How to Do Levi on a Budget and Save Money in 2025

Levi looks pricey at first glance (Lapland! Huskies! Northern Lights!), but it’s one of the few Lapland bases with a walkable village, free sledding hills, affordable buses, and plenty of no-ticket snow fun. You can still have a great time in Levi on a budget.

If you’ve booked a trip for this year but you’re starting to panic a bit at the expense, let me show you some great ways to keep the costs in Levi down. Trust me, with smart timing and a few swaps, you can have the magic without the meltdown.

Quick budget wins for lowering the cost of Levi

Travel outside UK school holidays (late Nov, mid-Jan, mid-March).
Book self-catering near the centre (ditch the slopeside premium).
Swap one ‘big’ activity (husky or reindeer) and pad with free days.
Use the village sledding hills & forest trails – they’re brilliant and free.
Buy snacks and ingredients for sandwiches in K-Market/S-Market; save eating out for one special meal.
Fly to Kittilä (KTT) then take the Levi Airport Bus (cheap, quick, no taxi needed).
If flights are steep, check Rovaniemi + train/bus up (longer, but sometimes cheaper).
Travel with only a cabin bag + wear bulky layers to dodge luggage fees.
Book midweek–midweek; Lapland Saturdays/Sundays price spike.
You can always go and look at the fancy accommodation, rather than staying there.

What things cost in Levi (realistic ranges)

(Per person unless noted. Prices vary by season/provider; use as planning ballpark.)

Item	Budget Range
Airport bus Kittilä → Levi	£5–£8 one-way
Ski/snowboard day pass	£35–£50
Sled hire (or buy a plastic pulkka)	£5–£10 per day (or £10–£20 to buy)
Husky ride (short taster 5–10 km)	£60–£110
Reindeer sleigh (short)	£30–£60
Snowshoe hire	£10–£20
Thermal clothing rental (full set/day)	£15–£25
Coffee & bun in café	£4–£7
Simple restaurant meal	£12–£20
Supermarket dinner (self-catered)	£3–£6

Daily budget target (family of 3): £90–£150 self-catering with one paid activity every other day.

Where to stay in Levi (and save)

Self-catering cabins/apartments within 10–15 minutes’ walk of Zero Point (the main base). You’ll save on buses and can nip back for naps/meals.
Look for places with: drying cupboard, small sauna (common in Finland), and a kitchenette.
If you’re mostly doing free outdoor fun, you don’t need slopeside.

Click for more great places to stay in Levi.

Free & genuinely cheap things to do in Levi

1. Village Sledding Hills
Bring or buy a pulkka (plastic sled). There are several small hills around the centre; you’ll see families using them from daylight ‘til aurora o’clock.

2. Aurora hunting on foot
When the KP is decent and the sky’s clear, you can catch the Northern Lights from the Immeljärvi Lake or darker edges of the village. Take head torches; switch off phones for night vision.

3. Winter walking & forest play

Levi is ringed by snowy spruce. Follow groomed tracks from Zero Point; build snowmen, make snow angels and play “spot the fox tracks.”

4. Free viewpoints
Walk up towards Levitunturi (the fell) for quiet viewpoints; even halfway up you’ll get that Lapland “frozen Narnia” look, no lift pass needed.

5. Window-shopping & hot-choc crawl
Warm up with café stops and try a single shared treat each time. It keeps costs down but spirits high.

6. Frozen lake fun (conditions permitting)
Immeljärvi often has staked-out paths. Stick to marked areas only; if in doubt, don’t.

7. Budget snowshoe taster

Rent snowshoes for a half-day and choose an easy forest loop. Kids usually love the ‘moon-step’ novelty so it’s great for experiencing Levi on a budget.

8. DIY reindeer meet
Many gift shops/cafés have antler displays and info; if a full sleigh ride is too spendy, opt for a short reindeer farm visit (often cheaper than rides).

Smart swaps in Levi (save ££ without losing magic)

Husky vs reindeer: pick one signature ride; add a kennel/farm visit instead of two full rides.
Shorter experiences: a 5–10 km husky is still wow.
Picnic lunches: soup + rolls from the supermarket; eat by a trail.

3-Day Budget Itinerary (family-friendly)

Day 1 – Levi taster & sledding

Morning: Arrive, supermarket shop, pick up pulkka + head torches.
Afternoon: Explore the village, free sledding hill near centre.
Evening: Aurora watch from Immeljärvi edge if the sky plays nice; hot chocolate back at the cabin.

Day 2 – One big activity + forest fun

Morning: Husky taster (book early slots for lower prices).
Lunch: Cabin soup & toasties.
Afternoon: Snowshoe hire (half-day) or more sledding.
Evening: Sauna + stargazing. If lights show, step outside; no tour needed.

Day 3 – Cheap thrills & viewpoints

Morning: Winter walk up Levitunturi path to a viewpoint (no pass).
Lunch: Café treat (share a cinnamon bun).
Afternoon: Reindeer farm visit (skip sleigh, choose meet-and-feed).
Evening: Night village stroll; return the gear; pack.

Optional paid swap: If skiing is your must-do, make Day 3 a half-day ski instead, and drop the farm visit.

Packing & rental tips (stay warm, spend less)

Layer up: base layer (thermal), fleece, waterproof outer; thin gloves under mittens for kids.
Don’t rush to rent full “thermal suits” — if you already own ski-ish layers, you may only need boots + mitts.
Heat packs for tiny hands.
Head torch for aurora walks; phones are cold-sensitive.

With kids: sanity-saving ideas

Keep activities short & often (40–90 minutes), warm up, repeat.
Bribe bag: raisins, cereal bars, a tiny plush reindeer they “feed.”
Sled commute: pull little legs between spots — it becomes the activity.
Plan one “wow” experience per day and protect nap time.

Safety & etiquette (quick notes)

Only step onto marked trails/lakes; if you’re unsure, don’t.
Darkness drops fast; keep a charged phone + torch.
Book animal experiences with ethical operators: short runs, rest time for dogs, small group sizes.

Is Levi cheaper than Rovaniemi?

Often, yes — especially for accommodation near the slopes and walking-distance fun.

Can you see the Northern Lights without a tour?

Yes. On clear nights, try the lakeside/darker edges of the village. Tours help with forecasting and photography, but they’re not essential.

Do I need a car?

Not if you stay near the centre. The airport bus and local ski buses are fine for a budget trip.

What month is best for a budget visit?

Late November, mid-January, or March (avoid Christmas/school holidays).

Is skiing good for beginners?

Yes. Levi has gentle greens and good English-speaking instructors. Do a single lesson + half-day to keep costs down.

Sample costs in Levi (family of 3, 3 nights, mid-Jan)

Flights (ballpark): £300–£500 pp from the UK (watch sales)
Accommodation (self-catering): £85–£140/night
Airport bus: ~£40 total return
Big activity (husky taster): ~£180–£300 for the family (varies)
Gear rentals & little treats: £60–£120
Supermarket food: £45–£70

Total guide: £900–£1,400 for 3 nights if you keep eating out minimal and choose one headline activity.