Excursion Destinations in Fell Lapland: Guide and Tips
Here Adventure Marmot's First Blog Post: This article provides a general overview with a few examples of popular and less common hiking and trekking destinations in Fell Lapland, where you can venture independently or with a guide.
Aakenustunturi, with its long, horseshoe shape, offers hikers a sense of tranquility that southern city-dwellers can only dream of. The extensive trails encircling the fell and its wilderness landscape feature both moist forest paths and rocky ascents and descents — though after rain, these might resemble water slides more than trails. The Aakenustunturi loop (often called the Moloslaki loop) usually begins from Totovaara or the Pyhäjärvi parking area. On a clear day, Moloslaki rewards hikers with magnificent views stretching all the way to Levi, Ylläs, Pallas, and Pallilaki at Aakenus’s western end. Along the way, be sure to visit Aakenustupa, a cabin completed in 2021 that heats up quickly and provides cozy shelter in the brisk autumn conditions.
The Moloslaki Circuit (summer route) is approximately 11.4 km long and includes easy open fell terrain along with rocky trail sections, so it’s recommended to allow 4-5 hours for the hike. On the northern side of the route, you can see the wreckage of a Luftwaffe Junkers JU 52 plane, which during World War II became lost in a snowstorm and crashed into the slopes of Moloslaki. The remnants of the wreck are still visible in the landscape.
In winter, Moloslaki is accessible by skis, and March to April is a fantastic time to visit. The route starts with a groomed track, though it doesn’t last long, and the climb up to Moloslaki can be challenging. If you’re lucky, fresh snowmobile tracks might be visible, making the skiing easier. Otherwise, good map and terrain reading skills are essential since the summer route markers may not be visible. The descent requires some skiing ability, as the speed can pick up quickly on the way down. This area is ideal for backcountry skiers seeking solitude. Between Moloslaki and Pallilaki lies Vaulokuru, offering a short but fun slope for skiing. This freeride adventure is also available with a guide.
Pallas-Yllästuntur National Park Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is a premier destination for hikers. Its fells and forests attract trekkers of all levels. You could write pages about this area alone, but here’s a quick overview. For a convenient day hike from your car, the Ylläs Trail takes you up nearly 720 meters from Ylläsjärvi, offering breathtaking views along the way, while a trail from the Pallas Hotel leads up to the summit of Taivaskero on an easy path. For those looking for simpler routes, there are plenty of family-friendly paths, like the short two-kilometer trail to Aurinkotupa, perfect for families with young children.
In the northern part of the national park lies the famous 50 km Hetta-Pallas hiking trail, which the most fit trail runners can complete in a single day. For a more relaxed pace, hikers typically spend 3-4 days on this route. You’re unlikely to hike this trail alone, as the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, with approximately 12,000 of them hiking the Hetta-Pallas route. Along the way, there are wilderness huts at Pyhäkero, Sioskuru, Pahakuru, Hannukuru, and Nammalakuru for hikers to rest.
The most popular times to visit are in August and September when flying bloodsuckers have decreased and the fall colors start to appear. Even in October, you can still experience good weather, but you need to be prepared for cold and even snowfall. During the busiest times, the wilderness huts may be full of other hikers, making a tent an excellent solution for those who appreciate their own space.
The national park is also popular in winter for both freeriders and ski trekkers. Especially the extensive network of wilderness huts in the Pallas fells provides security for skiers hauling sleds, allowing them to spend several days skiing from one wilderness hut to another. Freeriders, on the other hand, often prefer day trips to the park's numerous slopes. There are challenging, steep walls to descend as well as gentler slopes for those looking to enjoy the scenery. However, when moving in winter conditions, it's important to remember safety, as avalanches occur in the area every winter, affecting both freeriders and ski trekkers.
Käsivarsi Wilderness Area is the true king of hiking destinations – an honest wilderness where the hiker encounters nature as it is and has space to breathe. The Käsivarren wilderness area is known for its rugged fells and vast, untouched landscapes that make everyday worries fade away. It's essential to prepare thoroughly for this area, as weather conditions can change suddenly, even in summer. Popular destinations include Halti, the highest point in Finland, which requires careful planning, a spirit of adventure, and a 110 km hike (Kilpisjärvi-Halti-Kilpisjärvi), as well as Saana, which is easy to summit from the parking area.
A freerider starting from the village of Kilpisjärvi can put on their skins the night before and head into the nearby terrain, but those wanting to venture further into the backcountry should prepare for a snowmobile ride. In the Käsivarren wilderness area, snowmobiling is only allowed on the snowmobile trail managed by the Finnish Forest Administration and it is subject to a fee. The area's diverse nature and the cultural traditions of the Sámi people impose strict restrictions on snowmobiling, and the area's use is regularly monitored to maintain a balance between traditional livelihoods, nature conservation, and tourism.
Additionally, most of the wilderness area is part of the Käsivarren reindeer herding district, so the grazing peace of the reindeer must be taken into consideration when using snowmobile routes. More information about the routes and permit fees can be found at on the Finnish Forest Administration website, where you can view maps of the routes and other off-road driving regulations. Once the necessary permits are arranged and you’ve been transported close to your desired mountain by snowmobile, skiing can be incredibly enjoyable, and you may not encounter any other skiers at all.
