1
Varkaankuru Gorge Trail
This is the walk almost everyone starts with, and for good reason. It drops straight from the Kellokas visitor centre into the Varkaankuru ravine, where a stream tumbles through old-growth spruce and duckboards keep your feet dry the whole way. There is a lean-to and fire pit about halfway, so it works better as a slow picnic than a workout. The first half lies inside Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, and in autumn the gorge turns properly golden.
easyfree~3-3.5 km · 1-1.5 hsummer, autumnKellokas, Äkäslompolo
From the scout
The gorge is a protected zone, stay on the marked trail (required 1 May-30 Nov). Bring sausages for the firepit and treat it as a picnic rather than a workout.
2
Lake Kesänki Loop (Kesänkijärven kierros)
A gentle, family-friendly circuit around Lake Kesänkijärvi, with open water on one side and the Ylläs and Kellostapuli fells rising on the other. Duckboards carry you across the Hormistonjänkkä wetland, and there is a lean-to and a spring along the way for a break. It is one of the easiest ways to feel like you have walked into real Lapland without committing to a hard day. The far shore narrows to thin iron boardwalks, which is the only fiddly stretch.
easyfree~6 km · ~2 hsummer, autumnKesänkijärvi, Äkäslompolo
From the scout
Only the northern shore is stroller-friendly; the narrow iron boardwalks on the far side are the trickiest part. Combine it with the Kesängin Keidas wilderness café for coffee.
3
Tuomikuru Loop (Tuomikurun kierros)
A clear step up from the lake loops, climbing to open tundra at the Tuomikuru lookout and its kota before dropping back through unusually lush deciduous forest. The views from the top run across the fells, and the Kahvikeidas wilderness cafe makes a natural turnaround point. It is the most rewarding half day on the Ylläsjärvi side. The narrow, rooty descent from the hut is what earns it the moderate rating, so wear proper shoes.
moderatefree~6 km · 2-2.5 hsummer, autumnYlläsjärvi
From the scout
The narrow, bumpy descent from the Tuomikuru hut earns the 'moderate' rating, wear good footwear. Easiest from the Ylläsjärvi (south) side, behind the bike park.
4
Pirunkuru ('Devil's Gorge') Trail
The dramatic one. Pirunkuru, the Devil's Gorge, is a steep haul up a boulder-filled ravine where the rock shifts through a hundred shades of grey and the landscape feels genuinely wild. It shares the Kesänkijärvi trailhead with the gentle lake loop, so you can pick your adventure right at the car park. This is not a route for small children, or for wet and icy days when the scree turns slick. Save it for a clear summer morning and take your time on the climb.
hardfree~8 km · ~3 hsummer, autumnKesänkijärvi, Äkäslompolo
From the scout
This is the rugged alternative to the gentle Kesänki loop from the same Kesänkijärvi trailhead. Not for small kids, and avoid it in wet or icy conditions when the scree is slick.
5
Kukastunturi Loop (Kukastunturin kierros)
The big day out. This long summit circuit links open fell tops with views running from Ylläs all the way toward Pallastunturi, and it is the route fit walkers come to Ylläs for. There is no shelter between huts once you are up top, so carry water, food and a layer for the wind. It doubles as a popular mountain-bike route, so expect to share the trail in places. Start early and treat it as a proper full-day expedition.
moderatefree~20 km · ~6.5 hsummer, autumnÄkäslompolo (national park)
From the scout
Start early and carry water; the exposed fell tops have no shelter between huts. Expect to share the trail with cyclists.
6
Yllästunturi Summit Route
The classic ascent of the 718-metre fell that gives the whole area its name, with views that reach more than 100 kilometres across Lapland on a clear day. You can climb on hiking trails or service roads from either village, and the nearest shelter is the Tuomikuru kota a little east of the top. The smart move is to walk up one side and ride the year-round gondola down, saving your knees for the next day. Check the map at Kellokas first, since the exact distance depends on the line you take.
moderatemoderatehalf daysummer, autumnYlläs Ski Resort (both sides)
From the scout
Hike up one side and ride the year-round gondola down (or vice versa) to save your knees. Check the map at Kellokas or map.yllas.fi first, as exact distance depends on the route.
