Located 150 km north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, Ylläs is one of Finland’s premier year-round holiday destinations. Comprising two charming Lappish villages, Ylläsjärvi to the south and Äkäslompolo to the north, also known as the Village of Seven Fells, this locale is famed for its unique fell landscapes and pristine natural beauty. Its allure is enhanced by its proximity to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, renowned for its unrivalled air quality.
While the long Lapland winter and spring months draw crowds to the Ylläs Ski Resort, the largest resort in Finland, summer and autumn transform the region into a haven for both relaxation and adventure.
During summer in Ylläs, witness the mesmerising midnight sun painting the sky with vibrant hues, granting endless daylight for exploration. Experience this surreal phenomenon when the sun shines throughout the night, transforming the landscape with a warm, bright glow reminiscent of sunrise or sunset.
Here, in Ylläs, the possibilities are endless, yet there is no pressure to partake in any particular activity. Visitors can simply bask in the serenity, breathing the purest air on earth, surrounded by ancient twisted pines. Accommodations cater to every preference, from cosy log cabins nestled in the heart of Lapland’s wilderness to luxurious hotels offering proximity to village amenities. Whether you seek solitude or socialisation, Ylläs has a lodging option to suit your needs.
Mountain biking paradise
For outdoor enthusiasts, Ylläs has built a reputation as a mountain biking paradise. Trails of varying difficulty levels wind through the terrain, offering exhilarating journeys for cyclists of all skill levels. From leisurely scenic routes to challenging forest trails, every biking path promises an adventure through the breathtaking vistas of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
Going on a midnight cycling trip through the national park, maybe all the way up to Kukastunturi Fell’s stunning peak, is an incredible adventure. Riding along the trails, covering almost 200 kilometres, you’ll see something truly unique: the captivating midnight sun. Since the sun keeps everything lit up, you won’t even need headlight lamps, letting you soak in the breathtaking scenery around you without any distractions
Navigating the scenic wonders of the area is made effortless with the assistance of an electronic map, guiding travelers to the most picturesque landscapes and idyllic resting spots. Deep in the wilderness cyclists will discover charming cafés like Velhonkota, Kesängin Keidas, Latvamaja, Karilan Navettagalleria, and Luosujärven Rantakahvila where they can enjoy a break with excellent coffees and tasty snacks. Adventurers can further enhance their experience by renting high-quality bikes, including electric ones, from various locations across the area, such as Äkäslomolo Sportshop, Tunturi Flow, Sportcorner, Sisu Outdoor, and Lapland Safaris, for groups and individuals.
Ylläs Bike Park: Biking Adventure for All
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Ylläs Bike Park awaits, promising a thrilling experience for riders of all ages and skill levels. Tailored trails cater to beginners through to advanced enduro riders, ensuring customizable speed and intensity to suit each rider’s preference. Boasting a new chairlift and world-class trails, including a new chairlift and world-class trails, Ylläs Bike Park offers a unique lift-assisted biking experience, setting it apart from the competitive world of downhill biking and enduro.
Beginning at the top of the Ylläs fell, the park boasts Finland’s longest routes, providing unparalleled views of the stunning natural surroundings. Visitors are served by three lifts: the Gondola, the new Ylläs Express chairlift, and the covered carpet lift Vekkuli, which provides access to trails specifically designed for children. Conveniently, all necessary equipment can be rented from HILL Sport Shop, conveniently situated next to the Gondola’s lower station.
Thrilling Summer Adventures Await Paddlers in Ylläs
In summer, the waterways of the Ylläs region provide thrilling adventures for kayakers, canoeists, and packrafters. Ylläs boasts a variety of paddling routes, from swift rivers to serene small lakes, and combinations of both. The long rivers offer the best experiences, where paddlers can feel the adrenaline of navigating turbulent rapids and unwind by taking in the scenic landscapes shaped by beavers in the calm stretches.
Finnish sauna experience
After a day of exploration, unwind with a quintessential Finnish sauna experience. From modern panoramic saunas to traditional smoke saunas, Ylläs offers a variety of options to rejuvenate body and soul. Imagine basking in the warmth of the sauna as the summer night envelops the land, followed by a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters—a truly magical experience. Explore renowned saunas like Rönölä, Savusauna Lomakeskus Seita, Aakenuspirtti, Ylläs Experience wilderness cabin sauna, Yöpuun sauna, or even the unique Gondola sauna, each offering its own slice of relaxation paradise.
Local culinary delights
No visit to Ylläs is complete without savouring the local culinary delights. Indulge in the flavours of Lapland with dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, including wild herbs, berries, and mushrooms. From cosy eateries in the town centre to open-fire dining experiences amidst nature’s tranquillity, every meal promises a culinary journey unlike any other.
At Restaurant Poro, traditional Lappish food culture takes centre stage, offering dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients infused with natural flavours. Jolie Lounge & Café offers a cosy setting to enjoy homemade treats and dishes crafted from seasonal produce and locally foraged wild food. Meanwhile, Ylläs Experience provides a unique dining adventure in the wilderness, with guests grilling sausages and toasting sandwiches during a picturesque hike.
Whether it’s the exhilaration of conquering mountain trails on two wheels, the rejuvenating warmth of a Finnish sauna under the midnight sun, the vibrant hues of autumn foliage painting the landscape, or the flavours of locally sourced cuisine, Ylläs offers a haven of active relaxation and engaging adventures in Lapland’s stunning wilderness throughout the seasons.
Ylläs: A Year-Round Haven for Adventure, Relaxation, and Culinary Delights in Lapland
Whether it’s the exhilaration of conquering mountain trails on two wheels, the rejuvenating warmth of a Finnish sauna under the midnight sun, the vibrant hues of autumn foliage painting the landscape, or the flavours of locally sourced cuisine, Ylläs offers a haven of active relaxation and engaging adventures in Lapland’s stunning wilderness throughout the seasons.
