Where to See Northern Lights in Levi — Best Spots

Northern lights glowing over snow-covered trees and a wilderness cabin on Levi fell. Photo: Jouni Rajala

Basic Principle — What Do You Need?

Seeing the northern lights requires three things: 1) a dark place with little artificial light, 2) an open view to the north (aurora appears most often on the northern sky, but during strong storms it covers the entire sky), and 3) a clear sky without clouds.

Of these three, cloud cover is the one you can't control — but you can choose your location and direction. Good news: in Levi you don't need to travel far. The area around the village has plenty of suitable spots just minutes away.

Right from Your Accommodation

Many of our guests see northern lights directly from their accommodation terrace or yard — especially if the accommodation has an open view to the north. This is by far the most comfortable way: you can check the situation in pyjamas, go back inside to warm up, and return outside when the display intensifies.

In central accommodations, street lights reduce visibility, but during strong storms (KP 5+) aurora is clearly visible regardless. A small tip that makes a big difference: turn off indoor lights, step onto the balcony or yard, and wait for your eyes to adjust to darkness (10–15 minutes). During this time your eyes adapt and even faint aurora becomes visible.

Near the Centre

You don't need to drive far — a few hundred metres' walk to the edge of the village takes you to a significantly darker place. The centre's lights fade quickly when heading towards the fell slope or lakeshore.

Head towards:
• Immeljärvi lakeside — open view, easily accessible on foot
• Sirkkajärvi direction — large open area, few buildings
• Fell direction — walk past Zero Point restaurant towards the slopes
• Cross-country ski trails — ready-made paths to dark areas

A 5–15 minute walk from the centre usually suffices. Bring a headlamp (with red light) so you can see where you're stepping, but switch it off when watching the sky.

Open Terrain and Lakes

Frozen lakes in winter offer open views in every direction without trees or buildings. This is particularly impressive: aurora reflects off the ice surface and the view extends from horizon to horizon.

Immeljärvi is the most popular and easiest to reach — less than a 10-minute walk from the centre. In winter, walking on the lake ice is safe (ice is typically 50–80 cm thick in January–March).

Open fields and ski trail areas are also excellent — wide open sky without tree obstructions. The Levi Golf area in winter is a surprisingly good spot: open and close to the centre.

Elevated Spots

Fell slopes and summit areas offer the widest view — aurora can stretch from horizon to horizon in a full 360° panorama. At altitude, the cloud layer may be below — sometimes you can see aurora above the clouds even when it's overcast in the valley.

The Levi gondola doesn't operate in the evening, so reaching the summit requires your own transport or hiking. By car you can reach higher road sections (e.g., Levitunturintie) with wide panoramic views.

Safety note: Don't go into the fells alone at night without proper gear. In winter the fells are cold, windy, and visibility can be poor. A lower open spot (lakeside, field) is a safer and more practical alternative.

Guided Aurora Safaris

Safari guides know the best spots and monitor forecasts professionally. A guided aurora safari typically takes you 15–30 km from the village to extremely dark locations you wouldn't reach otherwise.

Safari advantages:
• The guide knows where clouds are fewest and drives there
• Transport is arranged — no need for your own car
• Hot drinks and snacks in a wilderness hut while waiting
• Guides often provide professional photography (aurora photos as souvenirs)
• Knowledge about aurora and Lapland nature

Aurora safaris are run by several local operators in Levi. Prices are typically €70–120 per person. Book in advance especially during peak season (December–February).

Important: A safari doesn't guarantee aurora — nature decides. But the guide maximises your chances and makes the evening enjoyable regardless.

Tip — Don't Go Too Far

A common mistake is driving an hour looking for the "perfect" spot. In reality, 2–5 km from the centre is enough — Levi village is already so small that there's no serious light pollution.

More important than absolute distance from lights:
• Clear sky (check cloud forecast)
• Open view (no tall trees or buildings blocking)
• Look north (faint aurora appears first on the northern horizon)
• Patience (wait at least 15–30 minutes for eyes to adjust)

Often the best spot is right near your accommodation — familiar, safe, and easily accessible in the middle of the night.

Frequently Asked Questions

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