Plizio Visual Lab

Ylläs

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Ylläs

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Understand that Ylläs consists of two separate villages (Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi) on opposite sides of the fell, connected by a scenic road and ski bus.
Purchase a physical or digital cross-country trail map; the network is massive (over 330km) and it is easy to take a wrong turn.
Look out for semi-wild reindeer wandering along the roads or even casually crossing the ski tracks.
Bring windproof outerwear for downhill skiing, as the exposed fell top above the tree line can get extremely gusty.

🍽 Food

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Wild mushroom soup

Often made with local false morels, served at cozy wilderness cafes along the cross-country ski tracks.

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Reindeer burger

A modern Lappish twist on a classic, found in the lively taverns of Äkäslompolo village.

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Munkki

Freshly fried Finnish doughnuts paired with hot berry juice, a staple treat at slope-side warming huts.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Jounin Kauppa

Visit this famous, massive supermarket in Äkäslompolo for an incredible selection of Lapland food souvenirs and local berries.

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Local wool shops

Find authentic, hand-knitted woolen socks and beanies in small boutiques scattered across both villages.

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Kellokas Visitor Centre trails

Explore the peaceful, informative nature paths that lead straight into the pristine Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

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Äkäslompolo Lake

A beautiful frozen expanse well-suited for a quiet cross-country ski or a serene walk under the polar night sky.

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Kuertunturi

A smaller, quieter fell near Äkäslompolo handy for snowshoeing without the crowds of the main ski area.

Ylläs is one of Finland's highest fells at 718 meters and is home to the country's longest ski runs, stretching up to 3 kilometers. Uniquely, the fell serves two different Lappish villages: Äkäslompolo on the north side and Ylläsjärvi on the south. With 63 slopes and 28 lifts, it features the most extensive downhill skiing in Finland. A global rarity found here is the sauna gondola, allowing visitors to experience a Finnish sauna while suspended above the snowy landscape. The area borders the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, providing a pristine environment for outdoor enthusiasts. It is widely considered a cross-country skiing mecca with over 330 kilometers of groomed trails. To enhance the viewing of the Northern Lights, the village of Äkäslompolo follows a policy of turning off streetlights during winter nights. Summer visitors can enjoy hiking the fells or mountain biking on the vast trail network under the midnight sun. Dining in Ylläs often happens in atmospheric log cabins serving reindeer stew and local fish. The resort is accessible via Kittilä Airport or the Kolari railway station, which receives overnight trains from Helsinki. The best time to visit is from February to late April for the best skiing conditions, or in September to witness 'Ruska', the lively autumn colors of the Arctic tundra.