Levi: Lovimainas Arctic Forest Ice Skating (1km)

If you want Lapland to feel less like a checklist and more like a slow, magical night out, this one delivers. You’ll skate on natural ice through snow-dusted pines, guided by soft bulb lights that make the whole forest glow.

I love how the trip is built for real life, not just experts. It works for kids and beginners, and you still get a satisfying skating experience for seasoned skaters.

One thing to consider is the weather. In extreme cold (around -30°C or below), the session may be rescheduled or refunded.

Key highlights worth knowing

• 1 km on natural ice in an Arctic forest setting
• Several rinks through the trees, so you can find your rhythm
• Skates and helmet included, plus protection gear
• Heated shelter time in a Kota log cabin, with hot drinks
• Kicksledge option if someone in your group can’t skate (subject to availability)
• Later time slots can improve your odds of seeing auroras

Why 1 km of natural ice in Levi’s forest feels different

This is not “skate in a big open rink and move on.” It’s a short distance, about 1 km, but it’s framed by trees, snow, and light. The natural ice and the forest setting change the whole mood. You feel like you’re moving through a winter scene, not a sports facility.

The softly glowing lights matter more than you’d think. In the dark Lapland winter, they do two jobs at once. They help you navigate, and they turn the experience into something you actually want to photograph.

I also like the pace. Two hours gives you time to gear up, warm down, and still skate without feeling rushed. You get that classic family-friendly “activity night” feel, just with Arctic scenery doing the heavy lifting.

Getting to the forest from Levi Tourist Office

Your experience starts at the Levi Tourist Office. From there, you board a comfortable bus or van for about a 10-minute ride into the quieter part of the Arctic forest.

That transfer is part of the value. It saves you from figuring out cold-weather logistics on your own. It also helps you start in the right mindset, because you leave town and slide into that still, snowy setting before you even lace up skates.

A smart tip for planning your time: if you’re hoping for auroras, choose a later slot. The activity can run when the sky is darker, which gives the clouds and timing less of a reason to ruin your view. If auroras happen, you’re already in position to notice.

Heated changing room, skates, helmet, and the Kota shelter

Once you arrive, the first win is comfort. You head into a heated changing room to layer up and get ready. This matters in Lapland, because wet fabric and cold fingers can turn a fun evening into a miserable one fast.

Skates, helmet, and protection gear are included. So you’re not shopping, renting, or guessing sizes right before skating. You can focus on actually skating, not gear headaches.

Then there’s the Kota log cabin. It’s there for shelter from the cold. You’ll also have hot drinks, which is basically your recovery plan. Think of it as a warm reset between skating sections or after your time on the ice.

If you’re traveling with kids, this warm base is a big deal. Kids warm up faster when they have a real place to sit comfortably, not just a “stand around and hope you don’t freeze” plan.

The skating loop: bulb lights, several natural rinks, and all skill levels

The heart of the trip is your glide through the forest on natural ice. You’ll follow the softly glowing bulb lights into the trees, and the route takes you through several natural ice-skating rinks rather than one single loop.

That setup is great for mixed groups. Beginners can take things slowly and practice balance without feeling like they’re holding everyone back. More confident skaters can move steadily and enjoy the flow.

I like that it’s designed as “go at your pace.” In winter, speed is not the goal. Stability is. And the forest course makes it easier to stay focused because your attention naturally goes to the lights, the trees, and the rhythm of your own stride.

Photography and the fairy-tale factor

Bring your camera. The bulb lighting gives you real scene contrast. The trees frame the route, and the glow makes for those cozy, storybook photos that look good even when your skills on ice are still… developing.

A practical note: keep your hands warm. Your camera will be harder to use with numb fingers. You’ll enjoy the photos more if you treat cold hands as a real challenge, not an afterthought.

For non-skaters: the kicksledge option

If someone in your party cannot skate, you may be able to join using a kicksledge, depending on availability. It’s a good way to keep the group together without forcing everyone to do the same activity.

Even if only one person is unsure about skating, that option can reduce stress. You’re not stuck splitting up plans in the middle of the evening.

What the 2-hour schedule feels like in practice

This is scheduled for 2 hours total. In a typical flow, that time goes like this:

You arrive at Levi, ride into the forest, and gear up. Then you spend your main time skating between the rinks, with breaks that keep you warm. After the skating, you take a moment in the serene surroundings before heading back to Levi.

