The magnificent landscapes of Ylläs National Park and the surrounding nature offer diverse hiking opportunities for trekkers of all levels. The area’s trail network provides varied options from short one-hour nature paths to multi-day hiking expeditions. The Ylläs area is known for its versatile and well-marked trail network, which invites visitors to explore Lapland’s unique nature in all seasons.
How long are the hiking trails available in Ylläs?
The Ylläs area offers over 300 kilometers of marked hiking trails for the enjoyment of trekkers. Hiking possibilities range from short nature paths (1-5 km) to medium-length day trip destinations (5-15 km) and further to long, multi-day hiking routes (15-50+ km). The fell area is crisscrossed by more than 50 different routes, ensuring an abundance of options for both beginners and more experienced hikers.
The trail network is particularly diverse as it runs through the landscapes of seven fells, offering views of subarctic nature, marshlands, old forests, and river channels. Shorter routes are often concentrated near the slopes of Ylläs, while longer routes extend deeper into the Pallas-Ylläs National Park.
What are the shortest and easiest hiking routes in Ylläs?
The short 1-5 kilometer routes in the Ylläs area are excellent for families and beginners. Varkaankuru is one of the most popular short routes, an easily accessible path of about 3 kilometers that leads to an impressive gorge and the atmosphere of ancient forest. Along the route, you can see beautiful waterfalls and verdant mossy terrain.
Another excellent option is Kellostapuli, a circular route of about 5 kilometers, which offers an easily accessible viewpoint to the fells. Starting from the vicinity of Äkäslompolo village, the route has a gentle profile and is suitable for children as well.
For those seeking accessible hiking, the approximately 2.5-kilometer route along the Scenic Road is suitable for wheelchair users or those with baby strollers. This duckboard path runs through level terrain while still offering spectacular views of the surrounding fell landscape.
Along these routes, you can typically find well-marked resting places and information boards that tell about the area’s nature and history. Most short routes can be comfortably completed within 1-3 hours without particular physical exertion.
Are there medium-length hiking routes suitable for day trips in Ylläs?
For day hikers, the Ylläs area offers a magnificent selection of 5-15 kilometer routes that can be completed in a single day. Kesänkijärvi Circuit (approximately 12 km) is a popular day trip destination that takes you through beautiful landscapes via Lake Kesänki. The route features elevation changes and a few steeper climbs, but overall it is moderately difficult.
For those seeking more challenging terrain, the Ylläs Circuit (approximately 15 km) offers a good challenge. The route travels along the slopes of the fell and over the summit, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. With about 400 meters of ascent, the route requires a reasonable level of fitness. It’s worth allocating a whole day for this, about 6-8 hours, depending on the number of rest stops and the hiker’s condition.
The Pirunkuru-Peurakaltio route (approximately 7 km) represents medium-level difficulty, running through the impressive Pirunkuru ravine valley. There are several rest areas along the route, such as a lean-to shelter and a campfire site. It’s advisable to allow 3-5 hours for this trek.
Most medium-length routes have good guidance and markings. Along many routes, there are also wilderness huts and lean-to shelters that serve as excellent rest stops and shelters when the weather changes. For day trips, it is recommended to bring enough drinking water, snacks, and equipment suitable for the weather conditions.
What kind of long hiking routes can be found in the Ylläs area?
Experienced hikers will find many challenging long routes in the Ylläs area, ranging from 15 kilometers to over 50 kilometers. The Ylläs-Pallas hiking route (approximately 55 km) is a classic of the area, taking the hiker through seven fells across the Pallas-Ylläs National Park. The route typically takes 3-5 days and is moderately difficult due to its length and elevation changes.
Another significant long route is Ylläs-Levi (approximately 35 km), which connects two popular tourist centers. The route passes through varied landscapes from marshlands to fell summits, and there are several wilderness huts and rest areas along the way.
On long routes, overnight stays take place either in wilderness huts, lean-to shelters, or in your own tents. Popular wilderness huts include Hannukuru and Nammalakuru, which offer shelter and campfire sites. When setting out on these routes, it’s important to prepare carefully, take a map or GPS device, sufficient food and water, and overnight equipment.
Long hiking routes require good physical condition and hiking experience but provide unforgettable nature experiences and the opportunity to experience the peace of Lapland’s wilderness far from civilization.
When is the best time to hike on Ylläs’s long routes?
The summer season from June to August is the most popular time to hike Ylläs’s long routes. During this time, the days are long, temperatures pleasant, and the routes mostly dry. In June, snow may still appear on the highest summits, and the experience of the midnight sun makes the hike special.
The autumn foliage season in September is perhaps the most impressive time for hiking in Ylläs. Mountain birches and shrubs color the landscape in shades of yellow, red, and orange. The weather is cooler, which makes hiking pleasant but requires warmer equipment. By the end of September, the first snowfalls may already occur.
In winter, hiking routes transform into ski tracks and snowshoe routes. January to April is the best time for winter hiking, but they require special equipment and experience. Shorter snowshoe routes are a safer choice for beginners.
Regardless of the season, it’s always good to be prepared for weather changes. In the fell region, conditions can change rapidly, so layered clothing and rain gear are essential at all times. When embarking on long routes, it’s recommended to check the current weather forecast and route conditions, for example, from the Finnish Forest Administration website or local tourist information.
Key tips and recommendations for Ylläs hiking routes
The diverse range of hiking routes in Ylläs suits trekkers of all levels, but a few practical tips help make the experience even more enjoyable. Preparation is key – check the condition of routes in advance, download a map application to your phone (such as Retkikartta.fi) and also take a traditional paper map with you.
For beginners, we recommend starting with shorter routes like Varkaankuru or Kellostapuli. For more experienced hikers, the Ylläs-Pallas route offers an unforgettable experience but requires careful planning. Remember to inform someone close to you about your route plans.
It’s important for all hikers to follow the national park rules and principles of trash-free hiking. Making fires is allowed only at designated fire sites, and during dry seasons, fire restrictions may be in effect.
Regarding accommodation, the Ylläs area offers many options. Staying in a cabin provides a comfortable base for day trips and the opportunity to relax after a day of outdoor activity. Our cabin accommodation in Ylläs is located in a central location, making it easy to set out and explore the area’s magnificent hiking routes.
Ylläs hiking routes at their best provide a complete experience that combines the peace of nature, physical challenge, and stunning landscapes. With careful preparation and the right attitude, every hiker will find suitable routes here that offer unforgettable memories in the heart of Lapland’s nature.