How to get from Ylläs to Pallas-Ylläs National Park?

Pallas-Ylläs National Park is one of Finland’s most magnificent natural destinations, attracting visitors year-round. Lapland’s largest national park offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse hiking trails, and unique nature experiences. When staying in Ylläs, this natural paradise is easily accessible. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to find your way from the Ylläs area to the spectacular landscapes of Pallas-Ylläs National Park. From AuroraCottage accommodations, you can enjoy both comfortable lodging and the tranquility of nature near the national park.

How to get from Ylläs to Pallas-Ylläs National Park?

There are several routes and transportation methods to reach the national park from the Ylläs area. Traveling by car is the most popular option as it allows for the most flexible schedule and easy access to different entrances. The main route runs from Ylläsjärvi or Äkäslompolo along road 940, which provides easy access to several park entrances.

Distances vary depending on the chosen entrance: the nearest entrances are just a few kilometers from Ylläs center, while the furthest parts of the park may be up to 50 kilometers away. In summer, cycling is an excellent alternative, as the area has well-maintained bike routes. In winter, skiing is a popular way to arrive at the park directly via the ski track network.

There are several entry points to the national park, and choosing the right one depends on which parts of the park you want to explore. The closest entry points to Ylläs are located in the Kellostapuli, Kesänki, and Kukastunturi areas.

What are the best routes from Ylläs to the national park during different seasons?

During the summer season, the best route options from Ylläs to the national park are the marked hiking trails that start from several different points around Ylläs. A popular summer route is the Varkaankuru nature trail, which allows you to continue along a longer route into the national park. Cyclists have separate cycling routes available, such as the Ylläs-Levi route, which partially runs through the national park.

During the winter season, you can access the park by skiing along the extensive ski track network. Ylläs’s 400-kilometer ski track network connects seamlessly with the national park’s tracks. A particularly popular winter route is the track running from Ylläsjärvi toward Pyhäjärvi, which leads to the heart of the national park. In winter, snowmobile routes also run along the edges of the park, but it’s important to remember that motor vehicle use inside the national park is restricted.

During the seasonal road condition periods in spring and autumn, it’s advisable to stick to main roads and car travel, as smaller roads and paths may be in poor condition. From the road between Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi, you can access several marked starting points that are well-plowed year-round.

Is there public transportation from Ylläs to Pallas-Ylläs National Park?

Public transportation from Ylläs to the national park is limited but available, especially during peak seasons. During the winter season (December to April), the SkiBus operates in the Ylläs area, taking skiers and hikers to certain national park entrances. The SkiBus route covers the area between Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi and stops at key locations.

During the summer season, public transportation is more limited, but during tourist seasons, shuttle services are organized to the most popular trailheads. Their schedules and prices vary annually, so it’s best to check the latest information from the Ylläs tourist information center or directly from the transportation service providers.

Several taxi services also operate in Ylläs, transporting hikers to different entrances of the national park. Taxis are the most flexible but also the most expensive option. For groups, it may be cost-effective to share expenses or consider booking private transportation in advance. Many guests at AuroraCottage cabins utilize these taxi or charter transportation services to ensure smooth access to the national park.

Which entrances to Pallas-Ylläs National Park should you use when arriving from Ylläs?

For those arriving from the Ylläs area, the Kellostapuli entrance is one of the closest and most popular. It is located about 5 kilometers from Ylläsjärvi center and offers good parking facilities and clear trail markers. Through this entrance, you can easily access Varkaankuru, which is one of the park’s most popular attractions.

The Kesänki entrance is excellent for those who want to experience the quieter parts of the national park. It is located on the western side of Äkäslompolo and is a good starting point for longer hikes. Parking space is more limited, but several well-marked routes for different types of hikers start from this area.

If you arrive by car, the Pallas Nature Center entrance offers the most comprehensive services, although it is located further from Ylläs. There is a large parking area, a nature center where you can get up-to-date information on routes and conditions, and a restaurant. From here, you can easily access the magnificent routes of Pallastunturi.

For active hikers, the Kukastunturi entrance offers diverse routes ranging from moderately difficult to very challenging. Parking options are more limited, but the routes are less crowded and the views are breathtaking.

How much time should you allocate for traveling from Ylläs to the national park?

Travel times from Ylläs to the national park vary depending on the chosen mode of transportation and destination. By car to the nearest entrances, you can arrive in just 10-15 minutes, while to the furthest areas, such as the Pallas area, the drive can take about 45-60 minutes. In winter, it’s advisable to allow a bit more time, as snow conditions can slow down travel.

When using public transportation, you need to add the limitations set by schedules to your travel time. Bus trips to the vicinity of the entrances typically take 15-45 minutes depending on the route and stops. During peak seasons, especially during ski holidays, it’s good to be prepared for crowds and add at least 15-20 minutes to your travel time.

If you’re planning a full-day trip, it’s good to also allocate time for breaks. There are several attractions and stopping points along the way, such as the Kellokas Nature Center in Ylläsjärvi, where you can get the latest information on routes and weather conditions. Overall, for a day trip, you should allow 30-60 minutes for travel in each direction and time for possible breaks.

Tips for Pallas-Ylläs National Park

A successful national park visit begins with good preparation. Always check the weather forecast before departing and dress in layers, as Lapland’s weather can change rapidly. In summer, it’s good to also be prepared with mosquito repellent. The duration of your visit determines the necessary equipment, but at a minimum, you should bring a map, drinking water, snacks, and a first aid kit.

The absolute highlights of the national park include Varkaankuru, the stunning viewpoints of Kesänki, the beautiful landscapes of Pallastunturi, and the northern lights in winter. Different seasons offer different experiences: in summer, you can admire the midnight sun, in autumn the colorful foliage, in winter the glistening snow landscapes, and in spring the awakening nature.

Our cabin accommodation at AuroraCottage offers an excellent base for national park visits. From our cabins, you can easily explore different parts of the park, and with our long experience, we can provide the most current tips on routes and destinations. We are happy to help with planning trips and arranging transportation to the park entrances if needed. We also provide up-to-date information on trail conditions and the best tips for nature observation and photography.

Remember to respect nature when visiting the national park by following the principles of leave-no-trace hiking and staying on marked trails. This way, we ensure that Pallas-Ylläs National Park remains magnificent for both current and future generations.