Private tour bookings: Please select the total number of participants using the Adult field, including both adults and children. If your group is larger than the maximum number available to select online, please contact us directly and we will assist with the booking.
Why this is one of the most scenic snowshoe tours in Levi
- Gondola ride to the summit of Levi fell (531 m), no uphill hiking required to reach the top
- Panoramic views: the fells of Ylläs, Pallas and Kätkä visible on the horizon, views to Sweden on clear days
- Santa’s Cabin, widely considered the most Instagrammable spot in Levi, made famous by the Finnish Christmas film Joulutarina
- Fireside grilled sausage and hot berry juice in a traditional kota halfway down
- In December: the cabin in kaamos blue light is something that cannot be planned, only experienced
Scenic Snowshoe Hike to Levi’s Most Photographed Winter Spot
Visit one of the most iconic places in Finnish Lapland: Santa’s secret cabin on top of Levi Fell, made famous by the beloved Finnish Christmas movie Joulutarina (“Christmas Story”). This guided moderate-level snowshoeing tour combines Arctic scenery, soft adventure and magical photo opportunities at one of the most Instagrammable locations in Finland.
Snowshoe Fitting in Levi & Gondola Ride to the Top
Your adventure starts in Levi village, where you meet your guide and are fitted with snowshoes according to your shoe size. The fitting is done at the meeting point to ensure the right size and comfort. Snowshoes are worn over your own sturdy winter boots.
Once equipped, you’ll take a short transfer to the Gondola base station and ride the Gondola lift to the summit of Levi Fell.
If the Gondola is closed due to the weather, we’ll drive up by car as high as possible. From there, a short uphill walk of approximately 500 meters is required to reach the snowshoe starting point near the top.
Hike to Santa’s Cabin, A Lapland Legend
Your snowshoe hike begins at the summit, passing through some of the most scenic and photographed areas of Levi. The highlight is the picturesque Santa’s Cabin, a small log hut on the fell, covered in snow and looking like a sugar-frosted fairytale house from a Christmas story.
This is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Finland. Take time for photos, enjoy the wide-open views and feel the magic of Lapland from above.
Downhill Forest Trail & Fireside Break
After the photo stop, your guide leads you down a gentle snowy forest trail, with peaceful Arctic views and quiet moments along the way.
Halfway down, you’ll stop at a traditional Finnish kota (Lappish tepee) for a break by the open fire. Grill a Finnish sausage on a stick and enjoy hot berry juice, a classic warm drink in Lapland. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
After the break, you’ll continue snowshoeing to the lower parking area, where a car transfer will take you back to your accommodation.
Who this is for
- Photography enthusiasts and Instagram-focused travelers
- Couples and small groups who want scenic fell views without a full mountain hike
- Guests interested in Finnish Christmas culture and the Joulutarina film
- Anyone who wants a moderate active experience with a clear photographic highlight
Responsibility waiver: Scandinavian Travel Group is not responsible for changes, disruptions or unavailability affecting any third-party venue or location visited during this program, for whatever reason. Where a venue is unavailable, the guide will make reasonable alternative arrangements where possible. No refund is due for circumstances beyond our control.
What's included
- Return transfer from your accommodation to the starting point
- Gondola ride to the summit of Levi fell (or car transfer to upper access point if gondola is closed due to weather)
- Snowshoe fitting and use of snowshoes and poles
- Guided snowshoe hike from summit to lower parking area
- Grilled Finnish sausage by an open fire in a traditional kota (vegetarian option available on request)
- Hot berry juice
Not included
- Warm winter clothing.
- Note: if the kota on the slope is closed, the snack break takes place outdoors with a light snack and hot drink.
Important remarks
F.A.Q.
- What is Santa’s Cabin in Levi and why is it so photographed?
Santa’s Cabin is a small log hut set into the fell on Levi, made famous across Finland by the Christmas film Joulutarina (Christmas Story). In winter, blanketed in snow with the fell landscape stretching behind it, it is widely considered the most Instagrammable spot in Levi. This snowshoe tour is the most scenic way to reach it.
- What can you see from the top of Levi fell on this tour?
On a clear day, the panorama from the summit (531 m) extends across the most fell-dense region of Western Lapland. The fells of Ylläs, Pallas and Kätkä are visible on the horizon. On the clearest days the view reaches the Swedish border.
- Is the gondola always available?
The gondola operates subject to weather conditions. If it is closed, the group is transferred by car as far as conditions allow, followed by a short uphill walk of approximately 500 metres to the snowshoe starting point.
- What is the light like on this tour in December?
In December, daylight in Levi lasts roughly from 10:00 to 14:00. Tours in this window run in natural light. The blue moment — kaamos — wraps the fell and the cabin in a soft polar light that is genuinely unlike anything in ordinary daylight. Santa’s Cabin in the blue dusk is one of the most atmospheric winter images available in Levi.
Important remarks
Level: Moderate. Continuous downhill descent on snowshoes. Not recommended for guests with knee problems, heart conditions or mobility issues.
Children's snowshoes: We do not have children's snowshoe sizes below EU 36. The minimum age of 12 is set accordingly — please contact us in advance if you are unsure about shoe size.
Gondola: Included. If closed due to weather: car transfer + approx. 500 m uphill walk required.
Kota: Kota used in this program is a public one, there can be other people inside. If the kota on the slope is closed, snack break takes place outdoors.
Sausage: Vegetarian option available on request at time of booking.
Clothing: Warm winter clothing not provided. Available to rent at Safarimarket only. Rental: €12.
Recommendation
- Wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy insulated boots.
- The descent involves 1.5–2 hours of active walking on uneven snow terrain.
- Clothing rented from Safarimarket in Levi centre. Arrive 20 minutes early if renting.
Cancellation Policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 30 days or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 60 days or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 10% if booking is cancelled 365 days or less before the event