BACK TO NATURE

The Ylläs terrain with its network of trails offers outstanding opportunities for hiking, whether individually or on guided tours. In one day, the hiker can walk in the shade of the forest, follow a trail along duckboards and climb a fell to admire Lapland’s wide-open spaces. Hiking is the best way to get to know the Pallas-Ylläs National Park. The Ylläs hiking map can be bought in most hotels and shops locally.

Aakenustunturi Fell Nature Trail, 17 km
This nature trail has its starting point at Totovaara parking area. Hikers should reserve a whole day to travel its length. The nature trail is marked with cone signs. Boards along the trail inform visitors about the area’s fauna, geology and history.

First you will travel west along the old Kirgiisitie road and from there to Molosjänkä hanging bog. From Molosjänkä a spectacular view opens of mires surrounded by the fells. From there you will follow the trail up through Vaulokuru Ravine to the summit of Moloslaki and return to the trail’s starting point via Niritsankuusikko campfire site. Services: Niritsankuusikko campfire site.

Saalistusjotos Trail, 5 km
The starting point of Saalistusjotos Trail is nearby Sport Resort Ylläs, in Ylläsjärvi village. The theme of the trail is hunting. The trail is marked with signs of paws. 

Kiirunankieppi Circle Trail, 12 km
This nature trail has its starting points on the grounds of both Kellokas Visitor Centre and the ski-resort at Ylläsjärvi. It is marked by signs with the tracks of the ptarmigan (kiiruna = ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus). The theme of this circle trail is the geology of the fells.

The trail leads through rugged fell terrain around Keskisenlaki in Ylläs. The trail has duckboards when passing through the beautiful, but rocky Kellostapuli Ravine. Services: There are resting spots at Kahvikeidas and Varkaankuru Ravine.

Joutsenpolku Trail, 6 km, by Lake Latvajärvi
The starting point for this trail is located at Totovaara parking area and is marked with swan signs. The boards along the trail have information on birds, mammals, fish and other interesting aspects of the area. These boards are all unique and artistic making them even more interesting to study. Sightings of over 80 bird species have been made from the Latvajärvi bird watching tower, which is located at the trails halfway point. Services: A bird watching tower on the shore of lake Latvajärvi.

Talvipolku Winter Trail, 1 km
Talvipolku Trail (talvi = winter) starts at Kellokas Visitor Centre. It is not marked, but is visible as a path in the snow. The trail is maintained during winter and provides information on Taiga Forests. The theme of the trails boards is winter ecology. Services: There is a Lapp pole tent on the trail and a trail for children called Menninkäisten polku.

Tulivuoripuisto Trail, 1,5 km
The starting point for this trail is on the Äkäslompolo - Kittilä road. It is marked with paint markings. The Linkupalo bedrock bears evidence of volcanic eruptions (tulivuori = volcano), which occurred 2 milliard years ago. Geologists explain that the eruptions happened under water in the sea and that ash and gravel gathered in shallow waters to form this area. The precise spots where eruptions took place can be pointed out from the terrain. Tales told about Laplands ancient volcanoes and mountains as high as the Alps were therefore true. Services: A Lapp pole tent at the trail starting point.

Velhopolku Circle Trail, 4 km, in Varkaankuru Ravine
The starting point for this circle trail, which is partially duckboarded, is at Kellokas Visitor Centre. The trail is marked with signs bearing a picture of a green wizard (velho = wizard). Boards along the trail are interactive and interesting and help you study the Taiga Forest.

Natural features of North and South meet in Varkaankuru Ravine. This herb-rich forest on a brook bank could just as well be in southern Finland. Angelicas (Angelica archangelica) and Lady Ferns (Athyrium filix-femina) grow in the shade of Spruce (Picea abies), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Bird Cherry (Prunus padus), Alder (Alnus) and Goat Willow (Salix caprea). The buzzing swarm of mosquitoes in the area reminds you however that you are indeed in Lapland. Services: A campfire site.

Niesakero Hunter’s Nature Trail, 2,7 km
The starting point for this trail is a 4 km drive along the backroad from the village of Luosu which leads towards Hevosmaa. The nature trail is marked with wooden signs. The trail was designed and built by the Kolari game management association and Metsähallitus. Exhibits along the trail show visitors about history of hunting traditions and game management in the wilderness. The trail is maintained by the Kolari game management association. Services: A Lapp pole tent, campfire site and drinking water point. Duckboards across wetlands.

Ylläslompolo Nature Trail, 3 km
This trail is on the south-side of lake Ylläsjärvi and its starting point is located at Ylläslompolo parking area. This approximately 3-km-long trail has duckboards at some parts and leads through old-growth spruce forest to a beautiful little wilderness pond. The nature trail was designed and realised by the Lapland Regional Environment Centre. The trail is marked with poles. Boards along the trail tell about meadow culture, old-growth forests and mires. A biking trail by the nature trail circles Lake Latvajärvi and crosses the biking trail at the bird watching tower. Duckboards cross a mire by the trail and lead to the shore of  Ylläsjärvi. Services: A bird watching tower at the trail’s starting point. The tower is accessible by wheelchair. A Lapp pole tent.

Route descriptions from www.outdoors.fi