, right at the end of the evening, the Northern Lights finally appeared. After spending the night learning about the aurora, enjoying the barbecue and keeping our fingers crossed, it felt like the perfect ending to an already brilliant experience. Seeing them dancing above the snowy forest is something I'll never forget.
If seeing the aurora is at the top of your Lapland bucket list, I'd still recommend allowing several nights in Lapland to give yourself the best chance, as no tour can ever guarantee a sighting.
Best for: Families, couples and first-time visitors hoping to see the Northern Lights.
Husky sledding is one of the most popular activities in Levi, and if it's your first trip to Lapland, I'd definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary.
It's actually something we didn't do during our visit to Levi. At the time, one of my daughters was frightened of dogs and I didn't want her to feel scared or risk upsetting the huskies if she became anxious during the ride.
Since then, she's completely overcome her fear and we've now experienced husky sledding twice during trips to Rovaniemi. Both times it's been one of the highlights of our holiday.
Whether you choose a shorter family ride or a longer self-drive safari, you'll have the chance to travel through snow-covered forests behind a team of enthusiastic huskies before spending time meeting the dogs and learning about how they're cared for.
If you're travelling with younger children or you're unsure whether they'll enjoy a longer safari, I'd recommend starting with one of the shorter rides. They still give you the full experience but are much more suitable for first-time visitors.
Best for: Families, couples and anyone visiting Lapland for the first time.
For me, a reindeer sleigh ride is one of those classic Lapland experiences that you simply have to do at least once.
We've now done reindeer sleigh rides on several of our Lapland trips and, although they're much slower and more relaxing than a husky safari or snowmobile ride, that's exactly what makes them so special. Wrapped up under warm blankets as you glide quietly through the snowy forest, it's a chance to slow down and really take in the scenery.
Many of the experiences also include the opportunity to feed the reindeer, learn about Sámi culture and warm up afterwards with hot berry juice or a traditional snack around the fire. It's these little extras that often make the experience even more memorable.
If you're visiting Levi, we'd highly recommend Lappin Saaga. As well as reindeer sleigh rides, they also offer pony trekking, making it a great choice for families looking to experience more than one Arctic activity in the same place.
If you're travelling with younger children or grandparents, I'd say this is one of the most accessible activities in Levi. The rides are gentle, suitable for all ages and offer a completely different side of Lapland compared to some of the faster adventure activities.
Best for: Families, couples and first-time visitors looking for a traditional Lapland experience.
If you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, snowmobiling is one of the best things to do in Levi.
We've now been snowmobiling on several of our Lapland trips and it's an experience I'd recommend to almost everyone. Driving across frozen lakes and through snow-covered forests is something that's difficult to describe until you've experienced it for yourself.
There are plenty of different snowmobile tours available in Levi, from shorter daytime safaris to full-day adventures and evening excursions combining snowmobiling with the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
If you're travelling with children, don't worry if they're too young to drive. Younger children usually ride in a heated sled pulled behind the guide's snowmobile, while older children and teenagers can often enjoy mini snowmobiles on dedicated tracks designed especially for them.
Whether you choose a daytime safari or an evening adventure, make sure you wrap up warmly. Even with the thermal suits provided, the wind can make it feel much colder once you pick up speed. I'd also recommend packing disposable hand and foot warmers, as they've become an essential item on every Lapland trip we've taken.
Best for: Adventure lovers, older children, teenagers and adults.
One of the biggest highlights for our girls was getting to drive mini snowmobiles.
Designed especially for children, these smaller snowmobiles are ridden on a safe, enclosed track under supervision, giving younger visitors the chance to enjoy the excitement of snowmobiling without needing to head out into the forests.
It was lovely watching the girls' confidence grow with every lap, and by the end they were desperate to go round again. It's one of those activities that's just as much fun to watch as it is to take part in.
You'll find mini snowmobiles at several attractions across Lapland, including Arcandia and Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, making them easy to include in your day without booking a separate excursion.
