Summer offers a unique opportunity to experience the diversity of Lapland’s nature in all its glory. The fell area of Ylläs attracts hiking enthusiasts with its magnificent landscapes and versatile routes. Put on your hiking boots, pack your backpack, and enjoy the summer trails of Ylläs! Here’s a comprehensive overview of summer hiking challenges, popular routes, and practical tips for successful fell hiking. For your accommodation, it’s worth choosing a comfortable cottage where you can relax after your hikes.

How demanding are the fell hikes in Ylläs during summer?

The summer hiking terrains of Ylläs offer options for both beginners and more experienced hikers. The routes in the fell area are clearly divided into different difficulty levels, which makes it easier to choose a suitable route according to your fitness level.

The easiest routes run through more even terrain, on well-marked paths, and are perfectly suited for family outings. On these routes, elevation differences are moderate, typically less than 100 meters. On medium-difficulty routes, the elevation gain is already 100-300 meters, and paths may run through rockier terrain. The most demanding fell routes challenge even experienced hikers with steep ascents and technical terrain sections, with elevation differences of up to 400-500 meters.

The terrain types vary from mountain birch forests to open fells, from marshlands to pine forests. Especially the fell summits and upper slopes can be rocky. Route lengths vary from loops of a few kilometers to hikes of several dozen kilometers.

What are the most popular summer hiking routes in Ylläs?

During the summer season, the fell area paths attract hikers from near and far. A perennial favorite is the Ylläs summit circuit, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding fell landscape. Along the route, you can admire both the rugged slopes of Ylläs fell and the silhouettes of seven fells shimmering in the distance.

The Pirunkuru route runs through a valley shaped by the Ice Age, where impressive nature and steep rock walls create a magical atmosphere. In summer, you can admire the lush vegetation and small streams in the gorge.

An ideal option for families is the Kesänki nature trail, which is well-marked and easy to navigate. Along the route, information boards provide knowledge about the area’s nature and history.

The Varkaankuru route takes the hiker through a magnificent grove-like conservation area, known for its lush vegetation. During summer, you can see rare plant species and enjoy the peace of the sheltered gorge terrain.

What equipment do I need for a summer fell hike in Ylläs?

For summer hikes, choosing the right equipment is an important part of trip planning. Good hiking boots are an absolute foundation for a successful hike – they protect your feet in rocky terrain and keep them dry even in wet conditions.

Essential equipment includes:

• Weather-appropriate clothing based on the layering principle
• Waterproof jacket and if needed, waterproof pants
• Map and compass (or GPS device) and spare batteries
• Water bottle and sufficient water
• Energy-rich snacks
• First aid kit with basic supplies
• Small backpack for day trips, larger if you’re staying overnight in the wilderness
• Sun protection (lotion, hat, glasses) – the sun shines strongly in the fells
• Mosquito repellent (mosquitoes can be abundant in summer)

For longer routes, it’s also worth bringing a headlamp, an emergency blanket, and fire-making tools. Fell weather tends to change quickly, so spare clothing is always necessary even in summer.

What weather conditions are typical for summer hikes in Ylläs?

The summer weather in Ylläs is at its best a pleasant hiking weather, but due to its northern location, variations can be significant. Average temperatures during the summer months range between 10-15°C, but the temperature can rise to heat levels or drop close to zero, especially during the nights.

Rainfall varies during the summer months. July is typically the driest month, while August can be more rainy. Typical for the fell area is that the weather can change quickly – the morning sunshine may turn into afternoon showers.

Higher up in the fells, the wind often blows stronger than in the valley, which can feel like a significant drop in temperature. The cooling effect of the wind should be taken into account when selecting equipment.

In the midnight sun, you don’t need to rush your hikes for fear of darkness, which is a great advantage of summer hiking. The lighting is sufficient for experienced hikers even throughout the night, although night hikes are not recommended as a first fell experience.

How long do Ylläs hiking routes usually take?

The trail network of Ylläs is excellently suited for both short day trips and longer hikes. The shortest nature paths can be completed in a few hours, while longer routes may require several days.

Typical durations for day trips:

• Kesänki nature trail: 2-3 hours
• Varkaankuru route: 3-4 hours
• Ylläs summit circuit: 4-6 hours
• Pirunkuru route: 5-7 hours

Duration depends significantly on the hiker’s fitness, need for breaks, and how much time is spent admiring the landscapes and taking photographs. More experienced hikers can proceed faster, while families may take considerably longer on the same route.

For multi-day trips, it’s advisable to plan daily distances of at most 10-15 kilometers, which leaves enough time for camping and enjoying nature. The lean-to shelters and wilderness huts in the Ylläs area offer good rest stops and overnight accommodation opportunities.

Essential safety tips for fell hikes in Ylläs

Safe hiking in the fells requires good preparation and situational awareness. Careful route planning and checking the weather forecast before departure are basics that every hiker should do.

To avoid getting lost:

• Always carry a map and compass, don’t rely solely on mobile applications
• Familiarize yourself with the route in advance and save important coordinates in your GPS device
• Stay on marked routes, especially if you’re not an experienced hiker
• Always tell a reliable person about your plans and schedule

The first aid kit should include at least wound dressing supplies, pain medication, blister plasters, and an emergency blanket. It’s worth downloading useful applications to your mobile phone, such as the 112 Finland app, which automatically transmits location information to the emergency center in case of an emergency.

Animal encounters are rarely a concern on summer hikes, but seeing a bear or wolf is possible. In such cases, it’s important to stay calm and give the animal space.

The wonderful world of Ylläs summer hikes awaits you

The fell landscapes of Ylläs offer unforgettable experiences and magnificent nature encounters for summer hikers. The difficulty level of hiking routes varies appropriately, so everyone can find a suitable challenge for themselves. Careful preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.

After a summer hike, it’s wonderful to return to a comfortable cottage to relax. From AuroraCottage accommodations, you’ll find the perfect base for hikes – close to nature but without compromising on comfort. From us, you’ll also get the best tips for area routes and the most suitable destinations for your fitness level and interests.

Welcome to enjoy the magnificent summer hiking opportunities in Ylläs and to recharge your batteries in the tranquility of northern nature!