Best trails in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendour of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of Finland's oldest national parks, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. The original part of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park, established in 1938, is one of Finland's first national parks.
The park contains many areas of international natural value. The park is one of the first national parks in Europe to have a large number of internationally important natural sites. As you walk through the park and ascend to the fells, you can experience how the flora changes from one zone to another, from coniferous forest to fir birch and from there to bare birch. More than a hundred research projects are underway in the park, from air quality and the environmental impact of tourism to the ecology of moles.
The park is also home to animals ranging from birds to large carnivores. Some migratory bird species are here on their northern borders while other year-round birds are on their southern borders. Both bears and lynx roam the forests.
Top trails
- (116)•Moderate•5.1 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. Taivaskero Loop takes you to the top of Taivaskero, which is the highest point in the national park. Along the way you might see reindeer, and at the top is a black granite marker to commemorate the 1952 lighting of the Olympic flame. The trip starts from Pallastunturi Nature Center,...
- (90)•Moderate•5.0 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. Pirunkuru demands a lot from the hiker (ponnistus means exertion or endeavor), but the clean air and spectacular scenery reward perseverance. The route starts from the parking area of Kesänkijärvi and goes to the lean-to. From here, the path turns into the rocky gorge, and circles...
- (68)•Moderate•2.1 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. The Varkaankuru path runs through the gorge in a lovely forest grove. The route descends to the bottom of the gorge, where the mountain stream's babbling calms the mind. The unique Varkaankuru grove forest and its species are protected by a restricted zone. Movement in the...
- (43)•Moderate•3.5 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. Kesänkijärvi Circuit is a nice route around Kesänkijärvi. At the eastern end of the lake is a lean-to shelter with an accessible route. From here, the route continues to the other side of the lake, and back to the starting point. The route has wooden and metal duckboards. Route...
- (39)•Moderate•3.6 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of fells at the foot of old mountains. This is one of Finland's oldest national parks, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. The Tuomikuru loop runs from Ylläs ski center to Tuomikuru hut, and returns via Kahvikeidas. Part of the path is an easy gravel road, part is narrower and more rooty. There are also duckboards and stairs along the route.
- (31)•Moderate•3.9 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. Palkaskeron kierros runs between the fells, and ascends to the top of Palkaskero along the northern slope. After the summit, the trail goes around the other edge and back to the starting point for the nature center. Along the route is Pallakerokota hut with a campfire site and a...
- (19)•Hard•8.2 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. Kiirunankieppi introduces the geology of the fells to the walker. The trip can be started from Yllästunturi Nature Center Kellokas (follow the brown Varkaankuru [kota] signs to the hut) or from the Ylläsjärvi Ski Center (follow the green Tuomikuru signs). There are a lot of...
- (20)•Easy•2.0 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. The Vatikuru nature trail travels north from the Pallastunturi nature center and runs to Vatikuru and back. The route introduces the life and culture of the area. The route is marked with green signs.
- (24)•Hard•12.5 mi•Est. 5.5–6 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. The Kukastunturi Tour starts from Äkäshotelli and first goes to the shore of Äkäslompolo, and from there to the top of the fell. The journey continues to Kotamaja and Hangaskuru hut, and back to the starting point Route marking: green sign with the text "Kukastunturin Kierros"
- (16)•Hard•29.8 mi•Est. 16.5–18 hrPallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers the splendor of the fells at the foot of the old mountains. This is one of the oldest national parks in Finland, and has been called the cradle of hiking and winter sports. The Hetta-Pallas hiking trail is the park's most popular long hiking trail and the oldest in Finland. It was mapped back in 1934. The route wanders from the top of the fells down to the gorges, and presents breathtaking scenery. When leaving Hetta, Ounasjärvi is crossed first,...
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Visitor info
Contact
Passes & fees
No fee required
Accessibility
Phone
020 6397039
No entrance fee or pass is required.
Transportation
By train, the closest to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is Kolari (35 km) or Rovaniemi (165 km). The nearest airport is in Kittilä. Only charter flights are available to Enontekiö airport. From these destinations you can get to different parts of the park by bus or taxi.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is Taivaskero Loop, which has a 4.7 star rating from 116 reviews. This trail is 5.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,551 ft.
What is the longest trail in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is Hetta - Ylläs Hiking Trail. This trail is estimated to be 72.1 mi long.
How many trails are in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
There are 90 trails in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 677 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park has you covered. Hetta - Ylläs Hiking Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 12,719 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Hetta - Haaravaara - Isojänkkä, which will get you 11,945 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 15 camping trails in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the most popular is Kiirunankieppi (Keskisenlaki Round) with an average 4.7 star rating from 19 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 running trails in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the most popular is Taivaskero Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 116 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 biking trails in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the most popular is Kiirunankieppi (Keskisenlaki Round) with an average 4.7 star rating from 19 community reviews.
Are there any trails with lakes in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 52 trails with lakes in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Pirunkurun Ponnistus, Kesänkijärvi Circuit, Kukastunturin Kierros, Hetta-Pallas Hiking Trail, and Vareslaki Loop.
Are there any trails with huts in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 63 trails with huts in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Pirunkurun Ponnistus, Varkaankuru Path, Kesänkijärvi Circuit, Tuomikuru Loop, and Kiirunankieppi (Keskisenlaki Round).
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 40 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Taivaskero Loop, Pirunkurun Ponnistus, Palkaskeron Kierros, Kukastunturin Kierros, and Hetta-Pallas Hiking Trail.
Are there any trails with rivers in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 30 trails with rivers in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Kesänkijärvi Circuit, Kukastunturin Kierros, Pyhäjoki Nature Trail, Äkäskero Circuit, and Seita - Kesänkijärvi - Latvamaja Ski Trail.
Are there any trails with ponds in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 17 trails with ponds in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Varkaankuru Path, Kiirunankieppi (Keskisenlaki Round), Hetta-Pallas Hiking Trail, Keimiötunturi & Keimiöjärvi, and Hetta - Ylläs Route: Pahakuru - Nature Centre.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 3 trails with picnic areas in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Hetta-Pallas Hiking Trail, Pallas-Nammalakuru Summer Hiking Trail, and Hetta - Ylläs Route: Pahakuru - Nature Centre.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with scenic viewpoints in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Varkaankuru Path and Hetta - Ylläs Route: Äkässaivo - Kellokas.
Are there any trails with historical ruins in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 6 trails with historical ruins in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Hetta-Pallas Hiking Trail, Moloslaki Round, Pyhäkeron Patikka, Hetta - Ylläs Route: Lake Ounasjärvi - Pahakuru, and Mustavaara - Pyhäkero.
Are there any trails with springs in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park?
Yes, there are 10 trails with springs in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, including Pirunkurun Ponnistus, Kesänkijärvi Circuit, Seita - Kesänkijärvi - Latvamaja Ski Trail, Kolmentunturinkierros and Kesänginkierros, and Kesängin Kierros Trail.
