Levi in Summer: Hiking, Biking, and Midnight Sun Adventures

While Levi, Finland, is best known as a winter wonderland, its appeal doesn’t end when the snow melts. During the summer months, Levi transforms into a lush landscape, offering endless outdoor activities under the magical Midnight Sun. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and experiencing Sami culture, Levi provides a unique summer experience filled with adventure and natural beauty. If you’re considering a visit to Levi outside of the snowy season, here’s a guide to the top summer activities that make this destination just as enchanting in the warmer months.

Hiking Through the Lapland Wilderness

Summer in Levi is the perfect time to explore the scenic trails and vast forests of Finnish Lapland. Levi boasts a wide range of hiking paths, from easy family-friendly trails to challenging treks that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. The trails are well-marked, making it easy to navigate through the beautiful pine forests, over gentle fells, and across serene lakes.

One of the most popular hikes is the Levi Fell Trail, which takes you to the top of Levi’s fell, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The Midnight Sun means you can hike well into the evening, experiencing the unique feeling of trekking in broad daylight, even at midnight. Levi’s landscapes come alive in the summer, with colorful wildflowers, rich greenery, and wildlife such as reindeer and birds adding to the natural charm.

For an unforgettable experience, you can join a guided nature hike where local guides share insights into Lapland’s flora, fauna, and traditional Sami knowledge, enhancing your connection with the land.

Mountain Biking Trails for All Levels

Levi’s rugged terrain and vast network of trails make it an ideal destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. The area offers trails for all levels, from gentle routes for beginners to thrilling downhill tracks for advanced riders. Levi Bike Park is a major attraction for mountain bikers, featuring professionally designed trails that wind through forests, over rocky hills, and down the Levi fell.

One of the highlights for mountain bikers is the Levi Gondola lift, which operates in the summer to take riders to the top of the fell. From there, you can choose from a variety of trails that offer exciting descents with scenic views at every turn. Biking in Levi during the summer months also means you can enjoy the Midnight Sun, allowing you to ride late into the evening.

For a more leisurely ride, there are plenty of cycling paths around Levi that take you through picturesque villages, forests, and lakes. Bike rentals are readily available in town, making it easy for visitors to explore the area on two wheels.

Fishing and Boating on Levi’s Lakes and Rivers

Levi’s lakes and rivers offer excellent fishing opportunities, especially for those looking to experience the peaceful side of Finnish Lapland. Popular catches include trout, perch, and grayling, and fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting their lines from the banks or renting a small boat for a day on the water. Lake Immeljärvi is one of the best spots for fishing near Levi, offering calm waters and a beautiful backdrop of mountains and forests.

Fishing permits are required for most waters in Finland, but they are easy to obtain, and many tour operators in Levi offer guided fishing trips. These tours often include all the necessary equipment and are led by local guides who share their expertise on fishing techniques and the best spots to catch different species. If you’re interested in experiencing local traditions, you can try fly-fishing in Levi’s rivers, which is a popular summer activity for both locals and visitors.

For those who prefer a more relaxed outing, boating on the peaceful waters around Levi provides a tranquil way to enjoy the natural beauty of Finnish Lapland. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are available for rent, allowing you to explore the lakes and rivers at your own pace.

Experiencing the Midnight Sun

One of the most captivating aspects of visiting Levi in summer is the Midnight Sun. From late May to mid-July, the sun doesn’t set at all, bathing the landscape in a soft, golden glow around the clock. This unique phenomenon provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures at any hour, creating a surreal experience that visitors remember for a lifetime.

The Midnight Sun is perfect for photography, as the landscape is illuminated with beautiful, warm light that highlights the rich colors of the forests, fells, and lakes. Many activities, like hiking, biking, and fishing, become even more special under the Midnight Sun.

For an unforgettable experience, head to the top of Levi fell in the evening to watch the Midnight Sun from a higher vantage point. The sight of the sun dipping low on the horizon, only to rise again without fully setting, is breathtaking and allows you to soak in the beauty of Lapland in a way that few other places on earth can offer.

Exploring Sami Culture and Traditions

Summer in Levi offers the unique chance to learn about the Sami people, the indigenous culture of Finnish Lapland. Several local tours and cultural centers in Levi provide an opportunity to experience Sami traditions, such as reindeer herding, crafts, and storytelling.

You can visit Sami cultural centers and participate in workshops where you’ll learn about traditional Sami dress, music, and handicrafts. Many of these experiences include spending time with a Sami family, gaining insight into their way of life, and understanding the deep connection between the Sami people and the land.

One of the highlights is meeting reindeer up close and learning about their significance in Sami culture. Some tours even offer the chance to take part in reindeer herding or feeding, giving visitors a hands-on experience with these beautiful animals.

Berry Picking and Foraging in the Forests

One of the simplest but most rewarding summer activities in Levi is berry picking and foraging. The forests around Levi are rich with wild blueberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries, which ripen in July and August. Berry picking is a cherished activity for locals and a great way for visitors to connect with the land while enjoying nature’s bounty.

Levi’s forests are open to everyone under Finland’s “Everyman’s Right,” which allows people to pick berries and mushrooms freely. For those new to foraging, guided berry-picking tours are available, offering expert knowledge on identifying edible plants and understanding the ecology of the area. Picking berries in the quiet forests, surrounded by Lapland’s serene landscapes, is a relaxing experience and a fantastic way to taste the flavors of Finnish summer.

Golfing Under the Midnight Sun

Golf enthusiasts visiting Levi in the summer can take advantage of the unique opportunity to play a round of golf under the Midnight Sun. Levi Golf Course, located in a scenic area just outside the town, offers an 18-hole course set against a backdrop of mountains and lush forests. Playing golf in broad daylight at midnight is an unforgettable experience that few other places in the world can offer.

The Levi Golf Course is well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels, with challenging fairways and beautiful views that make it a joy to play. Golfing during the Midnight Sun is a surreal experience, allowing you to enjoy the game in a calm, otherworldly atmosphere with extended daylight hours.

Levi Adventure Park and Zip Lining

For families and adventure seekers, Levi Adventure Park offers a range of activities that make the most of the summer season. The park features rope courses, climbing walls, and a zipline that provides an adrenaline-filled way to enjoy Levi’s scenery. Suitable for both kids and adults, Levi Adventure Park is a fun and challenging way to spend the day.

One of the highlights is the zip line, which offers spectacular views of the Levi fell and surrounding forests. With courses designed for different skill levels, it’s a great activity for families, groups, and anyone looking for an exciting outdoor challenge.

Conclusion

Levi in summer is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a unique Arctic experience under the Midnight Sun. With activities ranging from hiking and biking to cultural tours and berry picking, Levi offers a diverse array of experiences in a stunning natural setting. The long, sunny days of summer reveal a different side of this popular winter destination, showcasing the vibrant landscapes and adventures that make Levi a must-visit place all year round. Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, savoring quiet moments by a lake, or learning about the rich Sami heritage, Levi in summer promises an unforgettable journey through the beauty of Finnish Lapland.