Every winter, a temporary village built entirely from snow and ice rises from the Lapland landscape near Levi. Snow Village is rebuilt from scratch each December using over 20 million kilograms of snow and 300,000 kilograms of ice — and every year it’s completely different. An ice hotel, ice restaurant, ice bar and ice chapel, all carved by artists and illuminated from within. It’s one of the most extraordinary places you can visit in Finnish Lapland.
🔑 Snow Village — Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Lainio, Kittilä — about 25 km from Levi centre |
| Season | December to April (rebuilt each winter) |
| What’s inside | Ice hotel, ice restaurant, ice bar, ice chapel, ice sculptures |
| Entry fee | €20–25 adult day visitor (ice hotel stays are separate) |
| Temperature inside | -5°C to -8°C — cold but sheltered from wind |
| From Levi | ~25 minutes by car or organised transfer |
| Website | snowvillage.fi → |
| Reviews | ⭐ Read reviews → |
❄️ What Is Snow Village?
Snow Village (officially Lapland Hotels SnowVillage) is a unique winter attraction in the Kittilä region, built entirely from scratch each December. A team of snow architects and ice sculptors spend weeks constructing the village — carving hotel suites from ice, shaping an entire restaurant and bar, and creating intricate sculptures throughout. The result is a glowing, otherworldly environment unlike anything else in Europe. Everything melts in spring and the whole thing begins again the following winter.
🏨 What to Do at Snow Village
| Experience | About |
|---|---|
| Day visit | Explore the ice sculptures, ice bar, restaurant and architecture. Best for most visitors — 1–2 hours is enough. Entry fee applies. |
| Ice bar | Drinks served in glasses made of ice in a bar carved from snow. Thermal capes provided. A genuinely memorable experience. |
| Ice restaurant | Dinner in a restaurant carved entirely from ice and snow. Book well in advance — tables are limited. |
| Overnight stay in ice suite | Sleep in a suite carved from ice, in a specially designed sleeping bag rated to -30°C. Bucket-list experience for couples and adventurers. |
| Ice chapel | Available for weddings and commitment ceremonies — one of the most atmospheric venues imaginable. |
| Snow activities | Snowmobile safaris and husky rides can be combined with a Snow Village visit. |
🚗 Getting from Levi to Snow Village
Snow Village is located in Lainio, about 25 km from Levi centre — a 25-minute drive. Options for getting there:
- By car — the easiest option. Snow Village is well signposted from the main road. Winter tyres are mandatory and all hire cars are equipped.
- Organised transfers — several Levi safari operators run day trips to Snow Village, often combined with other activities. Ask your accommodation or check with local tour operators.
- Taxi from Levi — around €40–60 each way for the vehicle.
📅 When to Visit
Snow Village opens in December and closes in April when temperatures rise and the structure begins to melt. The sculptures and architecture are at their finest in December and January when the ice is freshest. By March the carvings are still impressive but may show some wear. Visit earlier in the season for the sharpest, most detailed ice work.
💡 Tips for Visiting Snow Village
- Book the ice restaurant and overnight stays well in advance — these sell out quickly, especially in December and February
- Dress warmly even inside — it’s -5°C to -8°C throughout. Thermal layers, hat and gloves are essential
- Allow 1.5–2 hours for a day visit — enough to explore thoroughly without rushing
- Combine with a safari — many operators offer Snow Village + husky or snowmobile safari as a half-day package
- Photography is spectacular — the coloured ice sculptures photograph beautifully, especially in the evening when lighting is most dramatic
🏨 Where to Stay in Levi
Levi centre is the ideal base for a Snow Village day trip — 25 minutes away, with everything else (skiing, restaurants, safaris) right on your doorstep.
📖 See Also
Leviguide.com – your complete guide to Levi, Lapland.