Looking for a perfect summer day out in the fells? Ylläs is one of the best places in Lapland for family-friendly summer hiking – the views are unbeatable, the trails are well-marked and easy to walk, and there’s something for adventurers of all ages. In this article, we’ll introduce three great walking routes for families and share a few tips to help you plan a smooth and fun day outdoors.
Whether you’re out with a toddler in a stroller or looking for a relaxed day hike that suits school-aged kids, these trails offer memorable nature experiences without the rush. Pick your favorite, pack some snacks, and head out to enjoy the great outdoors together.
Three Easy Summer Hiking Trails in Ylläs for Families
Ylläs offers plenty of easy-going trails that are perfect for families – from the littlest explorers to grandparents. The routes take you through a variety of landscapes and include several rest spots where you can take a break and enjoy your packed snacks with the kids. Having the chance to stop for a picnic makes the hike even more enjoyable, and those shared moments – whether munching on sandwiches or flipping pancakes over a campfire – are the ones that stick in your memory for years to come.
Kesänkijärven kierros: An easy and scenic trail for the whole family
The Kesänkijärven kierros (loop) is an easy walking trail just under six kilometers long. It starts from the Kesänkijärvi parking area and circles the lake through stunning fell scenery in Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park. The trail begins along the northern shore of the lake, offering beautiful views across the water toward Ylläs fell. Just before reaching the rest stop at the eastern end of the lake, you’ll pass a small spring area where clear water flows gently toward the shore.
At the Kesänki lean-to shelter or hut, maintained by Metsähallitus, it’s a great idea to stop for a snack or even fry up some pancakes. The trail continues past the Kesängin Keidas café, across narrow iron boardwalks, and winds through a more forested landscape on the southern side of the lake. Soon you’ll cross the charmingly babbling Varkaanoja stream. Please note that Varkaanoja is part of the Varkaankuru restricted zone, where leaving the marked trail is prohibited from May 1st to November 30th—so enjoy the view from the trail only. The small bridge is also a great spot for photos.
Toward the end of the loop, the trail crosses wide wooden duckboards over the Hormistonjänkkä wetland, followed by a crossing over the Kesänkijoki river. The final stretch takes you along a short gravel road back to the parking area. The full loop takes about two hours without breaks, but with so much to see and enjoy, it’s a good idea to plan for nearly double that time if you’re bringing snacks.
The section from the parking area to the lean-to is a demanding accessible trail, suitable for strollers. Some determined hikers have completed the full loop with a stroller, but the narrow iron boardwalks on the eastern side are a real challenge—crossing them is a feat worthy of a hiking medal!
Tuomikurun kierros: a scenic trail with just the right amount of challenge
The Tuomikurun kierros (loop) starts from Ylläs Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi and is a little over six kilometers long. This moderately demanding trail is mostly easy to walk, except for a slightly narrower and bumpier section when descending from the Tuomikuru hut into a lush grove. The climb is well worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views to the east and south.
The trail begins behind the Ylläs Bike Park pump track, where clear signs point the way toward the Tuomikuru shelter. The path up to the shelter is wide and easy to follow. At the shelter, there’s an outdoor fire pit where you can enjoy your snacks while taking in the scenery.
From the shelter, the trail continues toward the gorge and the leafy forest that surrounds a small stream. There are a few metal duckboards to help you cross the wetter sections. The forest opens up, and the path gradually widens, eventually turning into a broad gravel road that passes the Kahvikeidas café and leads back to the ski resort. The full loop takes about two hours, plus time for snack breaks.
Varkaankurunpolku: A beautiful boardwalk trail with a lovely rest spot
The Varkaankurunpolku (loop) is a little over 3 kilometers long and starts from the Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas, descending right away into the lush Varkaankuru gorge. The trail follows the edges of the Varkaanoja stream through beautiful leafy forest, with easy-to-walk metal duckboards. Please note that the entire Varkaankuru area is a restricted zone, and stepping off the trail is prohibited from May 1st to November 30th. The first half of the trail runs through Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park, and the restriction helps protect the unique forest habitat and its species.
Dogs are welcome on the trail, and special side planks have been added to the duckboards for them. The wide boardwalks are also easy for children to walk on, but this trail is not suitable for strollers. About halfway through, you’ll reach the Varkaankuru shelter and outdoor fire pit—perfect for a snack break. If you want to reach the shelter with a stroller, there’s an alternative: a demanding accessible route from the Ihmisenrinki parking area to the shelter and back. While enjoying your picnic, you might be greeted by friendly Siberian jays or willow and Siberian tits. Toilets are also available at the shelter.
The return leg of the trail takes you through drier pine forest back toward Kellokas. The full loop takes about an hour without long breaks. If the visitor centre is open, this hike pairs nicely with a visit—Kellokas has interesting exhibitions and fun activities for kids too.
Tips for a successful family hike
We’ve put together a few handy tips that came to mind to help make your hiking day both fun and safe for the whole family.
- Pack enough snacks and drinks. Tasty hot dogs and a juice bottle for everyone – good food keeps the energy up, even on longer hikes.
- Cool snack tip for a hot day! On a warm summer hike, pack some ice cream in a food thermos for everyone – it’s a guaranteed hit and might even make fellow hikers a little jealous.
- Be prepared for changing weather in the fells. Even in summer, it can get chilly and windy higher up. Dress appropriately and bring the right layers to stay comfortable throughout the hike.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out. If you plan to make a campfire during your hike, also remember to check the forest fire warning. When a warning is in effect, open fires are strictly prohibited—even at designated fire pits.
- Bring the right gear when hiking with kids. If your little adventurers get tired and the trail isn’t stroller-friendly, you can rent a child carrier backpack from one of the local rental shops in the area.
Where do the trails start and how do you access them?
The starting points for these and other trails in Ylläs are easiest to find using the Ylläs digital trail map. The map shows the nearest parking areas, trail descriptions, section lengths, and even allows you to measure the distance of a custom route you plan yourself. It also displays rest spots and wilderness cafés, among other useful features.
The summer walking trails are marked with green and brown signposts featuring an icon of a hiker with a backpack.
Ylläs invites the whole family to explore nature
Ylläs is a versatile destination for family hiking. With a wide range of trails, stunning scenery, and great rest spots, every outing becomes just a little bit better. Whether you’re adventuring with young kids, grandparents, your extended family, or a group of friends, you’re sure to find a trail that suits everyone.