If you're travelling with younger children, I'd definitely add this to your itinerary.
It doesn't take long, but it's one of those experiences they'll often talk about long after the holiday is over.
Best for: Young children and families.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to drive a go-kart on a frozen track, this is your chance.
Ice karting is one of the most unique activities we've tried in Lapland and was much harder than it looks. The icy surface means there's very little grip, so expect plenty of drifting, spinning and laughing as you try to stay on the circuit.
Unlike traditional karting, speed isn't everything. It quickly becomes more about finding the right balance and learning how to control the kart on the ice. Even if you've been go-karting before, this feels completely different.
For older children, teenagers and adults looking for something beyond the usual Lapland experiences, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go. It's a great alternative if you've already booked a husky safari or snowmobiling and want to try something a little different.
Best for: Teenagers, adults and anyone looking for a unique winter activity.
Although Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, you don't need to travel there to enjoy a magical Santa experience.
We've met Santa at the Elf Court at Arcandia, and it was unlike any other Santa experience we've done. Rather than simply queuing for a photograph, the experience begins by spending time with Santa's elves, taking part in outdoor activities before being invited to meet Santa himself.
When it was our turn, we decorated biscuits together, helped decorate the Christmas tree and spent time chatting with Santa in a relaxed setting. It felt much more personal than many Santa experiences we've done and gave the girls plenty of time to enjoy the magic rather than feeling rushed.
I also loved that the elves stayed in character throughout. From the moment we arrived, it genuinely felt as though we'd stepped into Santa's workshop, making the whole experience incredibly special.
For families with younger children, this would be one of my top recommendations in Levi.
➡️ Read our full Arcandia guide
Another popular option is The Elves Village where families meet Santa and visit his workshop just outside Levi.
One thing that does surprise many visitors is that finding a Santa with a naturally grown white beard is actually quite rare in Lapland. Most Santa experiences use professional costumes and very realistic beards, so I'd focus less on that and more on choosing an experience that feels genuinely magical from start to finish.
Seeing the excitement on children's faces when they meet Santa is something you'll never forget, regardless of whether you choose Arcandia or another experience.
Best for: Families with young children and anyone visiting Lapland for the first time.
Levi is Finland's largest ski resort, so it's no surprise that skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular things to do here during the winter months.
The resort has 43 slopes catering for everyone from complete beginners to experienced skiers, along with 27 lifts and an extensive network of cross-country ski trails. There are English-speaking ski schools, equipment hire shops and dedicated beginner areas, making it a great place to learn if you've never skied before.
Even if skiing isn't the main reason for your trip, it's worth taking a ride on one of the gondolas to enjoy the incredible views across the snow-covered fells.
For those travelling with children, there are beginner slopes and family-friendly areas where younger skiers can build their confidence before progressing onto the larger runs.
Best for: Skiers, snowboarders and anyone wanting to experience Finland's largest ski resort.
Even if you have no plans to ski, it's still worth heading to the top of Levi Fell during your visit.
The easiest way is by taking the gondola, which gives you fantastic views over Levi village and the surrounding snow-covered forests. Once at the top, you'll find walking trails, viewing points and one of the area's most recognisable landmarks, Santa's Cabin.
Despite the name, Santa's Cabin isn't somewhere you meet Father Christmas. It was built as a filming location for the Finnish Christmas film Christmas Story and has since become a popular photo spot thanks to its beautiful setting overlooking the fells.
On a clear day, the views from the top are incredible and it's a great place to slow the pace after some of Lapland's more adrenaline-filled activities. If you're lucky, you may even spot reindeer wandering across the snowy landscape.
Whether you take the gondola or ski to the summit, it's well worth setting aside a couple of hours to explore the area.
Best for: Sightseeing, photographers and anyone wanting to enjoy some of Levi's best views.
After taking the gondola to the top of Levi Fell, don't rush straight back down. Hidden amongst the snowy landscape is one of Levi's best-kept secrets, a cosy little café that's become a favourite stop for walkers and skiers.
Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited, so we didn't get the chance to try it ourselves. If it's on your list, I'd recommend checking the opening times online before making the walk, as they're more limited than many of the cafés in Levi village.
It's also worth knowing that the café is very small and incredibly popular. During busy periods, it often operates on a one in, one out basis, so don't be surprised if there's a queue outside. Most visitors agree the views and atmosphere make the wait worthwhile.
Even if you don't stop for a drink, the walk itself is worth doing for the panoramic views across the surrounding fells.
Best for: Walkers, photographers and anyone looking to discover one of Levi's hidden gems.
After a day of snowmobiling, sledding or exploring the fells, there's nothing better than warming up at Levi Spa Water World.
With indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, saunas and water slides, it's a great place to escape the cold for a few hours. Whether you're travelling as a family or simply want to relax after an active day, it's somewhere I'd recommend adding to your itinerary.
Children will love the waterslides and play areas, while adults can unwind in the outdoor hot tubs surrounded by snow. There's something quite special about sitting in warm water while snow falls around you.
It's also a good option if the weather isn't on your side or you're looking for a quieter afternoon between excursions.
Best for: Families, couples and anyone looking to relax after a day in the snow.
Also located within the Levi Spa Hotel, Ailu Family is a brilliant option if you're travelling with younger children.
The indoor play area covers around 300 square metres and includes a bouncy castle, ball pool, climbing frames and plenty of toys to keep little ones entertained. It's the perfect place for children to burn off some energy after a morning in the snow, while parents can enjoy a well-earned break.
Entry costs €6 for non-hotel guests, making it one of the more affordable family activities in Levi. It's also a great backup if the weather is particularly cold or you're looking for something to do between your outdoor adventures.
Although you probably won't travel to Lapland just for a soft play centre, it's one of those handy places that's good to know about if you're visiting Levi with younger children.
Best for: Families with toddlers and younger children.
For another indoor activity, head to Bowl Circus Levi, a modern entertainment centre located in the heart of the village.
The venue features eight cosmic bowling lanes, a full-service Strike Bar and a 9-foot competition pool table, making it a fun option for families, groups of friends or anyone looking for a break from the cold.
Bowling costs from €36 per lane, per hour, so it's a reasonably affordable activity if you're travelling as a family or sharing a lane with friends.
Whether you're looking for something to do on a snowy evening or simply want a couple of hours indoors after a busy day exploring Levi, it's a great option to have in your back pocket.
Best for: Families, groups and rainy or extra-cold days.
Although reindeer and huskies usually steal the spotlight, horse riding is another fantastic way to experience Levi's beautiful winter scenery.
One place we'd highly recommend is Lappin Saaga, which offers both horse riding and pony trekking through the snowy forests. It's a lovely alternative if you're looking for something a little quieter than snowmobiling or husky safaris, and the shorter pony rides are ideal for younger children.
Even if horse riding isn't usually your thing, there's something quite special about exploring the snow-covered landscape at a slower pace. It gives you the chance to appreciate the peaceful surroundings and enjoy a completely different side of Lapland.
Whether you're travelling as a family or simply looking for another unique Arctic experience, this is well worth considering.
Best for: Families, animal lovers and anyone wanting a slower-paced outdoor adventure.
Looking for something completely different? Aurora ice floating is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Levi.
Wrapped in a specially designed waterproof survival suit, you'll float on the surface of a frozen lake while looking up at the night sky. It sounds a little daunting at first, but the suits keep you completely warm and buoyant, allowing you to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
It's also one of the most relaxing ways to hunt for the Northern Lights. With no distractions and very little light pollution, all you have to do is lie back and watch the stars. Of course, as with any aurora activity, there's never a guarantee the Northern Lights will appear, but the experience itself is well worth it.
If you're deciding between a traditional Northern Lights tour and ice floating, I'd choose the one that appeals to you most. Both offer something completely different and can become a real highlight of a Lapland trip.
Best for: Couples, adults and anyone looking for a unique Arctic experience.
