Having explored Levi and Ylläs recently, I've discovered that the best experiences aren't necessarily the ones you might expect. From Christmas magic to cultural encounters and outdoor adventures, here's what to see and do in Finnish Lapland, with practical tips to help you decide which experiences are right for your trip.
Sámi stories to fireside joik
Suggested age range: 8+
Want to learn about the local Finnish culture? Consider staying at Hotel Levi Panorama located near the summit of Levi Fell, boasting views of the nearby lakes and forests. Next door you’ll find Samiland. This exhibition explores the history, traditions and modern-day lives of the Sámi, the Indigenous people of northern Europe. It’s a great way to add a cultural experience to your Lapland holiday, with displays covering everything from Sámi heritage to the important role of reindeer herding.
Staying elsewhere in Levi? You can still visit. Challenge yourself to the 766 steps from the resort centre, or take the easier option and ride the gondola up the hillside. You can also drive or walk up, with the route up the fell being around 4km. Whichever way you arrive, the views are worth taking a moment to enjoy.
The hotel’s café, restaurant and cinema are also open to non-guests, making this a handy option if the weather takes a less favourable turn and you fancy a break from the snow. Warm up with a drink, enjoy a meal overlooking the fell or settle in for a film before heading back out.
Visiting in summer? Take the easy, but daring, option back down. The summer sled track allows you to descend at speeds of up to 50km/h. Sleds cater for 1 or 2 people - children under 8 are permitted only if they share with an adult or older teenager. A €10 ticket is available, which also includes one ascent in the gondola.
For a further taste of Sámi culture, make a dinner reservation at Saamen Kammi, the atmospheric turf-hut restaurant located at Hotel Levi Panorama’s sister property Hotel K5 Levi. Reindeer is a key part of the traditional Lappish menu, with dishes prepared around an open fire, so it may not be the best choice for vegetarians. Joik, a traditional form of Sámi singing, can also be arranged if booked in advance.
Stargazing and the Northern Lights from your bed
Suggested age range: 12+
Northern Lights spotting usually involves wrapping up in multiple layers and heading out into the darkness, but what if you could watch the sky from beneath a glass roof instead? In Lapland, some hotels make the night sky part of the room itself, letting you look for stars and the aurora without leaving your warm cosy bed.
For this kind of stay, look at the upgraded rooms at Hotel Levi Panorama or the glass igloos at Santa’s Hotel Aurora & Igloos in Sodankylä. The latter is in the middle of nowhere, between Rovaniemi and Levi. They’re ideal for anyone who likes the idea of watching the skies at their own pace, with no need to spend hours standing in the cold.
To avoid missing a possible aurora display, follow the instructions from your hotel regarding configuring The Northern Lights Alerts app available for Android and Apple. You can then settle in for the evening without feeling you need to keep checking outside in the cold. And if they don’t make an appearance, stargazing is a wonderful experience in its own right.
From using it myself I've found the app defaults to push notifications, rather than a loud alarm. However, if you'd like to be woken up in the middle of the night when the aurora borealis becomes visible you may wish to change that setting.
Want to improve your chances of seeing the aurora? Take a look at our Northern Lights viewing tips before you travel.
Gingerbread, elf lessons and a Santa visit
Suggested age range: 2 to 12 (plus parents)
For families with young children the Elves Village is a full day out, as the magic of Christmas is brought to life among the snowy trees near Levi. You may choose Elves Village as the hotel for your Lapland holiday, alternatively tickets for the experiences can be purchased separately.
Let an elf guide you along the woodland paths towards the Gingerbread House where you can try your hands at baking fresh gingerbread, as the room fills with the irresistible aroma of ginger and cloves. Then it's time for Elf School, where little visitors can discover the world of Santa’s helpers, before exploring the mysterious Seita Stone. The adventure continues at Santa’s House, where the little guests can finally meet the man himself.
There's a little planning involved: time with Santa is around five minutes, and your family will be given a fixed appointment slot. Book ahead and make sure you're there on time to enjoy every magical moment. Elves Village is 14km from the centre of Levi, but it’s easy to reach thanks to the complimentary shuttle bus operating on selected days and times.
