How about a bike trip through fell landscapes that the whole family can enjoy? Ride along gravel roads, smaller trails, or through the stunning scenery of a national park. There’s something for everyone, and the boldest helmet-wearers in the family can even test their skills at Ylläs Bike Park, which was named Finland’s Bike Park of the Year in autumn 2024.
Below is a look at Ylläs’s easiest, family-friendly biking routes. Pick your favorite, hop in the saddle, and enjoy a fun day of cycling together.
Kesänkijärven polkaisu
This route offers just the right amount of challenge and includes perfect spots for a snack break at a day trip hut or even a refreshing dip surrounded by stunning fell scenery. This easy, family-friendly route is just over 13 kilometers long. It starts in the village of Äkäslompolo, heads to Lake Kesänkijärvi, and loops back through the forests of Nilivaara.
The official starting point is at Äkäshotelli, where a wide trail winds through a pine forest. At this stage, you’ll still catch glimpses of cabins here and there. Next, the trail descends gently toward Lake Kesänkijärvi. Don’t pick up too much speed here – before the hill ends, you’ll need to turn right onto the trail that circles the lake. The reinforced trail makes for an easy ride toward the Kesänkijärvi hut, lean-to shelter, and the Kesängin Keidas café.
At the eastern end of the lake, you can enjoy your packed snacks in the hut and roast marshmallows over the fire. If the café is open, you can also treat yourself to something tasty there. From the dock, you’ll have a great view of the majestic Kellostapuli across the lake. Kellostapuli is part of the fell Ylläs. On a hot summer day, the bravest might even take a dip in the lake to cool off. If the lakeshore at Kesänkijärvi feels too challenging for younger family members, you can save the swim for the end of the ride at the Äkäslompolo beach, which is just a short detour from the route.
The reinforced trail continues along the opposite side of the lake and then follows a gravel road for a while toward the village. Soon, the route turns right and climbs toward Nilivaara. After Nilivaara, the trail winds downhill toward Karilan Navettagalleria and the shores of Äkäslompolo, eventually returning to Äkäshotelli.
If you’re looking for an easier and lighter version of the route, you can skip the climb and simply follow the gravel road back to the village after circling the lake.
Kahvikeidas loop
The Kahvikeidas Loop in Ylläsjärvi is well-suited for families with children and is just under four kilometers long. The route starts at Ylläs Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi, where parking is easy. It follows an easy trail base toward the Kahvikeidas café, which mainly operates in winter. When the café is open, the lean-to shelter in the yard is also available for use.
If you’re up for a slightly longer ride, you can take a detour to the Ojanlatva lean-to or day hut to enjoy your own snacks. The distance from Kahvikeidas to Ojanlatva is just over one kilometer each way.
For the more adventurous, there’s a longer circular route option. From Ojanlatva, the trail continues toward Ylläsjärvi village along a section reinforced in 2022 with metal grating boardwalks and a crushed stone surface. These boardwalks are easy to walk your bike across if needed.
This route allows for flexible planning. On your return from Kahvikeidas to Ylläs Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi, you can choose an alternate path that runs slightly lower, closer to the Tunturipalo area.
Biking around Äkäslompolo
A route suitable even for the youngest family members.
You can technically start the Äkäslompolo route from anywhere, but the official starting point is Äkäshotelli. From there, follow the white signs for the Levi cycling route until you reach the shore of lake Äkäslompolo.
The wide trail runs close to the lakeshore, crossing the Nilijänkkä and Lahdenjänkkä wetlands to the other side of the village, where it connects to a pedestrian and bike path. The final stretch follows this bike path back to the starting point. Along the way, you’ll pass the Äkäslompolo beach and birdwatching tower. After your ride, treat yourself to an ice cream from the nearby K-supermarket Jounin Kauppa.
Alternatively, you can cycle the Äkäslompolo story trail, which is about 8.5 kilometers long and features 20 information points sharing stories about the village’s history, notable figures, and past events. The signs also include digital content you can listen to by scanning a QR code with your phone. Along the trail, you’ll also find various art installations. The official starting point is Tano’s house, the oldest building in the village, but the trail can also be explored in sections. Each point includes a map for orientation.
The trail passes the charming Karilan Navettagalleria, where you can stop for refreshments, try out a small mountain biking track in the yard, or meet the farm animals.
More tips for biking with the whole family
If your cycling skills and stamina are up to it, the next challenge for your family or group of friends could be a moderately demanding route to Kukastunturi in Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park. The trail is mostly reinforced and fairly easy to ride, with wide paths, but it offers a good physical challenge due to the steady climb to the top of the fell. The views at the summit are well worth the effort.
The more adventurous can test their riding skills at Ylläs Bike Park, which also has trails suitable for younger riders. Even if you’re a beginner, it’s worth checking out, just be brave and give it a try! Or challenge the whole family on the Bike Park’s asphalt Pump Track – fun is guaranteed!
In the village of Ylläsjärvi, families can also enjoy a bike ride to the local beach, located just behind K-Supermarket Eelin Kauppa. Grab some ice cream and go! There’s also a small Pump Track behind the store. In this traditional village landscape, you’ll also find a one-kilometer cultural and environmental art trail. Along the path, you’ll see signs sharing stories from local history. The trail begins at the gate of the playground by the lake behind the store, and the official info point is located at the nearby dock used for washing rugs.
Ylläs’s biking trails offer something for everyone
Peaceful moments in nature, shared adventures, and the chance to pause and take in the scenery – biking in Ylläs offers all this and more. Bring your own bikes or rent from one of the area’s expert bike rental shops, and pedal your way into adventure!