If you have a car or don't mind booking an excursion, Lainio SnowVillage is one of the best day trips from Levi.
Located around 45 minutes from the resort, SnowVillage is rebuilt entirely from snow and ice every winter. Each year has a different theme, so no two visits are ever the same, with beautifully carved bedrooms, an ice bar, an ice chapel and incredible sculptures throughout the attraction.
Although we've stayed overnight at the Arctic SnowHotel in Rovaniemi, I'd still recommend visiting SnowVillage if you're based in Levi. The annual themes make it a completely different experience, and the level of detail in the carvings is genuinely impressive.
Many tours from Levi combine a visit to SnowVillage with other activities, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you don't have your own transport.
Whether you're visiting as a family, a couple or with friends, it's one of those places that really shows off the incredible creativity that goes into Lapland's snow and ice attractions.
Best for: Families, photographers and anyone looking for an unforgettable day trip from Levi.
If you're travelling with older children or teenagers, don't miss the outdoor laser tag at Arcandia.
Unlike traditional indoor laser tag arenas, this takes place outside amongst the snowy forest after dark, making it feel much more immersive and adding to the excitement.
It was one of our daughters' favourite activities of the trip and a brilliant way to end the day. Even as adults, we found ourselves getting completely caught up in the competition!
What I liked most was that it offered something a little different from the more traditional Lapland activities.
While huskies, reindeer and Santa experiences are all part of the magic, laser tag is a fun way to mix things up, especially if you're travelling with teenagers.
Best for: Older children, teenagers and competitive families.
One of the biggest reasons people visit Levi is for the chance to see the Northern Lights, and with very little light pollution, it's one of the best places in Finland to experience them.
Although no one can ever guarantee a sighting, spending at least three or four nights in Lapland will give you a much better chance than a quick overnight trip. We were lucky enough to see the aurora during our visit to Polarman's Camp, and it's one of those moments I'll never forget.
You don't always need to book an organised excursion either. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can often be seen from frozen lakes, quieter areas around Levi or even from your accommodation if you're staying away from the village centre.
We've put together a complete guide to seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland for free, including the best places to look, how to use aurora forecast apps and our favourite tips for giving yourself the best chance of seeing them without paying for an organised tour.
Best for: Everyone visiting Lapland.
If you'd rather explore Lapland at a slower pace, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to experience Levi's beautiful winter landscapes.
Unlike snowmobiling or skiing, snowshoeing doesn't require any previous experience. The wide snowshoes spread your weight across the snow, making it easy to walk through deep powder that would otherwise be impossible to cross on foot.
Many guided tours take you through snow-covered forests and across frozen landscapes that you wouldn't normally reach, with some even combining the walk with a campfire, hot drinks or a chance to spot the Northern Lights after dark.
It's a peaceful way to experience Lapland and gives you time to appreciate just how quiet and untouched the Arctic wilderness can feel.
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers and anyone looking for a slower-paced outdoor adventure.
If you'd like to learn more about the people and traditions of Lapland, I'd recommend spending some time at Samiland.
Located at the top of Levi Fell, this fascinating exhibition explores the history, culture and way of life of the Sámi, the Indigenous people of northern Finland, Sweden, Norway and parts of Russia.
Inside you'll find exhibitions covering traditional clothing, reindeer herding, handicrafts and daily life, helping you understand the rich heritage that has shaped the region for centuries. Outside, there are also reconstructed Sámi buildings and displays that bring the stories to life.
It's a great addition to your visit after taking the gondola to the top of Levi Fell and offers something a little different from the adventure activities that Levi is best known for.
Best for: History lovers, families and anyone wanting to learn more about Lapland's culture.
One of the more unusual ways to explore Levi is by fat bike.
Designed with oversized tyres, fat bikes are built to handle snow-covered trails that would be impossible on a standard bicycle. They're surprisingly easy to ride and a great way to see more of the surrounding forests while enjoying a bit of adventure at the same time.
