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Pallastunturi Hills
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Mountain
The Pallastunturi hills in northwestern Finland comprise a group of seven distinct fells stretching across the Muonio and Enontekiö municipalities. As part of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, they represent one of Lapland's most iconic landscapes, characterized by gently rolling summits and deep glacial valleys. The region has a long history of tourism, with the first wilderness hotel opening in 1938, marking the beginning of organized fell exploration in Finland. Vegetation transitions with altitude from dense spruce and pine forests to treeless tundra plateaus where reindeer are frequently spotted grazing. Geologically, these hills are the remnants of an ancient mountain range, smoothed by successive ice ages and erosion into their current form. Today, Pallastunturi is a premier destination for cross-country skiing and eco-sustainable tourism, renowned for its profound silence and exceptional air purity.
- Location: Finland
- Top sights: Laukukero · Palkaskero
- Nearby: Muonio (18 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 impressive mountain chain in western Lapland is usually accessed via the region's well-developed road network. Established starting points at the edges of the mountain range serve as well-suited gateways into the protected, expansive nature.
Best season
To optimally experience the pristine nature on the trails, the months from mid-summer to early autumn are generally considered the best choice. Winter tours in this impressive chain are fascinating but mostly require special experience with extreme cold.
Terrain & paths
The terrain presents itself as a striking succession of ascending hills and mountains that transition into bare tundra. The paths are often stony and provide a sportive challenge during the ascents amidst the pristine nature.
What to bring
Due to the rocky surfaces during the ascents, ankle-supporting hiking boots are generally indispensable. To avoid burdening the pristine nature, it is usually requested that visitors carry reusable containers and eco-friendly equipment.
Parking
Central parking lots are typically found at the main information points or the large starting points for hikes at the foot of the hills. From here, the flow of visitors generally disperses very quickly into the expansiveness of the mountain chain.
Safety
The unpredictable mountain weather in Lapland generally requires always being well-prepared for cold and wet conditions. To preserve the pristine nature, strictly staying on the designated paths is usually a paramount rule of conduct.
Time needed
To truly appreciate the impressive hill chain and its nature, many hikers usually plan a full day for their tour. Experienced nature enthusiasts often spend several days here as well on the long-distance hiking trails along the mountain line.
Geography
Facts
- The Pallastunturi range consists of seven major fells in total.
- The historic Hotel Pallas was built in 1938 to promote wilderness tourism.
- Taivaskero is the highest elevation in the group, reaching 807 meters.
- Air quality in Pallastunturi is ranked among the cleanest in the world by the WHO.
- The oldest marked hiking trail in Finland, Hetta-Pallas, starts in this area.
- A global atmospheric research station is located on one of the summits.
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 Pallastunturi Hills (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Pallastunturi known for?
It is known for having the cleanest air in the world and its gentle, treeless fell peaks.
Are there accommodation options?
Yes, the historic Hotel Pallas is located right at the foot of the fells and is a handy starting point.
Is cross-country skiing possible?
Yes, there is a vast network of groomed cross-country ski trails winding through the fell landscape.
Which national park is this?
The fells are part of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, the third largest in Finland.
Can you see reindeer there?
Yes, Pallastunturi is in a reindeer husbandry area, and the animals often graze on the slopes.
Pallastunturi Hills: where is it located?
Pallastunturi Hills is located in Finland.
Pallastunturi Hills: what is there to see?
Highlights include Laukukero, Palkaskero.
Pallastunturi Hills: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Pallastunturi Hills: why is it worth visiting?
The Pallastunturi hills in northwestern Finland comprise a group of seven distinct fells stretching across the Muonio and Enontekiö municipalities.
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