Frequently Asked Questions
What is Finnish Lapland?
Finnish Lapland refers to the northernmost region of Finland, which is located in the Arctic Circle. It covers a vast area and is known for its stunning natural beauty, unique culture, and distinct seasonal phenomena. Finnish Lapland is characterized by its pristine wilderness, snowy landscapes, dense forests, and abundance of lakes and rivers.
Finnish Lapland is famous for being a winter wonderland, offering a wide range of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and reindeer and husky sledding. The region’s well-developed infrastructure and ski resorts, such as Levi and Ylläs, make it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Lapland?
Yes, Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. Due to its location within the Arctic Circle, the region offers frequent and spectacular displays of the Aurora Borealis. Areas with minimal light pollution, such as Levi Ski Resort, provide ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights.
Where is Levi Ski Resort?
Levi Ski Resort is situated in the municipality of Kittilä in Finnish Lapland. It is approximately 170 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle and about 15 kilometers away from the Kittilä airport.
When is the best time to visit Levi Ski Resort?
The ski season in Levi usually begins in November and lasts until May, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you enjoy winter sports and skiing, the months of December to April generally offer good snow conditions. However, if you’re interested in experiencing the Northern Lights, the best time to visit is during the winter months from September to March when the nights are dark.
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s magnetic field. They appear as vibrant, dancing lights in the sky, often displaying hues of green, pink, and purple.
Can I see the Northern lights in Levi village center?
Short answer, Yes. But due to light pollution from streetlights and buildings, as well as obstructed views from trees and structures, the visibility and intensity of the lights is diminished. They appear weaker and can be easily obscured by the surrounding environment. Our Aurora tours solve this problem.
How can I increase my chances of seeing the Northern Lights?
Contact Juki Tours! And to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s recommended to visit during the winter months when the nights are long and dark. Additionally, choose a location away from urban areas with minimal light pollution. It’s also advisable to check the local weather and Aurora forecasts, as clear skies and high solar activity make witnessing the Northern Lights possible.
Is it possible to visit Lapland in the summer? What is the Midnight Sun?
Yes, Lapland is worth visiting in the summer as well. The region experiences the Midnight Sun phenomenon from June to July, where the sun remains visible 24 hours a day. This time of the year is perfect for hiking, fishing, and experiencing the unique natural beauty of Lapland under the golden glow of the sun. The best time for fishing is July-August.
How can I reach Levi Ski Resort?
The most common way to reach Levi in Lapland is by flying into Kittilä Airport. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Levi Ski Resort or other destinations within Lapland. Kittilä airport is 15 minutes drive away from Levi ski resort
How do you dress in Lapland?
When dressing for Lapland, keep these tips in mind:
- Layer your clothing: Wear a moisture-wicking base layer (Merino wool is the best), a warm mid-layer, and a warm outer layer like an insulated snow jacket and pants.
- Protect extremities: Wear warm boots (Sorel is a good brand), thick socks, mittens and a warm hat.
- Use thermal accessories: Consider neck gaiters, balaclavas, or scarves to cover your face and neck.
- Choose appropriate fabrics: Opt for wool, fleece, or synthetic materials that provide insulation even when wet.
- Be prepared for temperature changes: Dress in layers that can be easily added or removed based on the weather and activity level.
Remember, it’s better to be slightly overdressed and remove layers if you feel too warm than to be underdressed and risk feeling cold.
Dressing for our snowshoeing tours:
Consider an insulated and windproof winter jacket and pants, and insulated winter boots. But if you have some kind of warm pants, warm jacket, and warm shoes, it should be enough. On a really cold day we act accordingly and go rent clothing, but you don’t need to worry about that beforehand.
How to take good photos of the Northern lights?
You get ok quality photos with a decent smartphone. For great photos you need a dedicated camera and a tripod. On our tours we will take high quality photos of you with the Northern lights and send the picture files to you after the tour. Photos are included in the tour price.
Things to do in Levi
-
Skiing and Snowboarding: Levi is one of Finland’s largest and most renowned ski resorts, offering excellent slopes and facilities for both beginners and experienced skiers.
-
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: Explore the tranquil winter landscapes on snowshoes or cross-country skis, and enjoy the peacefulness of the Arctic nature.
-
Northern Lights Hunting: Experience the Aurora Borealis during the dark winter nights. Contact Juki Tours for this.
-
Husky and Reindeer Safaris: Take a thrilling husky sled ride or a more relaxed reindeer sleigh ride and learn about the Sami culture.
-
Snowmobiling: Go on a snowmobile safari and venture into the wilderness, discovering the snowy forests and frozen lakes.
-
Snow Village: Visit the Snow Village where you can admire ice sculptures and enjoy a drink in the ice bar.
-
Sauna Experience: Embrace Finnish culture by enjoying a traditional Finnish sauna session.
-
Local Cuisine: Taste the delicious local dishes in the various restaurants around Levi.
-
Levi Summit: Take a gondola ride to the top of Levi fell for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
-
Shopping: Levi has a variety of shops where you can find souvenirs, winter gear, and other items.