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Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a trip to Lapland often comes with lots of questions, so we have gathered the ones we are asked most often.

 

Below you will find short answers about Foxfires, travelling in Lapland and planning your visit. If you would like more detailed information, you will also find many of these topics covered in our 500-pages “Winter guide to Levi Lapland” written from our own experience of living in the Arctic since 2018.

 

If you cannot find the answer you are looking for, please feel free to contact us.

About Foxfires

How many rooms do we have?

Currently, we have two rooms, two unique cabins and one glass roof cabin. 

 

How can we book?

You can book a room via our website and you can book the Arctic Spa experience via our website too. 

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking as early as possible, particularly if you plan to visit between December and March, when Levi is at its busiest.

As a small boutique accommodation with just two guesthouse rooms, two cabins and one glass-roof cabin, availability is limited and popular dates are often booked many months in advance.

We also recommend booking your private Arctic Spa and winter activities early, as availability can become limited during the busiest weeks of the season.

 

Why do so many guests stay for several nights?

Many guests come to Lapland hoping to see the Northern Lights, experience winter activities and simply enjoy the peace of the Arctic. Staying for several nights gives you more flexibility if the weather changes and allows you to experience Lapland at a slower pace rather than trying to fit everything into a short visit.

 

Can I see the Northern Lights from my accommodation?

Yes. When the skies are clear and Aurora activity is strong, the Northern Lights are often visible from Foxfires.

Many of our guests have been lucky enough to watch the Aurora from their accommodation or just outside their door. Thanks to the large windows throughout our accommodation and the glass roof in Ice Cube, you may even be able to enjoy the display from indoors.

As with all Northern Lights experiences, sightings can never be guaranteed, as they depend entirely on weather conditions and solar activity.

 

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast is included with stays in our Wolf and Polar Bear guesthouse rooms. Each morning we serve breakfast in our open-plan breakfast room, where you will be welcomed by us and, of course, Gooseberry, our Parson Russell Terrier.

For guests staying in Orava, Pupu or Ice Cube, breakfast is not included. However, you can order one of our breakfast packs, which will be waiting for you in your cabin when you arrive.

 

Are there cooking facilities in the rooms?

There are no cooking facilities in the Wolf and Polar Bear rooms. The breakfast space is not accessible after breakfast time. Our cabins have fully equipped kitchens. 

 

Do we have a restaurant? 

Sorry, no. We serve breakfast in our main space but not lunch or dinner. There are many restaurants in the village located less than 10 minutes drive from us, however this is not walking distance so you will need a car or a taxi. Our breakfast space is not accessible after breakfast time. 

 

What is included when I stay at Foxfires?

All stays include free parking, Wi-Fi, access to our guest app with local recommendations and personal support before and during your stay. Guesthouse bookings also include breakfast, while breakfast packs are available to order for cabin guests.

 

Is Foxfires adults only?

Yes. Foxfires is an adults-only boutique accommodation and Arctic Spa.

We have created Foxfires for adults looking to enjoy peace, privacy and a slower Arctic experience. Whether you are travelling as a couple, with friends or with adult family members, we hope you will enjoy the calm atmosphere we have created.

 

Are pets allowed at Foxfires?

Because we have Gooseberry it’s best we do not allow other animals. 

 

Do we have a sauna?

Oh yes! We have a fabulous sauna. You can book it directly on our website. Add an Arctic Spa experience to your basket on our website when making your room reservation. You can also book the Arctic Spa experience even if you are not staying with us.

 

Is the Arctic Spa open to people who are not staying at Foxfires?

Yes. Our private Arctic Spa can be booked by everyone, whether you are staying at Foxfires or elsewhere in Levi. All bookings are private and available by advance reservation through our website.

 

What is the difference between the Finn Spa and the Lux Spa?

Both experiences include exclusive use of our private wood-fired Finnish sauna, outdoor hot tub and Lappish kota for two hours.

The Finn Spa is our classic private sauna experience, ideal if you are happy to bring your own towels.

The Lux Spa includes everything in the Finn Spa, plus welcome drinks, towels, robes, eco slippers, sauna hats, sausages and marshmallows to enjoy by the fire. You can compare everything included in each experience on our Arctic Spa booking page.

