Levi

Levi, Finland

Set in Finnish Lapland within the arctic circle, Levi has its highest elevation at 258 metres. It has 230 kilometres of prepared cross country ski trails in both classic and skating technique, including 28K of floodlit trails with some dedicated dog walking loops.

Getting to Levi by Air


You can fly direct to Kittilä at certain times of the year with  British Airways, Finnair and Lufthansa. At other times you can get a connecting flight via Helsinki.


The tourist office has excellent information on flights from Europe and transfers to resorts, including car hire, rail and bus connections.


You can also chose Rovaniemi Airport but it is a much longer transfer when you arrive.

Transfer from Kitillä Airport by Bus



The distance is around 40K and takes about 30 minutes.

Bus Connections to Levi



There are regular bus connections from the airport to surrounding areas which coincide with flight timings. Here is a detailed schedule of flight arrivals and flight departures


Here is the link to the Tunturilinjat transport website which covers connections to Levi and surrounding areas:

 

  • www.vr.fi
  • www.finnair.fi
  • www.norwegian.com
  • www.blue1.fi

 

Public bus connections are available from Kittilä – Levi – Kittilä and Levi – Rovaniemi – Levi. Tickets are purchased from the driver and here are details of the bus timetable .

Transfer by Train to Kolari or Rovaniemi train station and Bus to Levi


Trains will get you to Kolari 80K or Rovaniemi 170K from Levi and a bus to Levi departs from Kolari after the train has arrived. There are also buses from Rovaniemi to Levi (check the connections).


You you can take your car on the train too, and drive the final stretch from Kolari or Rovaniemi to Levi.


Schedules and price information :


Email  Levi Travel , tel +358 16 639 3380

Schedules of Rovaniemi–Levi buses 

Taxis

There is only 1 taxi company serving Levi/Kittilä and the phone numbers are +358 200 99800 and +358 200 99200. Levintakski also have a website.   They will pick up from Kittilä or Rovaniemi airports and Kolari and Rovaniemi train station - call +358 200 99200 or +358 200 99800.


The offices are located in the center of Kittilä and in the center of Levi in front of the Levihotelli.


Ski bus information/timetable



By making use of the ski buses in the area you can open up more route options and the link will give you information on routes, timetables and pricing amongst other things. If you have the electronic ski service this information is all included. If not then its a case of getting the map out and comparing the stops to a suitable route. Ski busses leave from Zero Point every half an hour.


R1 operates from Zero Point via Koillisrinne (Northeast piste, Lift 6) and Hossa to Sirkka school and further to road Muoniontie, turning onto road Myllyjoentie and continuing past Levin Portti back to Zero Point.


R2 operates south from Zero Point on the main road, towards Etelärinteet (South Point) where it turns back towards downtown using road Länsirinteentie, calling at the Gondoli area and returns to Zero Point. Ski Bus operates to Sammuntupa only at 9:10am and 7:10pm.

Cross country ski map
Levi cross country ski map

Cross country ski map from the bottom of Pyhätunturi to Aekenuspirtti

Levi extended cross country ski map
Levi Online Trail and Track Service

Apart from buying a paper map, you can plan your daily trips from your tablet or smart phone using the interactive map. By using the zoom function you can study the map in-depth, explore the terrain and the 3D Map gives an elevation view.


This service also shows you maintained ski tracks with different colours, the locations of cafe’s, wind shelters and huts along the ski tracks. You can measure track lengths and store your map views. You will see your own location, depending on your device’s GPS capabilities and your direction of movement is indicated by an arrow positioned in the centre of display. Cross-country skiing tracks of Ylläs area are shown with grey colour.


If you are planning a two centre holiday this is the Ylläs ski track app .

If you have already purchased the Levi Online Trail and Track service you can log in from www.infogis.fi/levi .

And it you haven't, you will still see information on track layout which is useful.

Cross Country Ski Tracks and Routes

If you want a paper map you can buy one from Zero Point, the main downhill piste in the town and there are good map boards along the trails. These are identified on the map with a number in a yellow box like 118which helps to identify where you are and are placed at crossings.


Tracks are very well signposted and there are many places to stop to refuel over an open fire with a pancakes and berry juice or hot salmon soup in larger cafes. Grooming is carried out at regular intervals and you can check the maintenance status via the app.


