Northern Lights Village Levi – Under a Northern Skyline
- Details
Details
During any break to Northern Finland, you want to spend as much time as possible gazing at the night sky in case the Aurora comes calling. This three-night trip allows you to do just that by combining Aurora hunting activities and three nights' accommodation in glass igloos with expansive views of the Northern skyline.
Aurora hunting doesn't get much more comfortable than this!
The Northern Lights Village Levi was established in 2019 by native Laplander Markku Inkila. The Aurora has been a near-constant companion throughout Markku's life and we've often listened to him telling us about how they captivated him from early childhood. However, he never thought that the Northern Lights would ever be a significant part of his livelihood.
All that changed about a decade ago when he became an Aurora guide and photographer for his sister and brother-in-law at their wilderness hotel in Nellim. Many of our clients have enjoyed Markku's infectious enthusiasm for all things Auroral and it was a natural progression for him to branch out with his own venture.
In doing so, he has brought years of experience hunting for the Northern Lights to his own projects here in Levi and, further east in Saariselkä.
Markku's vision was that guests at either of his Northern Lights Villages should spend as much time as possible under the dark northern skies. That is how to best maximise your chances of seeing the Aurora. Hence, during this trip, you will sleep in purpose-built Aurora Cabins for all three nights of your stay.
The cabins have all the modern conveniences you would expect of a hotel bedroom but, also, an expansive glass roof that allows you to see the sky from the comfort of your own bed! Imagine lying all snug in bed while watching the Aurora Borealis dance overhead! That's a big bucket list tick.
Of course, this break isn't just about lying in bed (as tempting as it may be).
During the day you'll be trying out two of the most popular Lapland activities in the form of dog sledding and a reindeer safari. You'll also be going out into the dark Arctic night twice with a guide to hunt for the Northern Lights. The first will be in a bus or minibus and the second in a heated sleigh pulled by your guide's snowmobile.
All your meals are included in this holiday as is cold-weather clothing. All you have to do is turn up at the meeting points at the right time and everything else is taken care of.
Important Information
The order of activities listed in this agenda is provided for guidance only. Your final and detailed itinerary will be provided either with your final travel documents (which will be emailed to you around a week prior to departure), or upon arrival.
Itinerary
Once you are through Kittilä’s small airport, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.
On arrival at Northern Lights Village Levi, you will check into your Aurora Cabin, receive your cold weather clothing and enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Included Meals: Dinner
The Northern Lights may be your top priority but driving a team of sled dogs has got to be right up there too. This is your chance.
You will be given full instructions and a safety briefing before taking the reins in charge of your own team of eager dogs. Two people will share a sled and there will be opportunities to swap between mushing duties and passenger duties in the sled along the way.
This husky safari is a wonderful way to explore the gently rolling fell landscape that characterises this part of Finnish Lapland. There can be few things more soothing than crossing a snow-covered wilderness with just the swishing of the sled’s runners and the pitter-patter of paws on compacted snow to break the near-perfect silence. The activity will last for around two hours in total, travelling for approximately 10km.
This evening the Aurora Hunting gets underway with a 3-hour trip (approximately) into the wilderness that surrounds the Northern Lights Village. The guide will decide where is best to go based on local conditions and forecasts and you can remain warm inside the vehicle while scouring the dark skies for signs of emerging green light.
When you stop, the best thing to do is grab a reindeer skin, lay it on the snow (it provides fantastic insulation), lie on it, and simply watch the sky. Your guide will provide warm drinks and snacks but hopefully, you will be too absorbed by the Aurora’s dance to even notice!
Back at your Aurora Cabin, you can quickly shake off any nighttime chills in the comfort of your own bed. They have thought of everything here and a tablet built into the room will alert you should the Aurora be likely to make an appearance.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sled dogs were only introduced to Northern Europe about 100 years ago, but reindeer have been an integral part of life here for centuries.
Today you will meet a local reindeer herder who will tell you all about the animals that have enabled the indigenous Sami People to survive in this harsh Arctic climate. Not only will you learn about the reindeer, but you will also enjoy a reindeer pulled sleigh through the silent snowy forest.
This was the traditional way of getting around in these parts before the advent of the snowmobile and is something that you must do at least once. The activity will last for around one and a half hours in total.
This evening you will be heading out into the wilderness, this time in a heated sleigh pulled behind your guide’s snowmobile. This allows the guide to take you to the very best vantage points, perhaps on top of one of the fells and far from any light pollution. It also allows you to watch the skies while remaining nice and snug.
At some point, you will stop and your guide will make a fire and some warm drinks while you scour the pitch-black firmament for swirling and shimmering Auroral light. You will be out and about for approximately three hours in total.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Unfortunately, your short but action and fun-filled stay in Northern Finland is over. After breakfast, you will be transported back to the airport for your flights home.
Included Meals: Breakfast
What's included?
- Return flights from London to Kittila (direct or via Helsinki depending on departure date). Flight routes are subject to change
- Return airport transfers
- 3 nights’ accommodation in an Aurora Cabin.
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners (if you’re travelling between 2nd December and 30th December on direct flights, you will receive 3 lunches)
- Husky safari (10km)
- Reindeer safari
- Aurora hunting in the wilderness
- Aurora Hunting by heated sleigh
- Aurora Alert service which you can set to alert you throughout the night or mute at any time
- Cold weather clothing is provided for the duration of your stay as required
- 24/7 assistance from our UK-based operations team and in-destination support from our local partners
Accommodation
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Located in the far north of Finland, 16km away from the centre of Levi and close to the ski resort (approx. 14km), the Northern Lights Village sits tucked away in its own piece of wilderness. With 40 Aurora Cabins, you’ll have the brilliant opportunity to view the Northern Lights right from your bed. Each cabin comes equipped with a half-glass roof with the twin or double beds situated underneath. This is one of the few places in the world where you’ll prefer a sleepless night! All cabins are in walking distance of the restaurant which serves local, Lappish delicacies. FacilitiesThe village restaurant takes inspiration from the traditional wooden Finnish tipis with Lappish décor. Using flavours from Lapland and the Barents Sea regions, the restaurant serves local food and special delicacies. Breakfast is a buffet of continental options and some hot dishes. Evening meals are a buffet with starters of soups and salad, and then a choice of local meat or fish will follow. Dietary requirements are all well-catered for as long as we are informed at the time of booking. All activities start from The Northern Lights Village (except the husky safaris and art gallery) to make your holiday as easy as possible. |
Tour Map
Additional Info
– Up to balance due date (this is normally 16 weeks prior to departure however some holidays differ. If this applies to your holiday you will be advised at the time of booking) – Loss of deposit (including the full cost of flights or other services where paid at the time of booking)
– Between balance due date and 43 days prior to departure – 60%
– 42 to 16 days prior to departure – 85%
– 15 or less days – 100%
Key Facts
For your best chance to see the Northern Lights, contact the UK’s only Aurora specialists
