Levi: Northern Lights Campfire

If you’re dreaming of catching a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis in the Arctic wilderness, Safartica’s Levi: Northern Lights Campfire tour offers a thoughtful blend of comfort, local flavor, and natural spectacle. While there’s no guarantee you’ll see the lights—since they’re a natural phenomenon—this tour maximizes your chances with carefully chosen locations, expert guides, and a warm, inviting setting.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience: first, the knowledgeable guides who keep the atmosphere friendly and informative, and second, the stunning open skies that make for a memorable viewing environment. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the outdoor nature of the experience—meaning you’ll need to be prepared for potentially cold and late hours. This tour works best for those who enjoy a relaxed, authentic Arctic outing with a decent shot at witnessing the northern lights.

Key Points

• Ideal viewing conditions depend on weather and aurora forecast; the tour offers rescheduling if the skies are cloudy.
• Transportation takes you to open, unobstructed sky spots for prime aurora viewing.
• Includes winter clothing and a cozy campfire with grilled sausages, hot drinks, and pastries.
• Guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and provide insights into Sámi culture and local environment.
• Duration is approximately 3 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.
• Flexible booking options allow for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Warm Welcome to the Arctic Night

Levi’s Northern Lights Campfire tour is designed to give travelers a genuine shot at witnessing the aurora borealis while offering a warm, social experience. The tour usually begins at the Safartica Office in Levi, where you meet your guide a bit before the scheduled start time. From there, a comfortable car ride takes you away from the bright village lights to a carefully chosen open sky spot. This transportation is key—since the best aurora viewing is often in remote locations free of light pollution.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of comfort and authenticity. Safartica provides winter clothing, so you won’t need to worry about bundling up in your own gear—simply come prepared to stay outdoors for about two hours. Once at the site, your guide will build a campfire, making the whole experience feel cozy even in the middle of a cold winter night.

You’ll enjoy a traditional Lappish picnic, featuring grilled sausages cooked over the open fire, alongside warm drinks and sweet pastries. This isn’t just about being outside; it’s about creating a relaxed atmosphere that invites conversation, laughter, and a genuine connection to the landscape and local culture.

The Search for the Northern Lights

The big draw here is, of course, the Northern Lights. Your guide will choose a spot with a clear view of the open sky, maximizing your chances if the forecast is promising. But it’s important to remember that aurora sightings are unpredictable—a fact acknowledged by Safartica and reflected in the reviews. The natural phenomenon depends on solar activity, weather, and cloud cover, so even the best plans can be foiled by Mother Nature.

One of the most praised aspects in reviews is the guides’ expertise and friendliness. For instance, Janine, who went alone, appreciated her guide Kalle’s company, laughs, and quick rapport, even if the northern lights remained elusive due to cloud cover. Meanwhile, Garry highlighted guide Eda’s warmth, humor, and storytelling about Sámi history, which kept everyone engaged despite the lack of aurora.

The tour offers the possibility to reschedule to the next night if weather conditions aren’t favorable—another thoughtful touch for travelers who want the best shot at witnessing the lights.

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

For $104 per person, you get quite a bit. The tour includes winter clothing, so you won’t have to wrestle with bulky layers or worry about cold exposure. The hot drinks, pastries, and grilled sausages provide both warmth and comfort, making the outdoor experience more inviting. Plus, your English-speaking guides ensure you understand what you’re seeing and offer interesting insights about local culture and the environment.

The pace is relaxed, with about a three-hour window that allows for plenty of opportunity to enjoy the landscape, chat with fellow travelers, or simply take in the starry sky. The small-group format, often praised in reviews, creates an intimate setting that feels less like a tourist trap and more like a local adventure.

Transportation and Logistics

Meeting at the Safartica Levi office 40 minutes prior to the activity guarantees you’re well-organized before heading out. The tour picks up within a 10 km radius, making it convenient if you’re staying nearby. Contact ahead if you need a pickup—something many travelers appreciate when visiting a new place. The transportation is comfortable and efficient, ensuring you spend more time outdoors and less time in transit.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authentic Experiences and Cultural Touches

While the main focus is on aurora viewing, the tour’s inclusion of local stories—like Sámi history—adds depth. Guides like Eda make the experience memorable not just for the scenery but for the cultural context they share, which enriches your Arctic adventure.

Practical Considerations

This tour is designed for adults and older children who can comfortably stay outdoors for about two hours. The late timing and outdoor setting mean it might not suit very young children or anyone with mobility concerns. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy, allowing full refunds up to 24 hours before, makes it easier to adapt your plans if weather forecasts turn unfavorable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who value genuine, low-key encounters with nature. If you enjoy storytelling, cultural insights, and cozy atmospheres amid winter wilderness, you’ll love the warmth of the campfire paired with the thrill of chasing the aurora. It’s also a great pick for those who prefer guided excursions with expert supervision and flexibility in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

However, if you’re looking for guaranteed sightings or traveling with very young kids, you might want to consider alternative options or prepare for the possibility that the lights might remain hidden behind clouds.

The Bottom Line

The Levi Northern Lights Campfire tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and local flavor. The knowledgeable guides make all the difference, turning what could be a cold outdoor wait into a relaxed, cultural, and potentially awe-inspiring experience. For the price of around $104, you get transportation, winter gear, hot food, and a chance—albeit not a certainty—to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

It’s best suited for those who appreciate a laid-back, authentic Arctic experience with a touch of storytelling and camaraderie. If your priority is a memorable night under the stars with a good chance of seeing the aurora, this tour deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
You’ll receive winter clothing, grilled sausage, pastry, hot drinks, and guiding in English, which makes the outdoor experience both comfortable and informative.

How long does the tour last?
The activity runs for approximately 3 hours, starting at a set time you can check with availability.

Where do I meet the guide?
Meet at the Safartica Levi office (Hiihtäjänkuja 10) about 40 minutes before your tour begins. Contact ahead if you need a pickup within 10 km.

Can I reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, if the skies aren’t clear, you can reschedule your tour for the next day by 16:00.

Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s best suited for older children or adults who can tolerate outdoor conditions for about two hours. Very young children may find the late hours less suitable.

What happens if we don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since auroras are natural and unpredictable, there’s no guarantee of a sighting. However, guides make every effort to find a good viewing spot and create an enjoyable night regardless.

Is the tour flexible or cancelable?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. Booking now allows you to reserve your spot with no upfront payment.

What if I want to go on a similar activity?
Safartica offers various northern lights experiences, including sledge rides, snowmobile safaris, and photo tours, which you can explore via their website.

For anyone seeking a relaxed, authentic, and potentially magical Arctic night, the Levi Northern Lights Campfire tour offers a cozy, well-organized way to chase the aurora—if luck is on your side. With friendly guides, local storytelling, and the chance to share in a traditional campfire under the winter sky, it’s an experience worth considering during your time in Lapland.

You can check availability for your dates here: