Kittila

Hotels

Rooms made of snow and ice, cosy log cabins, snug cottages, B&Bs and swish ski resort digs: the Kittilä municipality boasts an exciting mix of places to stay. For starters, the snow-sculpted tunnels, igloos, ice-hewn furniture and illuminated ice art mark out the winter Snow Village (Lainiotie), 27km southwest of Kittilä village, as somewhere truly special. In Kittilä village, the modestly priced Hotel Kittilä (Valtatie 49) is difficult to miss thanks to the scarlet aeroplane mounted outside, and Pilots Bar next door. Alternatively, for a ski-in, ski-out hotel perched atop a fell, try Hotel Levi Panorama (Tunturitie 205).

Shopping

All the ski villages around Kittilä have their own huddle of shops selling everyday items, skiwear and outdoor clothing as well as traditional arts, crafts and other gifts. Levi has the widest choice. Browse through a wide range of souvenirs at gift shops Sekatavarakauppa (Leviraitti 1) and Ebba & Erkki (Leviraitti 4). Then, stroll on towards Aste Brandstore (Keskuskuja 4) for designer skiwear. Wood Jewel (Torikuja 4) has some beautiful wood- and antler-carved goods, while Jänkhä Shop (Keskuskuja 2b) is the place to buy traditional Lappish jewellery, ceramics, wool, metalwork and more.

Food & Drink

The Kittilä region has some truly unique venues in which to gobble up seasonal Lappish fare, from freshwater fish to moose, reindeer, berries and mushrooms. The Snow Village (Lainiotie) has a choice between a cosy log restaurant or the sub-zero IceBar, complete with frozen tables and benches. Finland's highest restaurant, Ylläskammi 718, is also within striking distance of Kittilä at the summit of Ylläs in the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. A gondola will take you to the top. Awesome views also accompany the fondue at Levi's mountaintop restaurant Tuikku, reachable by road or chairlift.

Events

Levi Midsummer Party

June

Levi's biggest summer knees-up happens at midsummer, when hundreds stay up to party through the 'nightless night' on top of the local fell. A huge bonfire is lit at midnight.

Kittilän kesämarkkinat

July

This traditional summer market in Kittilä village is accompanied by films, music, sporting events and more. It lasts for five days, beginning two weeks after midsummer.

Rally Sprint Future Cup Levi

August

Motoring enthusiasts rev their way to Levi in the late summer, when dozens of rally cars tear through the village streets for a leg of Finland's rally sprint cup.

FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

November

Think you're hot stuff on the slopes? Just wait until you see the world's top Alpine skiers in action. Levi is centre of the skiing world for a few days each November, when it hosts an early leg of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

Christmas Market

November-December Twinkling fairy lights, steaming hot glögi wine and all manner of sweets, treats, gifts and decorations can be found in Levi's annual Christmas market, near Zero Point.