There are two starting points for cross country ski trails in Levi:

A for routes leading east   and    B for those leading west around the fells.


There are several circular routes already identified on the map with different colour diamonds.

South Point is the downhill ski area the other side of the Levi fell where there is a main bus stop, and toilets.

Levi Cross Country Ski Routes
  • South point to Lapinkylä – 11K - blue suitable for beginners and flat for novice skaters

    Catch the bus from Zero point to South point and from here cross the road towards the left side to the xc tracks. You will notice a little wooden teepee called Loimulohi just as you join the løipe which is also on the map.  This is a great place to come back to.


    Proceed on the track for 1K  to your left to crossing 119. Here you can take the right hand fork 4K if you don’t mind a few hills, or the left hand fork 2.7K to stay on the flat. When you reach crossing 124 take the 1.5K track to Lapinnkylä at 125.


    Here you will find the Reindeer enclosure where you can pre-book an organised trip. You can get refreshments in Lapinkylä, but if there is a big pre-booked party it might only be sandwiches/hot drink.


    Return from 125 via the 1.7K track (sometimes difficult to find) to crossing 123 (or do this on the way there depending on your energy levels) and then retrace your route back through 124 to South Point. If you have only had a snack before, visit Loimulohi which I nicknamed the Salmon Hut without actually realising that Loimulohi means blazed salmon. Here you will find deliciously cooked fresh salmon over a wood fire and you can eat little or large. A freshly cooked hot salmon bap is about €5 and one of the best en-track eats you will find with a lovely chap there who is very hospitable.  From here you can either catch the bus back, or carry on skiing along the the blue trail for 5.3K which will bring you back to Levi town. There is a little red at the end of this, so if you aren’t very confident, just take care.

  • Start A to Kätkänlaavu – 18.8K - blue

    As you start from A on this track you ski to the right. Soon after you will need to take the left hand turning which takes you across the lake where you can often see ice fishing. It can be quite a 2.5K slog into wind as it is very exposed.  Once across keep bearing right on the trail at 131 where you will have a gentle climb and easy downhill and in about 4.3K,  arrive at 137 and a shelter. Here you will find one of the best pancakes around with jam and cream and berry juice from the  small Kätkänlaavu hut. There are also toilets and a welcome fire with rugs and fleeces to keep warm. See photos at the top of this page.


    From here you can either return the way you came or continue to the left for another 5.4K to a hut stop at Kätkajarvi  136. before returning northward for 3.7K on a dog walking trail to join back up at the lake. This makes a round of 18.8K altogether.

  • Start A to Kätkänlaavu – 14.8K - red and black

    From the start A, ski on the track to the right and when you get to the junction with a map board, continue straight ahead on the Kätkän Kierros Fell Circle. This is the grey diamond on the map. The track climbs steadily for a kilometre and the rest of the route is more of a continual steeper climb for another 2K until you reach the top. The view from here is fabulous on a sunny day when there has been some previous snowfall.  You can see the view on the home page photo. From here  you are rewarded with a long sweeping downhill for several kilometres which can pick up quite a speed, so be warned!


    If you choose to have a break, at crossing 140 you should continue down to Merkkinen for a warm fire, refreshments and toilet, but it will be a gentle blue back up to junction 140 again where you need to ascend the black route. This cut off between the 2 fells is a good 2K very steep herringbone ascent, but it has several plateaus for lovely views along the way where you can catch your breath. You then have a gentle descent back to Kätkänlaavu where you can have more refreshments. Or you can go straight there and miss out Merkkinen.


    The return route is back from Kätkänlaavu along the blue passed 134  and across the lake, unless you are feeling more adventurous in which case you can do the return at the end of the previous route and follow on down to Kätkajärvi and forn the dog walking trail to 132..

  • Start A around both Kätkä and Pyhä Fells - 25K

    For those with more stamina you can continue from Crossing 140, passed the Merkkinen hut and join the red route at junction 145 to do a complete circuit of the two fells. This will be following  the green diamond route.


    There is an optional 4.4K black track on part of the return journey here, but I have not known it to be open whenever I have been that way. 

  • Start A to Aakenuspirtti - 20K

    If you want to venture much further there is an option to stay overnight in a hut like Aakenuspirtti. From 138 continue on to 152.


    There is an unsupervised hut here called Hirvikämppä that has a log store adjacent, and a platform inside enough to sleep 2 if you want shelter or to break your journey.


    Then its onward to 159

    The other grey tracks  extend down to Ylläs.

  • Start B around the red routes

    If you prefer to keep close to home then the red routes near to the centre of town are a good playground to get your ski legs working, Whilst the distances aren’t great, they are fairly undulating with some longish ups and downs. Good practice for your skate legs too! Some of the track is lit for a quick tour if you arrive late in the day and want to get an hour in, but note that they are also mostly one way, so you might be committed once you start off to do the whole circuit.

  • Start B - Luvattumaa (Ice Hotel) - Marja-Leena - Tonttula - Levi

    From the start at B, follow the red route signs passed 95 and 92 until you reach crossing 93. Here there is a very short black downhill which joins the trqck up to  the blue ones beyond and it has to be taken. The descent is fairly narrow with lots of lovely twists and turns, but  is not particularly technical just great fun! However,  bear in mind that you will need to come back up it on the return which is actually much steeper so save a bit of energy!  When you get to crossing 91 at Levijarvi, take the right hand turning. This will take you over the lake and is a little tedious especially in a headwind.


    However, you are rewarded at Luvattumaa where there is a nice cafe with deck chairs outside if the sun is shining.  This is also the location of the ice hotel and its well worth a visit to see the fantastic ice sculptures.


    After a warming coffee, continue on to Marja-Leena, but as this is only 1.5K from your last stop perhaps you will leave this hut for today, or chose it instead. If this is far enough for you you can take the blue back to 91 and onward.


    Otherwise continue straight for the next 3.5K turning at point 83 for your return journey and in less than 1K you will reach Restaurant Tonttula. This makes for a lovely lunchtime, stop and when we were there, there was a selection of food and a buffet.   The salmon soup and bread  was excellent and on a  help yourself basic  cost about €10.


    The track then continues on past junction 89, 91 and back to 93 – and oh yes - the rather steep uphill. This is quite a long day, so you don’t be grateful for this hill right now, but you'll feel a sense of achievement at the top.

  • Bus to Levijarvi

    An option to get up to the higher reaches of these tracks to the north is to catch the bus. I think it might be the ski bus, and it goes from across the road from the Crazy Reindeer Hotel if you want westwards and stay on the right hand side of the road. Tell the driver you want to get off at the cross country skiing dog walking track and there is a little walk down from the road. you will see this  on the map just above point 91 just to the left of where the dog is on the map. From here take the left hand track at point 91. It gently winds through some pretty scenery and you can go towards Marja-Leena for your break. This could be via any of the track going north and then over to Rautuskyla to the east at 86 and back to Marja-Leena, or just straight back down. Deliciously cooked pancakes and a warm hut – what more could you want!

  • Point B to Sammun Tupa with optional trip over the Fell via Lomakuru

    Take the start at Point B along the red route to junction 99. Here it looks like there is no track to join up but there is one that goes past Restaurant Draivi where you can have an early coffee or pitstop. Continue another half a kilometre and you will see a turning to the right going straight uphill. This is the black route, up and over the fell. It is a 2K climb which is very steep but may take you into Narnia if the snow is good, which is a sight to be seen.


    Once you reach the top you might be greeted by some downhillers looking incredulous that you have appeared out of the depth not using a ski lift. There is a small toilet here if you need one, and i'd recommend it if you're not confident on a black track!. Also should you prefer to take the red route down you can do this back to South point, and continue skiing along the blue back to the start.


    If you continue on the black be aware that it is pretty steep in places and quite narrow and windy. Well worth it, even if you have to take your skis off part way.


    Once down, continue on to Sammun Tupa.  Here you will find a reindeer farm and warm cafe, although the food is limited. The route back from here takes the blue tracks past junction 123 and then up towards south point, where you can either continue skiing back along the blue/ red route, or catch the bus at South Point.


    If you opt not to do the black route, simply take the blue track at junction 103. This has some nice wide open spance, and a lovely undulating red at the end and you can meet anyone coming over the black at Sammun Tupa.

Cafés/Restaurants on Cross Country Routes and in Levi Town
You can see where these cafés are on the map and trail descriptions, but these links will give you a better idea of the facilities. The Tourist Office has a list of when they're closed, and this is also on the Electronic Map Service.
Cafe Soma

A lovely place for an after ski cake! They also serve lunches and all in a very nice setting in the middle of town near the supermarket.

