This Finnish Lapland town has Finland's largest ski resort, Levi, and experiences polar nights lasting 21 days in winter. Gold was discovered here in 1916.
Kittilä sits north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, where winter temperatures drop to -51.5°C and summer brings 47 days of continuous daylight. In winter, you'll find families sledding with huskies through snow-covered forests, while others watch the Northern Lights from heated glass igloos at Aurora Estate. During summer, golfers tee off at midnight at the Levi Golf and Country Club, and hikers explore the marked trails of Levi Fell. The town's Samiland exhibition and Europe's largest gold mine add depth to your Arctic experience.
Skiing at Levi Resort
The Levi ski resort in Sirkka village runs from October to May with 230 kilometers of cross-country trails. You'll find slopes for every skill level, from the gentle slopes at Kid's Land to the steep Levi Black run. The resort's rental shop stocks skis, boots, and poles, while certified instructors teach daily lessons. During the dark winter months, 28 kilometers of illuminated tracks keep skiing possible from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Arctic Accommodation Options
Aurora Estate and Northern Lights Village have heated glass igloos where you can watch the northern sky from your bed. Each igloo includes a private sauna and fireplace. The temperature-controlled glass stays clear even in freezing conditions. You can choose between 25-square-meter standard igloos (€350/night), 40-square-meter family igloos (€500/night), or luxury suites with separate living areas (€650/night).
Summer Activities
The midnight sun shines continuously from May to July, giving you extra time to explore. The calm waters of Ounasjoki river work well for canoeing and paddleboarding, with rental equipment available at Levi Activity Center. On Levi Fell, eight marked hiking trails range from 1 to 15 kilometers. The Levi Golf and Country Club opens 24 hours a day during this period, letting you golf at any hour. At Levi Activity Park, you'll find 13 climbing walls, four trampolines, and three different adventure courses.
Local Culture and Art
At the Samiland exhibition in Levi Summit, you can learn about Sámi reindeer herding methods and traditional handicrafts. The Särestöniemi Museum, 15 kilometers from town center, displays 500 paintings by Finnish artist Reidar Särestöniemi in his former home studio. In HaliPuu forest, local guides teach traditional forest skills like berry picking and fire making, while Loihtua guesthouse runs guided nature walks with stories about Finnish folklore.
Gold Mining in Kittilä
The Agnico-Eagle gold mine, 36 kilometers northeast of town, processes 1.6 million tonnes of ore annually. The mine extends 1,000 meters underground and employs 400 local workers. An unusual detail: Finnish law requires the mine to maintain a bomb shelter, which contains emergency supplies and, unexpectedly, a set of golf clubs. The mine doesn't offer public tours, but you can learn about local gold panning history at the Tankavaara Gold Museum, 150 kilometers north.
