Levi Northern lights by snowmobile

Exploring the Finnish wilderness under the night sky is an adventure like no other. The Levi Northern Lights by Snowmobile tour offers an exciting 3-hour journey into the snowy landscape of Levi, Finland, where the natural light show can often be seen dancing overhead. Priced at $184.61 per person, this tour is perfect for those eager to combine the thrill of snowmobiling with the chance to witness the aurora borealis. Starting at 8:00 pm, the tour departs from Levintie 1585, 99130 Kittilä, and includes round-trip transfers from a central Levi location, making logistics straightforward.

While the northern lights are a natural phenomenon subject to weather conditions, this tour maximizes the chances by taking travelers to some of the best spots in the wilderness. The guides are experienced, friendly, and attentive to safety, ensuring a memorable experience regardless of whether the aurora makes a full appearance. Suitable for adults, children can join in on a sledge pulled by the snowmobile, making this an engaging outing for families as well. Just be aware that the late start time means planning for cold temperatures and warm clothing is essential.

Key Points

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours of snowmobiling in the Finnish wilderness.
• Price: $184.61 per person, including winter gear and professional guides.
• Pickup: Offered from designated locations in Levi, with round-trip transfers.
• Experience: Ride shared snowmobiles (two per vehicle), with options for single driving as a supplement.
• Weather Dependency: The northern lights are not guaranteed; visibility depends on weather conditions and aurora activity.
• Family Friendly: Children 1-14 years sit in a sledge behind the snowmobile, with safety recommendations for parents.

Starting Point and Logistics in Levi

The tour begins at Levintie 1585 and ends back at the same location after the excursion. Pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to access without additional hassle. The activity is designed to accommodate groups of up to 20 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and manageable experience. The 8:00 pm start time allows for optimal darkness, essential for viewing the aurora borealis, though it requires participants to be prepared for late evening cold.

Participants are advised to bring a valid driver’s license (class B) if they wish to drive a snowmobile. The tour supplies winter clothes, including overall, boots, gloves, and a balaclava, along with a helmet and snowmobiling equipment. This gear helps keep everyone warm during the chilly night, especially given the typical temperatures of around -25°C during the tour.

The Snowmobile Ride through Levi’s Wilderness

The core of this tour involves snowmobiling through snowy wilderness, illuminated only by moonlight, stars, and the snowmobile’s lights. The guides lead groups through scenic, icy landscapes, providing both a thrilling ride and a chance to enjoy the winter silence of Lapland. The ride is shared, with two adults per snowmobile, allowing for a partner experience but also offering single driving options for those who want more control.

Travelers can expect a well-paced journey with stops for sightseeing and warmth. The guides are known for their friendly and attentive approach, often pointing out the best spots to view the northern lights if they appear. Some reviews mention that the trip can be cut short during extremely cold weather, but overall, the experience remains memorable and well-organized.

Watching the Aurora Borealis in the Finnish Wilderness

The primary highlight of this excursion is the chance to see the Northern Lights. The guides actively seek out optimal viewing locations, often stopping at scenic spots like a cozy cabin or a frozen lake. One such stop involves pulling over on a frozen lake, where travelers can enjoy hot berry juice and snacks around a fire, adding warmth and comfort to the chilly night.

Despite the natural unpredictability of the aurora, many reviews praise the guides for their eagerness to spot and point out the lights, making the experience more engaging. Some reviews mention that the aurora display can be spectacular, with streaks of green dancing across the night sky, while others note that the activity can be very low or even absent, which is beyond the tour’s control.

The Experience of the Guide and Safety Measures

Guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to safety. They explain how to drive the snowmobiles, providing necessary instructions before setting off into the dark landscape. The tour includes helmets and winter clothing, ensuring protection against the cold and potential mishaps on icy terrain.

Guests have appreciated guides like Marco and others for their patience and care, especially when dealing with cold weather or adjusting the pace for comfort. The guides also assist with taking photos if requested, though the tour does not include photography accessories.

