Levi’s Secret Cafe — also known as the Hidden Cafe or officially Café Panorama Laavu — is one of the most magical hidden gems in Lapland. Tucked into the snowy forest near Levi’s summit, this tiny cosy shelter has become one of the most talked-about experiences in Finnish Lapland, popular on TikTok and Instagram worldwide.
☕ What is the Levi Secret Cafe?
Café Panorama Laavu is a small forest shelter (laavu) located near Levi’s front slopes summit, just a 300-metre walk from the Levi Summit parking lot. The café serves hot drinks, crepes and fried sausages around an open fire — with breathtaking views stretching all the way to the Pallas fells. A glass front wall keeps you sheltered from the winter cold while you enjoy the view.
🎬 Video guide – How to find the Secret Cafe
Watch our step-by-step video guide showing all three routes to Café Panorama Laavu:
📍 Location and how to get there
The Secret Cafe is located near the Levi Summit, close to Hotel Levi Panorama. There are three ways to get there — click the Google Maps links below to start navigation from each starting point:
- 🚡 Gondola lift (recommended) — Take the Gondoli2000 from Levi centre to the summit, then walk 300 metres through the forest path. Start from Zero Point, Hissitie 8 → Gondola price: €10 one way / €15 return. Under 5s free, children €11 return.
- 🚶 Stairs — Walk up the 766-step staircase from Hotel Levi Spa. A great workout with beautiful views along the way. Start from Hissitie 6 →
- 🚗 By car — Drive to Levi Summit parking lot at Tunturitie 205, park your car, then walk 300 metres along the scenic forest path to the café. Tunturitie 205, Levi →
🚡 Route 1 — Gondola lift starting point
🚶 Route 2 — Stairs starting point
🚗 Route 3 — Car parking point (Tunturitie 205)
🕐 Opening hours
The Secret Cafe is open during the winter season only. Opening hours vary — always check current hours before visiting as they change throughout the season.
| Early season | Daily 12:00–16:00 |
| Main season | Thu–Sat 12:00–16:00 |
| Summer | Closed |
⚠️ Always check current opening hours on levi.fi →
🍽️ What’s on the menu?
- Hot drinks — coffee, hot chocolate, tea
- Crepes
- Sausages grilled over open fire
- Light snacks
🗼 The viewing tower
Next to the café is a scenic viewing tower offering extended views over the Lappish landscape. On clear days you can see as far as the Pallas fells — one of the most stunning panoramas in Finnish Lapland. Worth climbing even if the café is busy.
💡 Tips for visiting
- Arrive early — the Secret Cafe has become very popular thanks to social media and can get busy, especially on weekends
- Check opening hours before you go — the cafe isn’t open every day
- The walk from the summit parking lot is only 300 metres but can be slippery — wear proper winter boots
- Even if it’s crowded inside, grab a hot drink and enjoy the view from the outdoor platforms
- The gondola ride itself is a great experience — highly recommended over driving up
- Best visited on a clear day for the views — but the atmosphere around the open fire is magical even in a snowstorm
🏨 Accommodation near the Secret Cafe
Leviloma apartments are located in the centre of Levi, a short walk from the gondola lift that takes you up to the Secret Cafe. Perfect base for exploring Levi’s best hidden spots.
🔗 Read also
Leviguide.com – your complete guide to Levi, Lapland.