Levi (Sirkka)

Introducing Levi (Sirkka)

Levi is a skiing centre that has experienced massive growth in recent years, and now attracts equivalent numbers of visitors to Ruka, placing it at the top of the tree as far as Finnish skiing is concerned. There are several nightclubs, some fine restaurants and plenty of accommodation in a fairly compact area; most of the action is within a stone's throw of the lifts. For this reason, Levi hosts many high-profile skiing competitions. Levi is actually the name of the fell, while Sirkka is the village, but most people refer to the whole place as Levi.

The ski season usually runs from November to May, with the busiest period in March and April, when the snow is good, temperatures aren't extreme, and there's a bit of sun. In summer and autumn, trekking and mountain biking are the main outdoor activities.

The efficient and informative Levin Matkailu Oy Keskusvaraamo (639 3300; www.levi.fi; Myllyojantie 2; 9am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 11am-4pm Sat & Sun, open weekends until 5.30pm at busy periods) is the tourist information centre and accommodation booking agency. It's behind the teepee-like building on the roundabout in the centre of the resort. Staff can book accommodation, including cottages, and activities such as snowmobile safaris, dog-sled treks and reindeer rides. Many independent tour operators are based in Sirkka/Levi, making it a good place to join organised tours - from canoeing in summer to dog-sledding in winter.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009