Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park lies in northern Finland, in Lapland, and is the third-largest national park in the country. It takes its name from two fell ranges, Pallas and Yllästunturi, whose ancient, rounded summits rise above the forest and give the park its character. In Finnish it is known as Pallas-Yllästunturin kansallispuisto.
What the park offers
The landscape is one of old fells, wide open views and clean, pristine air. For many visitors the appeal is simply the quiet of the wilderness and the sense of space that the fells provide. The park is also known for its excellent cross-country skiing, making it a natural choice for a winter trip, when the snow-covered fells and forests are the main draw.
Autumn brings a different side of the park. The fells and forests put on spectacular autumn colours, and many people come in the shoulder season for the views alone.
Culture and the reindeer
The park is part of a region where reindeer herding is a living tradition. Seeing reindeer and learning about the herding culture adds a human dimension to a visit that is rooted in the land itself.
Planning a visit
- Go in winter for cross-country skiing on the fells.
- Go in autumn for the colours of the landscape.
- Go in any season for quiet walks and clear, open views.
- Allow time to take in the reindeer herding culture of the surrounding area.
If you want fells, forest and fresh air far from busy towns, with skiing in winter and colour in autumn, this national park is worth considering.