 

Do hotel guests get a discount on the Arctic Spa?

No sorry, Spa bookings are charged at full price.  

 

Why can’t I see availability?

If you can’t book the room / dates you want, it is probably already booked. We are small and quite popular so our rooms are booked quite far in advance. 

Sometimes you might see a room/date is available but then appears unavailable minutes later. This is because someone else is looking at the same room and dates at the same time. Once you make a room search and go through to book the room/dates are locked out for 15 minutes. This stops double bookings. If this happens to you, retry your search around 15minutes later. 

 

What is the closest airport to Foxfires?

Kittila is the closest airport, 12km away. The next is Rovaniemi, 171km away. You can get taxis and rent cars easily at both. There are also buses that run from both airports to Levi village centre. 

 

Do you offer airport transfers?

We do not offer airport transfers ourselves. Most guests either hire a car or take a taxi from Kittilä Airport, which is approximately 15 minutes from Foxfires. If you prefer not to drive, taxis are available and can also be pre-booked. If you need advice about travelling to Foxfires, we are always happy to help.

 

Where is Foxfires located?

We are 8 km from Levi village centre. It is not walking distance in winter so if you don't have a car, there are lots of taxis to get you to and from here. 

 

How far from the ski slopes are we?

From our main Foxfires property a ski lift is located only 300 meters away (open from Feb until May). In the same place you can find the cross country trails and winter walking and biking trails (these are open all winter).

Other main ski slopes (open from the beginning of winter) are within 2 to 10 minutes drive from us. 

 

Is Foxfires a good place to stay without a car?

Yes, although we generally recommend hiring a car to make the most of your time in Lapland.

If you prefer not to drive, taxis are available in Levi and can take you between Foxfires, the village and local activity providers. Many guests also arrange airport transfers and activity pick-ups in advance.

 

Is Foxfires suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely. Many couples choose Foxfires for honeymoons, anniversaries and other special occasions because of the peaceful atmosphere, thoughtful design and private experiences.

Whether you stay in one of our boutique rooms or cabins, relax in the private Arctic Spa or watch out for the Northern Lights together, Foxfires has been created for couples looking to slow down and enjoy meaningful time together.

If you are celebrating a special occasion, please let us know. We are always happy to help make your stay even more memorable.

 

What makes Foxfires different?

Foxfires is a small family-run boutique accommodation and private Arctic Spa created for guests looking for a quieter, more personal way to experience Finnish Lapland.

Unlike larger accommodation, we welcome only a small number of guests, allowing us to offer peaceful surroundings, thoughtful design and personal hospitality.

Everything at Foxfires has been carefully shaped by us over the years. We designed our accommodation and Arctic Spa, created the interiors, landscaped the grounds and continue to improve every part of Foxfires ourselves. It is this personal involvement and attention to detail that makes a stay here feel different.

Our goal has always been simple: to create the kind of place we would love to stay ourselves.

If you would like to know what staying at Foxfires is really like, we invite you to read the reviews written by our guests.

Planning your trip

When is the best time to visit Finnish Lapland?

That depends on what you want to see and experience. 

Levi is one of the best places to experience winter in Finnish Lapland, but the description below applies across much of the region. 

In October you can see the Aurora reflecting off the lakes. November, December and January are dark with very few hours of light but that light is beautiful and the trees are often covered in heavy snow, but it can also be very cold. February and March are warmer and the days are longer, the Aurora is often really good around this time too. April is quite warm already but we still have a lot of snow to enjoy winter activities. 

Lapland is not only a winter destination. In the summer and autumn it is equally beautiful and there are many activities to enjoy. Midnight sun in the summer is something everyone should experience. The sun never sets from May to July. The autumn forest colours and Northern Lights reflecting in lakes make September a spectacular time to visit Lapland. 

 

What activities do you recommend?

There are many things you can do here in Lapland. The big hits would be:

  • Northern Lights

  • Husky safari

  • Reindeer experience

  • Traditional Finnish sauna

  • Alpine skiing

  • Cross-country skiing

  • Snowshoeing

  • Winter hiking 

  • Meet Santa of course! 