Food, Beverages, and Rest Stops

During the stops, travelers can enjoy hot drinks, snacks, and Finnish desserts in a wooden cabin or around a campfire, creating a cozy atmosphere amid the freezing temperatures. These moments provide a welcome break from the cold and an opportunity to socialize or simply marvel at the night sky.

The tour does not include alcohol or bottled beverages, and travelers are encouraged to bring their own cameras if they wish to capture the Northern Lights, bearing in mind that photography accessories are not provided.

Group Size and Personal Experience

The tour keeps groups relatively small, with a maximum of 20 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, personalized environment. Many reviews highlight the helpful and cheerful attitude of the staff, which contributes to a relaxed yet exciting atmosphere.

Some reviews mention that large groups can lead to waiting times if participants are slow or if the weather causes delays. However, most find that the well-organized schedule and attentive guides make for a smooth experience overall.

Weather Conditions and Flexibility

Since the Northern Lights depend heavily on weather and aurora activity, the tour’s success in viewing the lights varies. Tours are subject to weather cancellations, with a full refund or rescheduling offered if conditions are poor. The company recommends staying flexible and patient, especially during harsh winter conditions when visibility might be limited.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

This tour enjoys an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 82 reviews. Highly praised aspects include friendly guides, the excitement of snowmobiling, and the scenic winter landscape. Many mention the hot drinks and snacks as a nice touch, and the small group size enhances the overall experience.

However, some negative reviews point to organizational issues, such as poor communication or delays. A few reviewers express disappointment when the Northern Lights do not appear or if weather conditions limit visibility. Despite this, the overall reputation remains positive, especially for those seeking adventure and the chance to see the aurora.

Final Thoughts on the Levi Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour

This 3-hour snowmobile adventure offers an exciting way to explore Levi’s winter landscape while chasing the elusive Northern Lights. The professional guides, warm winter gear, and scenic stops make it a compelling choice for travelers looking to combine adrenaline with a chance to see a natural wonder.

While the aurora borealis cannot be guaranteed due to weather and solar activity, most guests find the experience enriching and fun, regardless of whether the lights put on a show. The late start time means preparing for cold nights and ensuring proper clothing, but the warm drinks and cozy stops help make the journey comfortable.

This tour suits adults and families with children over 14, especially those eager for adventure and outdoor exploration. It is worth booking well in advance, as the trip tends to be popular, with an average booking window of 53 days prior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour price?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated locations in Levi.

What should I wear for this snowmobile adventure?
The tour provides winter clothing, including overall, boots, gloves, and a balaclava. It’s recommended to dress warmly underneath and prepare for temperatures around -25°C.

Can children join the tour?
Children 1-14 years old can participate, seated in a sledge behind the guide’s snowmobile. For safety, parents are advised to sit with small children in the sledge.

Is driving a snowmobile allowed without a license?
No, a valid driver’s license (class B) recognized in English is required to drive a snowmobile. Provisional licenses or copies are not accepted.

What happens if the Northern Lights don’t appear?
The appearance of the aurora depends on weather and solar activity. The tour is not guaranteed to see the lights; however, guides will take you to optimal viewing spots and do their best to find the aurora.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 8:00 pm and including stops for sightseeing and warmth.

Are food and drinks included?
Hot drinks, snacks, and Finnish desserts are provided during stops, but alcoholic beverages are not included.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with up to 20 travelers, ensuring a comfortable, small group setting.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund available if canceled within that window.

Is this tour suitable for solo snowmobile drivers?
Yes, adults can opt for single driving for an additional fee, subject to availability.

What if I have mobility concerns?
Since the activity involves snowmobiling in cold outdoor conditions, it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. The tour is primarily designed for able-bodied adults and children over 14.

Embark on this Levi Northern Lights by Snowmobile tour for a memorable night in the Arctic wilderness, balancing adventure, scenic beauty, and the chance to witness the aurora.