That “moment” piece is underrated. Arctic evenings can be intense. You can rush through them if your plan is too packed. This one builds in time for the quiet. It helps the experience feel memorable instead of just busy.

Also, the shuttle back matters. When you finish in the dark, you want a smooth exit, not a do-it-yourself cold-weather scramble.

Value and price: what you’re really paying for at about $81

At around $81 per person, the price sounds straightforward. What makes it feel reasonable is what’s included: skates, helmet, protection gear, hot drinks, guided tour, shuttle to and from the park, and access to the Kota log cabin.

A lot of winter activities charge for gear and then charge again for the rest of the setup. Here, the essentials are handled. That reduces the number of separate costs you might otherwise add up yourself.

The other part of the value is the setting. Natural ice through an Arctic forest is not a generic skating rink experience. You’re paying for the atmosphere, the curated route among the trees, and the calm, family-friendly structure.

To keep it good value for your group, plan your expectations. This is about enjoying the experience and the lights, not chasing athletic training or high-speed skating.

If you like winter scenery and easy fun, you’ll feel like you got your money’s worth.

Who should book this Arctic forest skating experience

This trip is ideal for families. It’s built for all skill levels, and the heated changing area plus Kota shelter makes it practical when kids need warm-ups.

It’s also a solid choice for couples who want something romantic without being overly fancy. The glow of the lights turns a simple activity into a shared memory. And since it’s in the forest, it feels personal, not like a crowded promenade.

I’d suggest it for anyone who likes structured outdoor fun, but doesn’t want heavy hiking or complicated logistics. You get the Arctic feel with a guided experience and a short transfer.

Who might want to skip

If you cannot handle standing and moving on ice even with support, this may not be for you. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users based on the provided information.

And if you’re extremely cold-sensitive, keep a close eye on conditions. The provider may reschedule or refund if it gets to -30°C or below.

Lovimainas sustainability: forest protection that shapes your trip

Lovimainas is a small, family-owned Finnish company. That alone often means a more consistent, grounded approach.

What impressed me most is the conservation angle. They protect and maintain 100 hectares of untouched Arctic forest, with the goal of preserving biodiversity and absorbing CO₂. That matters because it connects your evening outing to a bigger effort, not just a one-off show.

It also hints at why the experience feels thoughtfully placed. A company that invests in protecting the environment usually understands the need to keep experiences respectful and low impact.

If you care about authentic, place-based travel, this is the kind of activity that feels like it belongs in the region rather than being pasted on top of it.

A few practical tips to make your night easier

Here’s how to show up and actually enjoy it.

Dress for real winter cold, not “I’ll be fine” weather. Bring warm clothing, and wear layers you can adjust. You’ll be moving some, but you’ll also be stopped for warming breaks.

Wear gloves and keep them on. It’s easy to underestimate how much you need steady hands on ice. If your fingers go numb, you’ll spend less time enjoying the glow and more time dealing with discomfort.

If your group includes mixed ability, don’t stress. The route works for different comfort levels, and the rinks through the trees give you breathing room.

Finally, take your time with the atmosphere. The best part of this experience is not the skating score. It’s the feeling of moving through a lit Arctic forest while everything around you stays quiet and snowy.

Should you book Lovimainas Arctic Forest Ice Skating?

Book it if you want a winter experience that feels genuinely Lapland. You’ll get natural ice skating, a guided route through snow-covered trees, warm shelter in a Kota, and hot drinks, all in a tidy 2-hour format.

I’d especially book it if you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group. The activity is designed for all skill levels, and the kicksledge option can help non-skaters stay part of the fun.

Skip it only if you know the cold will be a problem or if your mobility needs aren’t a match. Also, if you’re looking for long, fast skating training, this is short and focused on atmosphere.

For most people visiting Levi, this is the kind of activity that turns an ordinary evening into a story you’ll talk about back home.

FAQ

Where does the ice skating trip start?

It starts at the Levi Tourist Office.

How long is the experience, and how far do you skate?

The total duration is 2 hours, and the skating experience is listed as 1 km.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are ice skates, protection gear, a helmet, hot drinks, shuttle to and from the park, a guided tour, and access to the Kota log cabin for shelter from the cold. A kicksledge may be available if you cannot skate, depending on availability.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing. A camera is also a good idea for photos of the lit forest.

What happens if it is extremely cold?

If it gets to about -30°C or below, the experience may be rescheduled or fully refunded for comfort and safety.

Is this activity wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.