The secret cafe in Levi is a small traditional Finnish wooden hut, also known as a Kota, with an open fire, tucked away along a forest path on the slopes of Levi Fell, beside the front ski slopes. With views across Levi and the surrounding fells, it is a cosy place to stop for a drink or snack, away from the busy centre of the resort.
Officially known as Café Panorama Laavu, the traditional Finnish-style shelter serves hot drinks including hot chocolate, coffee and tea, alongside crêpes and sausages grilled over an open fire. The combination of the forest setting, mountain views and warm drinks makes it a particularly atmospheric place to visit in winter.
It is sometimes described as Levi’s “secret cafe” because its tucked-away location means it is easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.
Where Is the Secret cafe in Levi?
The cafe is located right next to the front slopes, alongside Hotel Levi Panorama at Tunturitie 205, 99130 Levi. It’s accessed via an illuminated forest path that’s roughly 300 metres long, with viewing platforms along the way.
The elevated location and short walk make getting to the cafe part of the experience. It’s worth taking your time along the path, stopping at the viewing platforms and enjoying the views across Levi village and the surrounding fells.
How to get there
Getting to the Secret Cafe involves two parts: first, reaching the area by Hotel Levi Panorama, then following the trail on foot to the cafe.
Part 1 – Getting to the top of the hill
There are four options for reaching the area by Hotel Levi Panorama.
- By gondola – The easiest option for many visitors is the Levi Express Gondola, which you can catch from outside Zero Point. Single and return passes can be purchased if you don’t have a ski pass, making this a convenient way to reach the upper slopes and continue towards the cafe.
- On foot – Sometimes referred to as the Panorama Stairs, there are 766 illuminated steps that you can walk up to reach the summit. The climb can take around 10–20 minutes, depending on your pace, but the steps can be very slippery at times. Take care, don’t rush and make sure you have suitable footwear. These stairs start near Hissitie 6, 99130 Kittilä
- By taxi or car – Taking a taxi or driving to Hotel Levi Panorama, where the path to the secret cafe starts, is another option. This is the easiest choice if you want to avoid the climb, although you’ll miss out on the experience of walking up towards the summit.
- By skiing – Skiers can easily access the secret cafe from the front slopes,
Part 2 – The final path to the cafe
Whichever option you choose to reach the top of the hill, you’ll then follow the same snowy trail for roughly 300 metres to the cafe. Along the way, there’s a viewing platform with views over the fell.
The trail starts behind Spiella Café and the cinema, where a small sign points you in the right direction.
Take your time
Whichever way you choose to reach the secret cafe, it’s worth taking your time and considering the journey part of the experience. Don’t rush to reach the cafe – stop along the way, enjoy the views and take in the surrounding Lapland landscape.
Opening hours and best time to visit
The secret cafe is generally only open during the winter season, and often limited to selected days / times. Opening hours can change, so it’s worth checking the latest opening times on the cafe Panorama Laavu website.
Although it’s known as the secret cafe, the hut itself is small, so it can get busy during peak periods. Popular items can also sell out, particularly when there are lots of visitors.
If you want to enjoy the cafe at its most relaxed, visiting outside the busiest times is recommended. At peak times, you may have to queue to get inside, and finding a seat or stool around the fire isn’t guaranteed.
When is the best time to visit?
For the best chance of getting a stool by the fire, try visiting earlier in the day or outside the busiest periods. Busy times can be unpredictable, so be ready for a bit of a wait if visiting during peak periods, particularly around Christmas and school holidays.
Atmosphere and what to expect
A big part of the experience is that this is an off-grid, traditional Finnish hut, with an open fire at the centre where food is prepared and drinks are heated. The cafe has a warm atmosphere, making it a cosy place to escape the cold.
The setting is just as important as the cafe itself. Surrounded by snow-covered trees on the slopes of Levi Fell, the hut offers views across Levi village and the surrounding area when the weather is clear.
The walk through the forest is part of the experience too, with an illuminated path and viewing platforms along the way. It’s a great place to take photographs, so don’t rush — allow yourself time to enjoy the surroundings.
The hut is small with limited seating, which adds to its cosy feel but means it can get busy at peak times.
What food and drink do they serve?
The secret cafe mainly offers hot chocolate, coffee, tea, crêpes and sausages to grill over the open fire. The menu can vary, and this is primarily a destination for a drink and a snack rather than a full meal.
Is the secret cafe in Levi worth visiting?
If you’re looking for something to do that’s relatively cheap and you have a couple of hours to spare, then yes. Consider the whole experience of getting there, enjoying a drink in front of the fire and making your way back as part of the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Generally, no. The cafe is mainly open during the winter season and is not usually open to the public during the off-season. Opening periods can vary, so check the latest information before visiting.
Generally, no. You can visit during the cafe’s opening hours without booking. However, it can get busy during peak periods, so you may have to wait for a seat outside. If you do have to wait, take the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings and take some photos.
Yes. The cafe is suitable for visitors of all ages, though the route there is via a forest path and steps, which may not suit everyone.
For a tourist attraction in Levi, the prices are broadly in line with other cafes and attractions in the area.
