Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park🌿 nature
Pallas-Yllästunturi is Finland's most popular national park, famous for its fell landscapes.
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Pallas
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Mountain
The Pallas massif is part of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Finland's third-largest national park, located in the western part of Lapland. The Pallastunturi fells are famous for their gently rounded summits that rise above the timberline, offering spectacular panoramic views. A major scientific feature of this region is the air quality monitoring station on Sammaltunturi, which has been proven to measure some of the cleanest air in the world. Historically, the park was established as early as 1938, making it one of the oldest protected areas in the country. The flora consists of rare arctic-alpine plant species, while the fauna is characterized by reindeer and northern bird species like the European golden plover. The region is a key destination for nature tourism, featuring Finland's oldest marked hiking trail, the Hetta-Pallas trail, in use since 1934.
- Location: Finland
- Top sights: Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park · Restricted area: Killinpoikainjärvet
- Nearby: Pallas (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -13 | -13 | -9 | -3 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 12 | 6 | -1 | -8 | -11 |
| Rain mm | 43 | 37 | 34 | 43 | 76 | 93 | 111 | 97 | 80 | 63 | 53 | 51 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
This prominent mountain range within the national park is typically very well integrated into the region's tourist infrastructure. Arrival is generally via main roads that lead directly to the large visitor and nature centers located at the foot of the mountains.
Best season
For extensive hikes along the ridges, the summer months are typically well-suited, as the trails are then clear of snow. In winter, the mountain range transforms into a hub for cross-country skiing and arctic nature experiences amidst freezing temperatures.
Terrain & paths
The characteristic hiking trails usually lead up steady inclines towards the rounded mountain summits. Above the tree line, the terrain often presents itself as rocky and expansive, but rewards hikers with open views of the arctic nature.
What to bring
Robust mountain boots are generally indispensable for the rocky paths at higher elevations. Because the climate here can change rapidly, experts usually strongly advise carrying multi-layered, wind- and waterproof clothing in every backpack.
Parking
Very good and well-developed parking facilities are usually found at the official national park centers surrounding the mountain range. On peak days during the high season, arriving in good time is mostly recommended to avoid long walks to the actual starting point.
Safety
On the bare mountain ridges, hikers are completely exposed to the elements, which is why one should always check the latest weather forecast. The marked routes generally offer safe orientation that should not be abandoned in the expansive landscape.
Time needed
The well-maintained hiking trails often allow for shorter excursions of a few hours up to extensive day trips across multiple peaks. Many visitors also use the mountain range as a starting point for longer trekking routes across the national park.
Geography
Facts
- The Pallastunturi National Park was originally established in 1938.
- The highest peak in the massif is Taivaskero, reaching 807 meters.
- Sammaltunturi fell is home to a station measuring the world's cleanest air.
- The 1952 Olympic torch for the Helsinki Games was lit on Taivaskero peak.
- The Hetta-Pallas hiking trail is approximately 55 kilometers long.
- The region is located entirely north of the Arctic Circle.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pallas (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest peak in the Pallas region?
Taivaskero is the highest point at 809 meters.
What happened on Taivaskero in 1952?
The Olympic flame for the Helsinki Summer Games was lit there.
Can you go skiing there?
Yes, Pallas is a traditional ski area without artificial snow-making.
Are there hotels there?
The historic Lapland Hotel Pallas is located right at the foot of the fells.
Is the hike to the peak difficult?
The paths are rocky but technically not very difficult and well-marked.
Pallas: where is it located?
Pallas is located in Finland.
Pallas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Restricted area: Killinpoikainjärvet.
Pallas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pallas: why is it worth visiting?
The Pallas massif is part of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Finland's third-largest national park, located in the western part of Lapland.
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