Whether you choose a guided tour or hire a bike and explore independently, it's a fun alternative to skiing and snowmobiling. Many routes follow scenic forest trails, giving you the chance to enjoy Levi's beautiful winter landscapes from a completely different perspective.
If you're reasonably active and looking to try something new, fat biking is well worth considering.
Best for: Teenagers, adults and adventurous families.
You don't have to head for the downhill slopes to enjoy skiing in Levi. In fact, cross-country skiing is one of the area's most popular winter activities.
With around 230 kilometres of maintained trails, Levi has routes suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced skiers. Many trails pass through peaceful forests and across frozen lakes, offering a completely different way to experience the Arctic landscape.
If you've never tried cross-country skiing before, there are several places in Levi where you can hire equipment or book beginner lessons. Although it can look easier than downhill skiing, don't be surprised if you discover it's a surprisingly good workout!
Even if you're not an experienced skier, it's a wonderful way to slow the pace and enjoy some of the quieter parts of Levi away from the busier attractions.
Best for: Active travellers, nature lovers and anyone looking to experience a traditional Scandinavian winter activity.
With so many incredible excursions on offer, it can be tempting to fill every hour of your itinerary. But I'd recommend leaving a little time to simply wander around Levi village.
The compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with souvenir shops, cosy cafés, restaurants and small boutiques selling everything from traditional Finnish gifts to outdoor clothing.
During the winter months, you'll often find festive lights, crackling fire pits and a wonderful atmosphere, especially in the evenings when the village comes alive after a day on the slopes.
One of my favourite things about Levi is that it never feels overwhelmingly busy. Even after ticking off some of the bigger attractions, it's a lovely place to slow down with a hot chocolate, browse the shops or simply enjoy the snowy surroundings before heading back to your accommodation.
Sometimes, the best memories aren't the ones you've booked months in advance – they're the unexpected moments you discover just by wandering around.
Best for: Everyone visiting Levi.
Before you leave Levi, make sure you spend a little time around Zero Point, where you'll find a collection of traditional wooden huts selling everything from hot drinks and sweet treats to local souvenirs.
One of the most popular stops is the coffee hut run by the famous "Coffee Man", whose warm personality has made him something of a local celebrity and even earned him appearances on UK television. It's the perfect place to warm up with a freshly brewed coffee while soaking up the atmosphere.
Around the huts you'll often find other small stalls selling local produce, snacks and handmade gifts, making it a lovely place to wander before or after a day on the slopes.
Don't forget to look out for the live webcam nearby too. It's become a bit of a tradition for visitors to stop and wave to friends and family watching from home, and of course we couldn't resist doing exactly that ourselves.
Sometimes it's these simple moments, warming your hands around a cup of coffee, browsing the little stalls and taking in the atmosphere, that become some of the best memories of a trip to Levi.
Best for: Anyone looking to soak up Levi's atmosphere before heading home.
Without a doubt.
Levi was where we took our girls on our very first trip to Lapland, and it couldn't have been a more magical introduction. Since then, we've returned several times to experience different activities, seasons and attractions, and every visit has given us another reason to recommend it.
Whether you're travelling with young children hoping to meet Santa, teenagers looking for adventure, or as a couple chasing the Northern Lights, Levi has something for everyone. You can spend your days snowmobiling across frozen lakes, relaxing in outdoor hot tubs, exploring snow villages, skiing, meeting reindeer or simply wandering through the cosy village with a hot chocolate in hand.
What I love most about Levi is the variety. You can fill every day with unforgettable excursions or slow the pace down and enjoy the snowy scenery, cafés and welcoming atmosphere. It's one of those destinations that manages to feel exciting without ever feeling overwhelming.
If you're planning your first trip to Lapland, Levi is somewhere I'd happily recommend. Hopefully this guide has given you plenty of ideas to help you build your own itinerary and make the most of your time there.
Don't forget to explore our other Lapland guides, where you'll find detailed itineraries, budgeting advice, packing tips and honest reviews based on our own trips to help you plan your adventure.
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