 

If you would like a detailed month-by-month guide to visiting Finnish Lapland, including weather, daylight, Northern Lights, activities and what to expect throughout the year, you will find all of this in our Lapland guide.

 

Do we need to book activities in advance?

Levi is a small place that can get very busy in the high season. There are only a few operators for the most popular activities. We strongly recommend you to book all your activities and safaris in advance. The ski school is particularly busy, so book well in advance. Please book with local family-run businesses and avoid mass-tourism operations. 

Our Lapland guide also includes 30 winter activities and links where to book them, local tips and planning advice to help you organise your trip.

 

Where can I see reindeer in Levi?

We recommend visiting one of the local reindeer farms where you can meet, feed and learn about these iconic Arctic animals. We include our favourite recommendations in our guest app and our Lapland guide. 

Winter in Lapland

 

Is it safe to drive in the snow?

Yes but you must always take great care when driving in snow and ice. All cars are equipped with winter tyres with metal spikes. They grip to the icy roads incredibly well. The roads are well marked and never very busy. 

 

What should we wear for the cold?

Layers. Thermals top and bottom are an essential on cold days. Layer that with a t-shirt or a base layer, a jumper or fleece and then a good winter coat. It’s best to have water repellent outerwear so that you can stay dry playing in the snow. Good warm winter boots are a must and some warm socks. Gloves are super important too. Electrically heated clothing is a revelation. 

Our Lapland guide includes a detailed winter packing guide, practical clothing advice and everything you need to know to stay warm and comfortable during your trip.

 

How long is there no sun?

The sun doesn’t rise above the horizon for 20 days (12th - 31st December). This is called the Polar Night or Kaamos in Finnish. It is still light for a few hours each day around 12 - 3pm. This light is beautiful.

 

 

Northern Lights

 

When is the best time to see the Aurora?

The Aurora is visible in Lapland from late August to mid-April.
Through the summer months even if the Aurora is very active we will not be able to see it as daylight and the midnight sun takes over.

 

In Lapland, during the months of dark skies (end-August to mid-April), you might be able to see the Northern Lights. However, this will depend on the cloud coverage and the solar activity. When the sky is covered with very heavy snowy clouds, even if the Aurora is very active, you will not be able to see it. Or if the sky is completely clear but there is very low solar activity, then you might not see any Aurora.

 

We are often receiving questions months in advance of a specific holiday date, if Northern Lights will be visible. Long range predictions of Aurora activity are impossible due to earth and space weather being unpredictable. It’s like asking, “will it rain in London six months from now?”. The simple truth is, if you come to Lapland when the night sky is dark you have a chance to see the Northern Lights.

 

To increase your chances of seeing the Aurora we advise to:

  • Come to Lapland for as long as you can, so if it’s cloudy one night, the other night might be clear. Or if the solar activity is low, the next day the activity might increase.

  • Book a tour with professionals as they have years of experience of looking for Aurora.

  • Be outside - there are nights that Northern Lights are visible in the sky for many hours, but there are also nights when they are visible for a few minutes only. You don’t want to miss it staying inside of your accommodation.

  • Be patient! There are nights that Aurora is visible from the moment the sky gets dark, but many times, you need to wait for it. Trust us - it’s so worth it!

If seeing the Northern Lights is one of the main reasons for your trip, our Lapland e-book includes a detailed Northern Lights guide with practical advice, common mistakes and ways to improve your chances of seeing the Aurora.

 

Practical information

What are the Wi-Fi mobile phone connections like?

We have wifi in the rooms with great 4G and 5G network coverage. Plus there is great coverage all over Lapland. 

 

Can I drink the tap water?

The tap water here is some of the purest and cleanest water in the world. It’s not just safe to drink but we highly recommend you drink it! It's great. We also have the cleanest air in the world too, so breathe deeply. 

 

Where can I buy alcohol?

The sale of alcohol is strictly controlled here in Finland. You can buy beer in the supermarkets during set times (up to 5.5%). For wine and spirits you need to go to the Alko store. It is located in the S-Market at the north end of the village. Remember to check Alko's opening hours. They close at 6pm on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays. 

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