In for some excitement while exploring Lapland’s vast wilderness? Then you will definitely enjoy a snowmobile safari. Good for nearly a full day of endless tracks, frozen lakes and desolate forests. And a typical Lappish lunch in a cosy cabin. Here we go!
Explore Kätkä’s wilderness by snowmobile
In 2025 on my to-do list in Lapland: a snowmobile adventure.
When walking around Levi you come across many snowmobile tracks and snowmobiles. So where to go and how?
Since we didn’t have any experience in driving a snowmobile, I looked for a guided tour. Not too long, not too short, just enough for getting a feel of it. And not having to drive all day, I read this might be pretty exhausting if you are not used to it.
We chose a snowmobile safari covering around 40 kilometers around 4 hours.
The day started with a driving and safety briefing. Absolutely necessary, especially if you’ve never been on a snowmobile.
We got isolated suits, boots, mittens and a helmet. At first, I thought we didn’t need the suits. We were already dressed in decent winter outfits. But once we started, I realized just how fast we were going and how icy the wind was. The Arctic cold really hits you at speed, so this gear is essential.
We explored Levi’s neighbouring fell, Kätkä. The tracks take you you to wild nature, through bogs and snowy forests.
Around halfway, we enjoyed lunch in Hanhipirtti’s wilderness cabin. I must admit, it looked like a cabin at the end of the world. The cabin is only reachable by snowmobile.
It’s authentic and cosy. I tried a delicous reindeer soup. And in the mean time enjoyed the many historical artefacts in the interior.
After lunch, we continued our drive along the northern side of Kätkä fell back to Levi, accross a frozen lake.
At first, getting used to the snowmobile felt a bit overwhelming. Getting started was the trickiest part for me. The snowmobiles are sturdy and very maneuverable, yes. But I really had to focus on balance and control on the first couple of kilometers on the busier tracks in the Levi center. I needed to get used to the speed too, the weight and steering on snow-covered roads.
Once you get a hang of it, it’s a really thrilling ride through winter wilderness. You hit open trails at quite some speed through endless forests and on frozen lakes.
There’s one driver and one passenger. We swapped seats halfway. For me, a good idea. Driving is pretty tiring, you really need to concentrate. So it’s ideal that you can take turns and enjoy the landscape from the passengers seat too.
My tips for your snowmobile safari
We booked through Tokka Safaris, an excellent choice. The group was small, the guide excellent. I also liked the stop at Hanhipirtti’s wilderness cabin. You can book directly or via the friendly Levi Tourist Information. The latter offers a range of options and also give advice on trips that might suit you.
Tokka Safaris has several tours, so up to you to decide which one you like best.
My recommendations?
- Take a group tour. If you’ve never driven a snowmobile, the first meters – especially on busier tracks in Levi – can be tricky. A guided group tour ensures you get proper driving and safety instructions. And with a guide, you don’t get lost in the wilderness. Because it is vast. and there are many snowmobile tracks.
- Swap drivers. You usually have one driver, one passenger.Driving is pretty tiring since you need to concentrate, particularly if it’s your first time. it’s very fun to drive, but also to enjoy the scenery from the passengers seat.
- Go for at tour of at least 3 hours. That way, you can head deeper into Levi’s unspoiled wilderness and avoid crowds. During our ride, we only came across one small group.
- Bring your driving license. Police may check it during the safari.
- Check the self liability. Usually, there is a maximum self liability per snowmobile, which sometimes can be reduced.
- The minimum age for driving is 18 years. Depending on their height, children can sit on the passenger seat or in a seat in a sled pulled by a snowmobile driven by the guide. C
- Dress in layers. Thermal wear under the provided overall is essential. Gloves, hats, and warm socks are a must. We were even glad we got some isolated boots. If you book a group tour, you usually get everything you need/
- Don’t forget your camera. The views are unforgettable.
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