Levin Iglut
FI

Levin Iglut Reception

Tel. +358 45 162 5606,

Reserve a table
Restaurant Utsu Reservations

Tel. +358 45 162 5606,

Address and Contact Information

We are open 27.8.2025 – 23.4.2026
Harjatie 2, FI-99130 Levi, Lapland, Finland
Coordinates: 67.787014, 24.89071

Sales service open Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Tel. +358 10 573 0450
E-mail:

Nature & Culture

Discover the Soul of Lapland

Explore

Nature & Culture in Lapland

At Levi Igloos, the Arctic wilderness meets rich northern heritage. Explore untouched nature, from fell landscapes to silent forests, and discover authentic Lappish culture through local traditions, Sámi stories and seasonal cuisine. Here, nature isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a way of life.

At Levi Igloos, nature and culture come together in the most authentic way. Utsuvaara, the fell on which our igloos rest, is more than a beautiful viewpoint. It is a living landscape shaped by the Ice Age, where sharp-edged boulder fields are softened by velvety moss and timeworn kelopuu trees stand as silent witnesses of the Arctic. In autumn, the slopes are carpeted with berries of many tastes, as well as mushrooms, many of which can be found right here in Utsuvaara’s forests. Some of the Finnish mushrooms are taken all the way across the world to the finest kitchens. Maybe you will find your very own matsutake? And if not, you will definitely encounter your some blueberries or chanterelles. 

Every season offers a new way to connect with this land: wander freely along Utsuvaara’s nature trails in autumn, borrow snowshoes from our reception to explore the snow-covered forest in winter, or book curated tours with our trusted local partners to discover both wilderness and culture. And not to forget the special room in our hearts reserved to Christmas! Here you can meet Joulupukki, the Finnish Santa Claus, considered to be the one and only real Santa. 

Here, in the silence of Utsuvaara, Lapland reveals itself in full. Through its pure air, living traditions and the timeless beauty of the northern sky.

Nature & Clean Air

Lapland’s air is scientifically proven to be the cleanest in the world.

The air in Lapland has been measured among the purest in the world, and its unique flora tells the same story: beard lichen, which only survives in pristine conditions, drapes from trees, while the reindeer’s beloved lichen thrives on the ground. Wildlife surrounds us too. Reindeer wander in great numbers in autumn, foxes and squirrels are darting between the trees, and in winter white ptarmigans are blending perfectly into the snow. Keen eyes may even spot arctic foxes, voles or hawks circling overhead.

Flavors of the North

Lapland is often described as a vast natural pantry, where the pure Arctic climate nurtures an abundance of wild foods. Each season brings its own treasures: in the fells and forests around Utsuvaara you will find carpets of blueberries and golden cloudberries hiding in the marshes, tangy lingonberries and bright red cranberries glistening after the first frosts. Alongside the berries grows a wide variety of mushrooms, from chanterelles and porcini to the rare matsutake, so prized that it is exported to the finest restaurants around the world.

For those who love foraging, this richness makes Utsuvaara a true paradise. Wandering the mossy forest floor with a basket in hand, you connect directly to the land and its rhythms. Tasting a handful of berries still warm from the sun or cooking freshly picked mushrooms captures the essence of Lapland: clean air, untouched wilderness and nature’s generosity offered freely. In this way, visitors experience not only flavour but also the purity and vitality of Arctic nature itself.

The flavours of the area are found on the menus of Restaurant Utsu and you bear witness from their origins to their final destination on your tongue. 

Wildlife & Seasons

Utsuvaara is alive with wildlife, offering visitors a glimpse into Lapland’s untamed nature throughout the year. In autumn, herds of reindeer roam freely across the fells, their presence a timeless symbol of the North. As winter arrives and the landscape turns white, the willow grouse, or ptarmigan, transforms its plumage to match the snow, disappearing almost completely into its surroundings in a perfect display of Arctic adaptation.

The forests and skies around Utsuvaara are never still. Red foxes slip quietly between the trees, squirrels chatter from the branches and keen-eyed visitors may spot hawks circling overhead. More elusive creatures, such as the arctic fox or voles beneath the snow, remind us of the delicate balance of life in this northern wilderness. The luckiest ones may spot them in the serenity of the Levi Igloos.

Each season reveals different encounters: autumn colours and reindeer trails, winter’s silence broken by the flutter of white wings, spring’s renewal of life and summer’s long days alive with movement. To witness these animals in their natural habitat is to connect deeply with Lapland itself. Wild, pure and ever-changing.

Read more about Seasons

Sámi Culture

Yet Lapland is not only wilderness; it is also heritage. The Sámi, the only recognised indigenous people of Northern Europe, have lived in harmony with this environment for thousands of years. Guests can explore their rich history, culture and mythology through the Samiland exhibition near Levi Summit, or step inside a traditional kota, a cone-shaped Sámi dwelling with a central fireplace, still used today as a cosy gathering and grilling spot. There is even one at Levi Igloos, just behind Restaurant Utsu.

Did you know sami is one of the official languages in Finland? It is not a single language but a group of closely related languages, passed down through generations as a vital link between people, culture and land. For the Sámi, language is more than communication. It carries traditions, stories and knowledge about nature that have been preserved for centuries. Today, families continue to teach Sámi to their children, ensuring that this unique heritage lives on.

Visit Samiland Website

 

Art

Reidar Särestöniemi (1925–1981), one of Finland’s most celebrated artists, captured the essence of Lapland’s arctic nature and stories in his vibrant oil paintings. Born in Kittilä, he studied at the Finnish Art Academy and Leningrad’s Ilja Repin Institute. His colorful works, inspired by northern landscapes, wildlife, and modernist influences, earned him the title “Prince of Colors.” Based at his family’s Särestö farm, his art reflects a deep connection to nature and self.

For those inspired by art, the Reidar Särestöniemi Gallery is well worth a visit. His home and studio remain a fascinating cultural destination. The Särestöniemi Museum, open year-round, showcases his legacy through exhibitions and workshops.

Visit Museum Website