The gift shop stocks a wide range of toys and Christmas decorations - so be sure to bring a big suitcase with spare space. Before you leave the elves will remind you that it’s never too cold for ice cream, as they tempt you with their range of homemade gelatos. Everything from chocolate and fruit flavours for the kids, to coffee chocolate and rum and raisin for the grown ups.
Take Finnish sauna culture to new heights
Suggested age range: 16+
A sauna inside a moving gondola might not be the first thing that springs to mind when planning a Lapland holiday, but that's exactly what makes the Sauna Gondola in Ylläs so unusual. It offers a chance to enjoy Finland's famous sauna tradition while travelling above the fell, combining relaxation with a spectacular mountain setting.
So, how does it work? The sauna gondola makes three trips, each lasting around 20 minutes, and can accommodate up to four people at a time. The complete experience lasts approximately 150 minutes, with access to the summit's landscape sauna, outdoor hot tub, showers and lounge included. Once you've finished, a snowcat takes you back down the fell.
It's certainly not a cheap experience, and to get the lowest price you need to book as a group of 12. It's therefore worth considering if you're travelling with a group of friends and fancy doing something genuinely different.
As the views are a big part of the appeal, good visibility is preferable. Check the weather before booking, and if you're visiting in the hope of seeing the Northern Lights, remember that clear skies improve your chances but don't guarantee a display.
Fun activities without the snow
Suggested age range: 2+
Direct flights to Kittilä and Rovaniemi tend to operate over the winter period when it’s cold and the atmosphere feels Christmassy. However, what if you choose to travel outside winter, or if it’s unseasonably warm? I travelled to Levi and Ylläs in September 2026, and despite the lack of snow there was no shortage of things to do.
Gondolas were in operation in both resorts, allowing you to reach mountain summits the easy way. The capsules on the Levi Gondola 2000 are fitted with bike racks. Many younger visitors were using them and then venturing around the designated trails at the summit, with 25km of tracks to explore.
A dog sledding tour is not possible without snow. However, you could instead go for a husky buggy ride, or just meet the huskies. I’ve heard some people with dog phobias choose to book that experience to help them get over their fears. The huskies are incredibly lively when they greet you, but they instantly go silent when they’re focused on a task. They love attention from people - I was petting one and had another tap me reminding me it was their turn!
If horses are more your thing, then riding a Finnhorse around the forest is also an option. A small breed is used for this experience, and you’ll follow a guide, so if you’re a beginner you don’t need to worry about them galloping off while you’re sitting on their back.
The absence of snow and ice opens up activities that aren’t available year-round. For instance, boat trips, canoeing and kayaking on the lakes. Young children are allowed in canoes with their parents, but extra little people on board will make it harder work for mums and dads to row.
The age ranges are suggestions only. Children certainly aren’t barred from seeing Santa because they’ve reached a certain birthday. While you can't be too young to appreciate the Northern Lights, little ones may not take too kindly to being woken up in the middle of the night to see them!
There's no single way to enjoy Finnish Lapland, and that's part of its appeal. Families might be drawn by the festive experiences, while couples and solo travellers may prefer the tranquillity of the Arctic landscape or the opportunity to discover its culture.
Whatever brings you to the region, don't assume you already know what to expect. There's more to discover than the postcards suggest.
Useful Finnish Lapland tips
Direct flights to Kittilä Airport from: Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Gatwick, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle.
Journey times from Kittilä Airport: Levi - 15 minutes, Ylläs - 30 minutes.
Polar nights 2026: 16 - 27 December (There is no sunrise on these dates)
Midnight sun 2027: 30 May - 14 July (There is no sunset on these dates)
Climate: During winter temperatures typically remain well below freezing point, while daytime highs may reach the high 20s in summer.
Food: Dishes are usually based on what’s available locally. Reindeer, freshwater fish and wildberries such as blueberries, lingonberries and cloudberries feature heavily.
Dietary requirements: Lactose free and pescatarian options are usually offered, gluten free and vegetarian may have to be requested. There’s very limited availability when it comes to vegan main courses.
About the author
Edd Myerscough has explored more than 15 destinations solo, from discovering top European cities to hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, and admiring the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. If you're after top tips on planning a seamless city break or an adventurous escape, Edd's got you covered with stories and practical advice to inspire your next journey.