Snowshoeing to Santa’s Cabin in Levi — Gondola to the Summit, Panoramic Fell Views, Joulutarina Film Location
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
The tour begins in Levi village with snowshoe fitting, then a short transfer to the gondola station. The gondola lifts the group to the top of Levi fell. If the gondola is closed due to weather, a car transfer takes you as far up as conditions allow, followed by a short uphill walk of approximately 500 metres to the snowshoe starting point.
Snowshoe descent from Levi summit to Santa's Cabin
The snowshoe route starts at the summit and works down through open fell terrain before the trees begin again. Before the descent begins, the guide pauses at the top. From here, on a clear day, the view is one of the finest in Finnish Lapland — a sweeping panorama across the most fell-dense region of Western Lapland. The fells of Ylläs, Pallas and Kätkä are visible on the horizon, along with many others receding into the distance. On the clearest days the view extends all the way to Sweden. It is the kind of landscape that resets your sense of scale.
The first stop on the way down is Santa’s Cabin — widely considered the most Instagrammable spot in Levi. A small, snow-laden log hut set into the fell, it was made famous across Finland by the Christmas film Joulutarina and has since become one of the most-photographed locations in the country. In winter, blanketed in fresh snow with the fell landscape stretching away behind it, it looks exactly like something from a storybook. The guide gives time to photograph it before the group continues into the forest below.
Fireside kota break on Levi fell
Midway down the slope, the group stops at a traditional kota. The guide lights the fire. Sausages grilled over the open flame, hot berry juice poured. A proper rest before the legs are asked for the final descent to the lower parking area, where the transfer back to Levi is waiting.
This tour involves a continuous downhill snowshoe descent. It is moderate comparable to a hilly forest walk but the uneven terrain and sustained downhill make it unsuitable for guests with knee problems, heart conditions or mobility limitations.
Who this is for
- Photography enthusiasts and Instagram-focused travellers
- 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
Private Option
A private tour means a dedicated guide and transport arranged exclusively for your group — your own departure time, your own pace down the fell, and the full attention of the guide throughout. Contact us to arrange.
Mitä sisältyy
- Transfer from and back to Levi village
- 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
Ei sisälly
- Warm winter clothing. Available to rent at Safarimarket pickup location only. Rental: €12.
- Note: if the kota on the slope is closed, the snack break takes place outdoors with a light snack and hot drink.
Tärkeä huomata
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.
Suositukset
- 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.
Peruutusehdot
- Veloitamme 100% peruutusmaksun, jos varaus peruutetaan 7 päivät tai aiemmin ennen tapahtumaa
- Veloitamme 50% peruutusmaksun, jos varaus peruutetaan 21 päivät tai aiemmin ennen tapahtumaa
- Veloitamme 10% peruutusmaksun, jos varaus peruutetaan 365 päivät tai aiemmin ennen tapahtumaa