Levi: Northern Lights Campfire

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights while in Lapland, the Levi: Northern Lights Campfire tour might be just what you’re after. This experience promises a chance to see the Aurora Borealis in a setting that feels both authentic and relaxed, with the added comfort of a warm campfire and tasty local bites. We’ve looked into it from the perspective of travelers who’ve been there, so you can decide if this is the right winter outing for you.

What we really like about this experience is the focus on open sky sightings with transportation arranged to the best possible spots, plus the chance to enjoy a traditional Lappish picnic in the wilderness. It’s also reassuring to see that if the weather isn’t cooperating, there’s an easy option to reschedule for the next day. On the flip side, a noteworthy point is the unpredictability of the Northern Lights—they’re wild, natural phenomena, and no tour can promise a sighting.

This tour works well for those who want a relaxed, guided evening that combines nature, culture, and comfort. It’s especially suited for visitors who appreciate a more intimate, less touristy vibe—though it does require staying outside for about two hours, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with very young children or prefer a quick, indoor experience.

Key Points

• Prime Location for Aurora Viewing: Above the Arctic Circle, increasing your chances of seeing the Lights.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes winter clothing, transportation, and a warm campfire to make the experience cozy.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Enjoy grilled sausages, pastries, and hot drinks around the fire.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are friendly, informative, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Flexible Planning: Reschedule the tour if the weather isn’t ideal, up until 4 pm the next day.
• Mixed Results: While many see the Lights, weather conditions can limit visibility, and sightings aren’t guaranteed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Levi Northern Lights Campfire Tour

Setting the Scene: What’s the Experience Really Like?

Picture this: you meet your guide at the Safartica office in Levi, perhaps a little excited but also prepared for a chilly night. The pickup involves a short drive out of town, where the darkness and open skies promise better chances at witnessing the Aurora. The location is chosen to give you a clear view of the sky—crucial in Lapland’s unpredictable weather.

Once there, your guide will set up a warming campfire, which becomes your cozy hub amid the vast wilderness. The atmosphere is informal but knowledgeable—guides like Kalle or Eda are praised for their friendliness and insights, especially about Sámi culture, adding a layer of richness to your evening. You’ll be handed winter clothing if needed, so you stay warm as you wait.

The Food & Drink: Tasting Lapland’s Flavors

A highlight for many is the Lappish picnic. Sitting around the fire, you’re served grilled sausages, pastries, and hot drinks—simple, hearty, and perfect for warming up in the cold. Several reviews mention the guide’s friendly banter, making the experience feel more like a gathering among friends than a tour.

The food aspect isn’t just about sustenance; it’s part of the experience, giving you a taste of local traditions. Toasting marshmallows or simply sitting quietly under the vast sky creates a memorable, peaceful vibe. Even if the Northern Lights don’t appear, most travelers agree that the atmosphere alone makes it worthwhile.

The Aurora Borealis: The Big Question

Seeing the Northern Lights is ultimately a matter of luck and weather. The tour’s location above the Arctic Circle improves your odds, especially when the forecast looks promising. Guides will drive you to spots with open sky views, but as one reviewer pointed out, the Lights are a natural, unpredictable phenomenon—sometimes clouds obscure them, and sometimes they dance vividly overhead.

Several guests, like Janine, mention seeing a bit of aurora through cloud cover, which can still be magical. Others, like Garry, had fully prepared for the possibility of missing out but still enjoyed the night thanks to the cozy fire and guides’ storytelling. If you’re lucky, you’ll witness the famous wavy, shimmering curtains of green and purple.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, guided outdoor experience with the hope of seeing the Lights. It’s well-suited for travelers who enjoy nature, don’t mind waiting outdoors, and appreciate local culture. The cost—around $104 per person—is fair given the included gear, food, and guiding.

However, keep in mind that it’s not a high-intensity adventure. If your main goal is a guaranteed sighting, you should know that Aurora sightings are never 100% guaranteed. Also, the outdoor stay for about two hours may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration & Starting Times: The tour lasts around 3 hours, with varying start times—check availability for specific slots.
• Meeting Point & Transportation: You gather at the Safartica Levi office 40 minutes before departure; pickups within a 10 km radius are possible if arranged in advance.
• Weather & Rescheduling: If the sky isn’t clear, you can reschedule for the next day by 4 pm.
• Group Size & Language: Guided in English, with small groups that foster a friendly atmosphere.
• Cost & Cancellation: Around $104, with free cancellation if you notify 24 hours in advance.

What’s Not So Perfect

The biggest caveat is the inherently unpredictable nature of the Northern Lights. While the tour maximizes your chances with great locations and weather checks, no one can guarantee a sighting. Some travelers may find waiting outdoors for two hours less than ideal, especially if conditions are cold or cloudy. It’s not a tour that promises lots of action—it’s about giving you the best shot in a comfortable setting.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re visiting Levi during the winter and want a low-key, guided experience that combines the chance to see the Aurora with a taste of local culture, this tour offers solid value. The quality of guides and the cozy atmosphere stand out, and the flexibility to reschedule makes it less stressful if weather isn’t cooperative.

For those who cherish a peaceful night under the stars with good company and authentic snacks, this could be a highlight of your trip. Just keep your expectations realistic—they can’t control the weather, after all, but they do their best to set you up for success.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
This activity involves staying outdoors for about two hours, so very young children might find it chilly or uncomfortable. Consider your kids’ tolerance for cold and outdoor time before booking.

What should I wear?
The tour provides winter clothing, but you’ll still want warm layers underneath, including thermal clothes, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots. It’s cold in Lapland in winter, especially at night.

Can I reschedule if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Yes, you can reschedule for the next day by 4 pm if the weather isn’t clear or if you don’t see the Aurora.

How long does the tour last?
The experience runs about 3 hours, including transportation, waiting, and the campfire.

Do I need to bring anything?
All necessary gear and clothing are provided, but bringing your own camera for photos is a good idea—just be mindful of cold temperatures and possibly low light conditions.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, the Aurora is a natural phenomenon that can’t be predicted with 100% certainty. The tour maximizes your chances but can’t promise sightings.

Where do we meet and how do I get there?
You meet at the Safartica Levi office (Hiihtäjänkuja 10) 40 minutes before the start. Transportation to the spot is included if arranged in advance.

In the end, Levi’s Northern Lights Campfire tour offers a relaxed, authentic way to chase the Aurora, with friendly guides and a warm, scenic setting. While it’s not a guarantee, it’s a lovely way to spend an evening in Lapland’s snowy wilderness, especially if you’re after a taste of local culture and a peaceful night under the stars.

You can check availability for your dates here: