Northern Lights Adventure in the Wild with Campfire Treats

Imagine a journey into the heart of the Finnish wilderness where the icy silence is only broken by the crackling of a campfire and the whisper of the Northern Lights dancing overhead. This Northern Lights Adventure in Levi, offered by Soma Adventures, promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural storytelling, and warm, authentic Finnish hospitality — all wrapped into a 3.5-hour experience. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect.

What draws many to this tour are three standout features: the remote setting far from city lights, the cozy Soma Hideout cabin with its welcoming atmosphere, and the included snowshoe walk across a frozen lake, all perfect for those wanting a real Arctic adventure. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the Northern Lights remain a natural phenomenon—so there’s no guarantee you’ll see them on every trip. This tour is best suited for lovers of winter landscapes, cultural storytelling, and those seeking a balanced mix of adventure and comfort.

Good To Know:

• Remote Wilderness: Perfect for light pollution-free views of the Aurora Borealis.
• Authentic Finnish Experience: Cozy hut, traditional food, and storytelling.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Intimate, personal experience with guides who know their stuff.
• Inclusions: Thermal jackets provided, but you’ll need thermal trousers.
• Timing & Duration: About 3.5 hours starting at 9 p.m., making it ideal for evening aurora hunting.
• Cost-Effective: At roughly $170, it offers a well-rounded experience given the included activities and transport.

Setting Out for a Night Under the Aurora

This tour begins with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Levi after 9 p.m., easing the hassle of transportation in the winter darkness. Within about 35 kilometers, you’ll leave behind the glow of city lights and head into the serene wilderness of Lompolo, a small village famous for its clear skies and unspoiled landscapes. The journey itself, by minibus, sets the tone for the adventure — comfortable, intimate, and slightly thrilling as you venture into the quiet Arctic night.

Lompolo’s location is key: it’s a light pollution-free zone, which means the sky overhead is often free of any artificial glow, maximizing your chances of catching the Northern Lights. This stark contrast to urban settings is one reason why many travelers regard this as a prime spot for Aurora viewing. The quiet is almost meditative, punctuated only by the occasional snowmobile or distant call of a bird, depending on the season.

The Soma Hideout: A Cozy Arctic Retreat

Arriving at Soma Hideout, you’re greeted by a charming traditional Finnish village scene: a rustic, welcoming hut with a glass roof kota (a small, heated, glass-covered cabin). This is where the magic happens. This cozy spot is designed to be both a warm haven and a prime viewing platform for the Northern Lights, offering panoramic views of the night sky. Inside, the warmth of a crackling fire and the aroma of roasting sausages create a feeling of coming home in the Arctic wilderness.

According to reviews, guides like Heli and Ellen are more than just knowledgeable—they’re genuinely friendly and eager to share their local culture. As one reviewer states, “They have the best knowledge about their culture,” which adds depth to the experience beyond just aurora spotting. The guides also take the time to ensure everyone feels comfortable, whether that means helping with snowshoeing or sharing stories about Lapland’s way of life.

Food, Warmth, and Stories

One highlight of this tour is the campfire treats. Expect to roast Finnish sausages and toast marshmallows over the fire, paired with hot berry juice. This isn’t just a snack — it’s a taste of Lapland’s hospitality, designed to keep you warm and cozy while you wait for the Northern Lights to appear. Many travelers mention how much they appreciated the personalized touch of the food, with some noting the sausages are especially tasty and the hot drinks very comforting after braving the cold.

The inside of the hut provides a comfy space to relax, chat with fellow travelers, or simply gaze up at the star-studded sky through the glass roof. The atmosphere is intimate—reviews mention a “real personal” feel, with guides taking time to answer questions and share stories. As one guest wrote, “The cabin is real personal stuff,” which adds a layer of authenticity and warmth to the experience.

Snowshoe Walk and Ice Lake Views

A key feature of this tour is the optional snowshoe walk on the frozen lake. For those comfortable with winter gear, this is a wonderful chance to see the landscape from a different perspective. Light from hand lanterns creates a magical glow across the snow, and the silence of walking across the ice is almost surreal. Reviewers have said that this walk adds a special layer to the experience, making it feel more immersive and adventurous.

Walking on the ice lake also offers a wide, unobstructed view of the sky, perfect for spotting the Northern Lights if they decide to make an appearance. The wide-open space is often praised as one of the best spots for Aurora viewing in the area. Keep in mind, this activity is optional, but many guests find it well worth the extra effort.

The Chance to See the Northern Lights

Despite all the preparations, it’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence and can’t be guaranteed. Several reviewers mention that they didn’t see the aurora during their trip but still enjoyed the experience. As Olga_G states, “Very punctual, we couldn’t see the northern lights but we had a great time at the caban with sweets, Juice and sausages,” emphasizing the value of the overall experience beyond just the sighting.

The guides are well-versed in the best spots and conditions for Aurora viewing, and the remote location significantly increases your chances. The wide view over the lake, away from artificial lights, makes this spot particularly popular for Northern Lights chasers.

Practical Details and Value

At around $170 per person, this tour is a solid investment for those seeking an authentic arctic experience with cultural insights, good food, and the potential for a spectacular Aurora show. The inclusion of thermal jackets (though not trousers) ensures you’ll stay warm without additional rental costs, which is a nice touch.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, starting at 9 p.m., aligning well with prime Aurora viewing hours. The small group size—capped at 8 travelers—ensures a more personal experience, with plenty of time for questions, photos, and soaking in the atmosphere.

Transportation is included, which simplifies logistics in the dark winter landscape. The cozy hut, combined with the opportunity for snowshoe walking and storytelling, offers a well-rounded Arctic adventure that balances comfort with outdoor activity.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, with Olga_G noting the punctuality and Elena_T describing the guides as “super friendly” and taking the time to enjoy the experience with a small group. Isa_A sums it up as “the most amazing experience of my Vacation,” emphasizing the personal touch and cultural stories shared by the guides.

Others appreciated the stunning views from the lake and the warmth of the cabin, which made waiting enjoyable even if the aurora was elusive. Many mention the hot drinks and food as a highlight, creating a cozy atmosphere against the cold night.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, cultural storytelling, and outdoor fun. The small-group size and knowledgeable guides make it a personalized experience, ideal for those who want to maximize their chances of witnessing the Northern Lights while enjoying authentic Lapland hospitality.

While the Aurora cannot be guaranteed, the carefully selected location, cozy setting, and inclusive activities make this a worthwhile choice for anyone seeking a genuine Arctic adventure. The combination of snowshoe walks, campfire treats, and cultural insights ensures you’ll leave with more than just photos—even if the lights stay hidden.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who value small-group intimacy and cultural storytelling. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet adventurous evening with warm local food and the chance to see the Northern Lights, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those new to winter travel, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone wanting an authentic Finnish experience away from city lights.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Levi, making logistics simple and stress-free.

What should I wear?
Thermal jackets are provided, but you’ll need to bring your own thermal trousers for warmth during the outdoor activities.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
The tour takes you to a prime location with a high chance of Aurora viewing, but as with all Northern Lights excursions, sightings depend on weather and aurora activity.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, starting at 9 p.m., ideal for evening aurora hunting.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy city-free stargazing, a snowshoe walk on the ice lake, and cozy campfire treats like sausages, marshmallows, and hot berry juice.

Is this suitable for children?
While most travelers find it family-friendly, the outdoor activities and cold weather may require some consideration for very young children.

What if I don’t see the Aurora?
You can’t guarantee a sighting, but many guests still find the experience memorable thanks to the setting, food, and storytelling. Cancellations are free if weather conditions are poor.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience with guides who genuinely care about your comfort and enjoyment.

In sum, this Northern Lights tour offers a blend of adventure, culture, and comfort that makes it a compelling choice for anyone visiting Lapland. With its small-group focus, cozy setting, and the potential for spectacular skies, it’s well worth considering for your Arctic itinerary.