For ski trekkers, there are several cabins and reserved huts available for overnight stays, and it’s wise to take advantage of their existence, as the weather conditions in the Käsivarren wilderness area can change suddenly for the worse. When bad weather strikes, the warmth of a cabin can significantly enhance your quality of life.
Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area is one of the lesser-known destinations, making it a true treasure for those seeking peace. Vast expanses of marshlands and mountain scenery offer the tranquility of the wilderness without the crowds of tourists. The area is particularly renowned for its sand dunes and unique northern landscapes. Here, hikers often encounter only the wind and their own thoughts, making it the perfect place for those who want to completely disconnect from everything. The area's abundant fishing waters attract anglers, and an impressive ATV trail cutting through the beautiful terrain beckons mountain bikers.
The Pöyrisjärvi wilderness area offers diverse opportunities for wilderness fishing, particularly for fans of grayling and whitefish. Pöyrisjärvi itself is known for its whitefish populations, and these can also be found in the Pöyrisjoki River, attracting fly and lure anglers. The area is also home to pike, perch, and trout, and ice fishing on the lake is generally allowed without special permits, but lure fishing requires a valid fishing license. the fishing management fee as well as a separate fishing permit from Metsähallitus (e.g., a permit for 1402 Karesuvanto-Hetta) or the special permit for Pöyrisjoki).. In flowing waters, angling and ice fishing are prohibited, so it’s advisable to thoroughly review the rules and regulations in advance.
In the Pöyrisjärvi wilderness area, there are no marked biking trails, but suitable trails for mountain biking appear on digital maps, and good navigation skills are essential. Paths used by locals and reindeer herders can be utilized for both hiking and biking. The trails vary from easy to challenging, with difficulty levels that may change significantly. The wilderness trails are far from populated areas, and large sections are outside of mobile network coverage. Therefore, mountain bikers need to be well-prepared, even for shorter trips.
Pöyrisjärvi, which has gained popularity among fatbike enthusiasts, offers unique landscapes shaped by sand dunes, often compared to African savannas. An ATV track runs from the village of Näkkälä to the Pöyrisjärvi hut, standing out clearly in the terrain, though it is unmarked. If you haven’t tried bike trekking before, the Näkkälä-Pöyrisjärvi route (16 km) is an excellent trail for giving it a try by your self or with the guide.
ATV tracks can also be found in other wilderness areas and are well-suited for mountain biking. It's important to prioritize safety: bring enough clothing and provisions, as weather conditions can change quickly, and unexpected delays may occur along the way. Wilderness trails are often used by reindeer herders and lead to summer grazing sites. Please be mindful of your presence in the area to avoid disturbing reindeer herding activities, and always close any reindeer gate behind you.
Last but not least: Levi! The areas around Levi are an excellent choice for shorter hikes, especially if you want quick access to mountain scenery without having to walk for days. The surroundings offer several well-marked trails suitable for all levels. For example, on Kätkätunturi, you can challenge yourself by climbing up steep, rocky, and root-filled paths. There’s a lean-to shelter at the top of the mountain where you can take a break while enjoying beautiful views toward Levi.
For those looking to unwind from the previous night’s festivities, the easy Immeljärvi Loop is perfect, combining asphalt paths and easy trails, ideal for city dwellers. You can take a break at the Korkeaniemi lean-to, which offers a stunning view over Lake Immeljärvi, especially during autumn. It’s also family-friendly, with car access nearby. The shelter is accessible in winter too, making it a cozy spot to warm up and enjoy a fire inside the kota during the coldest days.
Levi is a versatile mountain biking destination with year-round trails suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. In winter, bike routes wind through the stunning snowy forests of Lapland, while the midnight sun in midsummer and the vibrant autumn colors provide a unique atmosphere for mountain biking. You can rent e-fatbikes, for example, at HILL SKi Rent at the base of the front slope.
In the Levi area, cyclists can also head out on broader mountain biking trails, such as the route from Levi to Ylläs. A large portion of these trails are multi-use, accommodating both hikers and bikers, and all users are expected to follow mountain biking etiquette. Levi is well-suited for both leisurely recreational cycling and for bikers seeking more technical challenges, allowing them to enjoy the scenery and tranquility of nature year-round, in accordance with the changing seasons.
If you haven't tried skinning and freeriding yet, Levi makes it easy. Rent your gear from HILL Ski Rent and book guide who will guide you and your group through the essentials of skinning and freeriding. And hey, if you're already an experienced freerider but haven't tried it in the dark with a powerful headlamp, the headlamp randonee is definitely worth a shot! Adventure Marmot has a few effective headlamps available for borrowing, perfectly suited for this purpose.
Why not try stand-up paddleboarding! SUP on Lake Levi, Lake Immel, or the Ounasjoki River offers a calming way to experience the unique waters and surrounding landscapes of Tunturi-Lapland. On the tranquil, clear waters of Lake Levi and Lake Immel, you can enjoy peaceful paddling under the midnight sun or amidst the autumn colors.
And as a bonus, after your adventure, you can take a dip in the Levi Spa if you want to combine your nature experience with a touch of luxury. I can't forget to mention the numerous restaurants in the area, where you're sure to find a delightful choice for everyone!
And here is Adventure Marmot's first blog post! If you’re looking for a hike or day trip tailored just for you, you can easily get in touch Adventure Marmot trought to contact form or by a email (info@adventuremarmot.fi).