Café & Bar Kota – A very convenient bar for aprés ski and is just opposite the bus stop at Zero Point.

Sammun-tupa – Reindeer farm and café, open 10 – 4 each day.

Restaurant Riihi – Situated about half way across the lake and is a lovely place to stop for lunch.

Tuikku Panarama Restaurant  – This sits at the top of the Levi Gondolii downhill slope and you can take the cable up every night after 6pm for free and enjoy the view with a drink.

Restaurant Tonttula – Very nice restaurant near the dog walking track north of Levi.

Loimulohi Kota – At South Point. Best salmon you will ever taste and delicious in a roll after cross country skiing!

Lapinkylä – at the reindeer farm out on the East tracks.

Kätkänlaavu – Pancakes, donoughts and hot drinks and toilets at Junction 137.
Weather

March is the most popular time to visit as the days are longer and the weather is less cold. Temperatures vary from year to year. It can be very cold or just cold enough to ski in light gear. Usually early morning is much colder than later on and by about 4pm or so expect to add another layer. However, it can be extremely warm too with temperatures reaching around 4 degrees so watch the weather report before you travel. It can be extremely windy crossing large frozen lakes as they are very exposed.
For those booking when the days are short there is a good network of lit tracks near Levi town.
Cross Country Ski Races

The Ylläs to Levi cross country ski race is part of the VISMA Ski Classics set of races which takes place in April each year.
Cross Country Ski Rental/Retailers


You may need to take identification proof for ski rental but you can rent cross country skiing equipment from any of the rental shops in Levi. Steer clear of booking to hire from South Point as it is a bus ride away to collect equipment.


Elan Ski rental – offer a 10% discount for pre-booking from their website


Intersport – there is limited information on their website about ski hire but it does show the shops location.


Zero Point – this is probably the best xc ski hire in Levi and is a very central point in Levi at the downhill ski area. Their website has more information.


There are also other shops in town where you can buy extra ski waxes and cloths.


Supermarket


There are two supermarkets – The K Supermarket in the middle of the town and the S Supermarket near to the Hullu Poro Hotel. The latter also has a reasonably priced off licence which is the only place you can buy alcohol from.

Where to Stay


There are many options for places to stay in Levi from self catering to hotels. The Tourist office has a good selection of these online and one of the booking websites has various options. If you are looking to book a package, take a look under Holiday Companies.

Hotel Hullu Poro – The Crazy Reindeer


The Crazy Reindeer Hotel is in a good location for the start of the cross country ski tracks at both A and B locations. The restaurant serves reasonable food, in a buffet style. The rooms are comfortable and there are larger apartments available in a separate block.


The ski room is a little basic but has two tables with profiles and room to leave equipment, but no racks as such, the sockets are overhead, and additional connectors may be necessary to make your iron reach for waxing, and irons are not provided. The light is a little dull, but that applies to a lot of Finland in general, if you’ve never been as they are very energy conscious.


The dining room is dimly lit, with lots of backlit walls but the eyes soon get accustomed to the dimmed ambience. The hotel is situated at the top of the town at the opposite end to the downhill slopes and has a good supermarket/off licence within a 5 minute walk. The main bars and shops of the town are a 5-10 minute walk down the hill if you prefer a bit more life, retail outlets and ski hire shops.

Tour Companies who feature Levi

*Inntravel - have a week's learn to ski holiday providing 2 x 90-minute lessons, 6 days’ classic ski hire and guided ski tour.

*Inghams – have a good selection of accommodation from several UK airports and you can pre-book a learn to ski package.

Crystalski – have Sunday departures from London from December to mid February,

Sno Ski Holidays - www.sno.co.uk


The Levi Tourist Office have a portal to help you create a package holiday

*Discounts on bookings with some operators are available through LRNSC for all operators.

Other Attractions


There are plenty of other things to do around Levi if you want a break from skiing, such as the Reindeer farm, dog sledding, and of course night trips out to watch the northern lights, sometimes this just means a visit to the local hostelry!

Tourist Office | Resort Information | Twitter | Facebook



The Levi tourist office is in a modern building at the bottom of the town near the K5 Hotel. They are very helpful with English speakers and can give plenty of advice even before you travel from their website and through email. Contact them if you want to rent an overnight stop while you are out skiing farther afield.


Levi Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/levilapland

Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/levilapland/

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