Levi: Northern Lights Campfire

This tour offers a wonderful taste of Lapland’s natural magic, giving you a genuine chance to see the elusive Aurora Borealis in a relaxed, outdoor setting. While the Northern Lights are famously unpredictable, this experience focuses on maximizing your chances with expert guidance, convenient transport, and a cozy atmosphere away from city lights.

What I really appreciate about this experience are two things: first, the knowledgeable guides—like Kalle and Eda—who make the night both educational and memorable, sharing stories about Sámi culture and Arctic wildlife. Second, I love how the tour combines the thrill of searching for the lights with a warm, Lappish-style picnic around a campfire, making it feel authentically Arctic.

One thing to consider is that seeing the Aurora Borealis cannot be guaranteed. You’re relying on natural conditions, but the fact that the tour offers a rescheduling option if weather turns adverse shows they’re serious about giving you the best shot possible. Plus, the 3-hour duration and inclusive winter clothing help make this a comfortable and flexible outing, especially given the cold.

Key points / Takeaways

• Prime Location Above the Arctic Circle offers excellent chances for Aurora viewing.
• Expert Guides like Eda and Kalle add both humor and cultural insights, enriching the experience.
• Transport Included ensures you arrive at open skies with minimal hassle.
• Flexible Rescheduling allows a return visit if weather isn’t cooperative.
• Authentic Lappish Picnic with grilled sausages, pastries, and hot drinks around a campfire.
• Weather-Dependent experience that, while not guaranteed, is structured to maximize your likelihood of seeing the lights.

The Experience: What to Expect on the Northern Lights Campfire Tour

When I look at tours like this, I see more than just a chance to glimpse the Aurora—it’s about the atmosphere, the culture, and the simplicity of really connecting with the Arctic environment. Safartica’s Levi Northern Lights Campfire experience runs for about three hours, starting with a meeting at the Safartica office in Levi, located at Hiihtäjänkuja 10. You’ll need to arrive about 40 minutes early, giving you time to get geared up, including winter clothing provided by the tour.

The tour transports you out of the village to a carefully selected open sky spot, where high chances for Aurora viewing await. The guides take care of the logistics, driving you with a small group in a comfortable vehicle—no wandering around trying to find the perfect spot yourself. This approach is especially valuable in winter, when cold and darkness make spontaneous exploration less practical.

Once at the site, the guide (often Eda or Kalle) will set up a warming campfire, not only to keep everyone cozy but also to create that quintessential Arctic scene. The highlight? Cooking grilled sausages over the open fire, paired with hot drinks and a pastry, all served under the vast, starry sky. It’s simple but effective, making the experience both relaxing and immersive.

If the sky is clear, you might catch the Northern Lights dancing overhead—an incredible sight that’s difficult to describe. “We saw a bit through the camera, but it was pretty cloudy,” one reviewer recalls, emphasizing how unpredictable Aurora viewing can be. Yet, the tour’s flexible rescheduling policy means if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can come back the next night, increasing your chance to see the famous ribbons of green and purple.

The Guides and Atmosphere

Guide Eda was praised for her friendliness, humor, and depth of knowledge about Sámi culture, which adds a richer layer to the night. As one traveler remarked, “Eda made the night for us—polite, funny, and very informative.” The guides don’t just focus on Aurora spotting—they also fill the evening with stories, sharing insights about local traditions and Arctic wildlife, making the outing both entertaining and educational.

The Food and Comfort

The Lappish picnic feels authentic, and the warm sausages cooked over the fire are a highlight for many. Toasting marshmallows or simply sipping hot chocolate while waiting for the lights makes the cold more bearable. The inclusion of winter clothing is a thoughtful touch, ensuring that even those unaccustomed to winter weather stay comfortable.

Transportation and Logistics

Transportation is included, with pickup from within a 10 km radius of Levi and a brief drive to the open sky location. This setup removes the hassle of finding the perfect viewing spot and helps maximize your time under the stars. The meeting point at the Safartica office is straightforward, and the tour’s flexible rescheduling policy means even if the weather’s poor, you’re not out of luck.

Price and Value

At $104 per person, this tour offers a balanced value. It’s not the cheapest Arctic experience, but it includes transport, winter clothing, guided commentary, and a cozy fire and meal. Considering the high chance of a memorable night and the flexibility to rebook if weather is unfavorable, it’s a solid investment in a truly Arctic adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a relaxed, authentic Arctic evening with a good chance of seeing the Aurora. It’s especially fitting for those interested in cultural insights, as guides share stories about Sámi traditions. Families with older children should find this suitable, but parents need to weigh the outdoor night-time element for small kids. If you’re looking for a quick, guaranteed Aurora sighting, this might not be the right choice—but for a genuine, atmospheric outing, it hits the mark.

The Sum Up: Setting the Scene for Arctic Magic

The Levi Northern Lights Campfire tour delivers an experience that balances authentic Arctic culture with the thrill of Aurora hunting. The guides’ friendliness, the cozy fire, and the chance to enjoy traditional Lappish food make this more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a chance to slow down and soak in the Arctic’s quiet beauty.

While the natural phenomenon’s unpredictability remains, the tour’s flexible approach and focus on creating a memorable atmosphere mean you’ll come away with stories, even if the sky stays cloudy. It’s well suited for travelers who value local culture, comfort, and a relaxed pace.

If you’re after a genuine Northern Lights experience that emphasizes atmosphere and cultural flavor, this tour deserves a spot on your list. Just be sure to come prepared for the cold and keep an open mind—sometimes, the best moments are the ones you don’t plan for.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about three hours, starting from the meeting in Levi and ending back at the same spot.

What’s included in the price?
You get winter clothing, a guided experience in English, grilled sausage, pastry, hot drinks, and transportation to the viewing spot.

Can I reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can reschedule for the next day by 4 p.m., giving you another shot at seeing the Aurora.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, Aurora viewing depends on natural conditions. The tour’s focus is to give you the best possible chance, but sightings can’t be promised.

Is this tour suitable for small children?
Parents should consider if their kids are comfortable outdoors in winter for about 2 hours, as the activity involves staying outside and late hours.

Do I need to bring anything?
Since winter clothing is provided, just bring warm layers, a camera, and maybe a small flashlight for safety.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guiding is in English, ensuring clear communication for most travelers.

Where do I meet the tour?
At the Safartica Levi office at Hiihtäjänkuja 10, arriving 40 minutes early for briefing and dressing.

What is the price?
It costs $104 per person, offering good value for a memorable Arctic evening with flexible options.

This Levi Northern Lights Campfire tour offers a charming, culturally rich way to encounter the Arctic’s most famous natural wonder. Ideal for those who want to combine the thrill of Aurora hunting with genuine local flavor, it’s a memorable addition to any Lapland itinerary.