Best CyclingTrip

Lapland, Kittilä, Finland

Mountain biking at Levi, in Finnish Lapland, beyond the Arctic Circle

Start point

Levi

Distance

20 km

Elevation gain

300 m D+

Duration

One day

Difficulty

Hard

Best season

June to September

MTB

Levi, in Finnish Lapland, is Finland’s northernmost ski resort, but its summer area has become a genuine MTB destination, just a few kilometres beyond the Arctic Circle.

A bike park beyond the Arctic Circle

From Levi, the chairlift gives access to a network of trails descending toward the valley through the subarctic taiga typical of Lapland. Expect around 20 km of cumulative descending on a typical day, with 300 m of residual climbing, most of the elevation being handled by the lift. The terrain alternates groomed bike park runs with more technical singletrack through the undergrowth.

Getting the ride right

A full-face helmet and full protective gear remain recommended for the area’s more committing singletrack. Proximity to the Arctic Circle allows, around the summer solstice, riding under the midnight sun at unusual hours.

When to go

June to September, the season the lift dedicated to summer activities is open. June and July bring the midnight sun phenomenon, while late August-September benefits from the first autumn colours across the taiga.

Good to know

Levi (Kittilä) offers a wide choice of accommodation and a well-connected regional airport, with convenient access to Muonio for extending the stay to other parts of Finnish Lapland.

Getting to Levi

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Where to stay near Levi

A selection of well-located places to stay so you can start the ride fresh.

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Recommended gear

Frequently asked questions

Can you ride in the middle of the night at Levi in summer?+

Yes, Levi lies beyond the Arctic Circle, where the sun doesn't set for several weeks around the summer solstice. This quirk means, in theory, you can ride at any hour of the day or night during this period — a unique experience for mountain bikers.

Is Levi known only for skiing?+

No, the resort, famous for hosting an annual alpine skiing World Cup event, has diversified widely into summer activities: the Levi bike park, served by chairlift, now makes it one of the northernmost MTB destinations in Europe.

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