Ylläs is a true paradise for trail runners. Trails crisscross the fells and the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, offering breathtaking scenery and a wide variety of routes.
Running in the fells feels almost effortless, and there are options for everything from a relaxed jog to a heart-pumping workout. We interviewed ultra and trail runner Heli Sisto, who shares why Ylläs is such a special place for her and what tips she has for others heading out on the trails. We’ll also share three of our favorite trail running routes – plus Heli’s personal favorite.
Trail running in Ylläs
We asked Heli Sisto about her connection to Ylläs and why it’s such a great place for trail running. Her answer was clear: “Ylläs has an incredibly wide range of trails, and it feels like there are always new paths to explore. There’s a huge variety of routes for all kinds of preferences”.
“There are easy, short trails and really challenging long ones. The scenery is amazing and never gets old! I especially love the Ylläs area for its beautiful nature, stunning views, and diverse trails,” she adds.
This sums up Ylläs’ versatility for trail running. On top of that, Ylläs has an extensive network of maintained winter trails, making it possible to train year-round.
Sisto first came to Ylläs in 2019 to participate in the NUTS Ylläs-Pallas event and instantly fell in love with the area. Since then, she’s returned regularly for both races and holidays, in summer and winter. Even she hasn’t run all the trails yet. One favorite is the Kellostapulinkuru trail – which also features in our route tips.
Trail running tips
At its simplest, trail running only requires a pair of trail-appropriate running shoes. For longer runs, it’s good to bring a few extras.
top 3 gear tips for trail runners:
Sisto’s essentials include proper trail shoes and comfortable running clothes. “For longer runs, I recommend a running vest – it’s a handy way to carry water and some snacks or energy. In unstable weather, a Gore-Tex jacket fits easily in the vest and comes in handy if it rains,” she says.
- Good trail running shoes
- Running vest
- Extra energy and optional clothing
Ylläs has several well-stocked sports stores with a great selection of trail running gear. Finding the right shoes often takes some trying on – and once you find the perfect pair, you might want to buy two!
Sisto collaborates with Dynafit and the Ylämäkialamäki store. During Ylläs Outdoor Week 2025, she’ll lead a group run where you can test trail shoes and vests from the Ylämäkialamäki store. A great chance to try gear in action and hit the trails with others – even if it’s your first time.
Tips for a successful trail run
How to prepare for a run? Sisto recommends checking the weather and dressing accordingly – especially in colder seasons. Weather in Ylläs can change quickly, so it’s good to be ready. Depending on the length of your run, bring water and some energy.
“A good tip is to always bring a little something to eat and extra energy – my runs often end up longer than planned,” she says. “Check out the routes online beforehand and think about how far you want to go and how much time it might take. Always bring your phone, just in case,” she adds.
Trail running for beginners
Sisto recommends starting with easier, shorter trails. “You can find good info online about different trails and their difficulty levels. If you’re unsure about the terrain, you can check it out by walking or biking first. And bring a friend if you prefer company over running solo,” she suggests.
Memorable moments on the trails
Every summer, the legendary NUTS Ylläs-Pallas trail running event takes place in Ylläs. Most of the distances are ultra runs. The boldest runners start all the way from Lemmenjoki National Park and take on the NUTS 300 – a race of over 300 kilometers. All other distances finish in Ylläs – except the 66 km route from Hetta to Pallas. With so many kilometers, the trails are sure to leave lasting memories.
That’s been the case for Heli Sisto too. She recalls many unforgettable experiences from the NUTS Ylläs-Pallas races. “I ran my first 160 km trail race in Ylläs – it was unforgettable,” she says. “Running in Ylläs’ scenery is amazing, and the race atmosphere is always fantastic! These events are also a great way to discover new trails and routes, with distances for everyone,” Sisto enthuses.
Favorite routes in Ylläs
Once your gear is ready and your mood is set, it’s time to pick the perfect route for the day. Here are our top picks for Ylläs’ stunning terrain. Start with these and adjust as needed:
Kellostapulinkuru loop
Approx. 8,5 km (Kellokas – Kellostapulinkuru – Kesänkijärvi – Varkaankuru – Kellokas)
A scenic route with very runnable terrain. From Kellokas, head to Kellostapulinkuru via the new Varkaankuru boardwalk trail, which runs beautifully along the Varkaanoja stream. There’s a bit of climbing to Kellostapulinkuru, but it’s followed by a long, gentle downhill all the way to Kesänkijärvi.
Kesänkitunturi loop
Approx. 15 km (Kesänkijärven parkkipaikka – Hangaskuru – Latvamaja – Kesänkijärven parkkipaikka)
A fun route for those who enjoy technical trails. The section between Kesänkitunturi and Lainiotunturi is perfect for fans of rocky and rooty terrain. The route is fairly flat except for the first climb.
Uphill frenzy
Approx. 25 km (Ylläs Bike Park – Ylläksen huippu – Kellostapulinkuru – Kesänkijärvi – Pirunkuru – Kellokas – Keskinenlaki –Ylläs Bike Park)
For those craving a longer run and lots of elevation, this one’s unbeatable! First, a steep climb to Ylläs summit, then a tough descent down the other side. At the bottom, another climb to Kellostapulinkuru, followed by a long downhill to Kesänkijärvi. Then comes the infamous Pirunkuru climb. After that, a gentle descent toward the Kesänkijoki area. The final climb takes you to Kellokas and then up to Keskinenlaki before a smooth descent back to the start. Stunning views and worth every drop of sweat!
Ready to hit the trails?
You might just fall in love with trail running after trying it in Ylläs – and find yourself training for your first ultra. The trails of Ylläs are for everyone who wants to experience something truly special. Maybe you’ll be the next one to fall for these landscapes. So, lace up your shoes, pick a route, and let your feet lead the way.