Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park Trail
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Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park Trail: Hetta-Pallas Guide
HikeList Score
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park Trail scored 84/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.
See score breakdownHide breakdown
- Ideal length 74
- Balanced challenge 100
- Scenery & wildness 68
- Varied terrain 100
- Accommodation 84
- Food & support 88
- Path quality 87
- Season flexibility 76
Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.
The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park Trail is best understood as the Hetta-Pallas Trail: a 55 km point-to-point hike through western Finnish Lapland from Hetta to Pallastunturi. Most hikers take 3-4 days, using wilderness huts between the fell stages. It is moderate rather than technical, but the route is strenuous in places, with about 1,350 m of ascent and long exposed sections above the treeline. It suits hikers who want a classic hut-to-hut route in Finland with open Arctic fell scenery.
Route Overview
The standard direction is north-to-south, starting in Hetta village, Enontekiö, with a short boat crossing of Lake Ounasjärvi to reach the trailhead. From there the waymarked route climbs through forest and open fell country via Pyhäkero, Sioskuru, Hannukuru and Nammalakuru before finishing at Pallas / Pallastunturi near the visitor centre and Lapland Hotels Pallas in Muonio. It can be walked either way, but Hetta to Pallas is the usual flow. A common 4-day split is roughly 15 km, 13 km, 14 km and 13 km; fit hikers often combine stages for 3 days. This is the same route as the Hetta-Pallas Trail; for easier Finnish national-park walking, compare Nuuksio National Park Trail or Linnansaari National Park Trail.
Finland's Oldest Marked Hiking Trail
The Hetta-Pallas route was marked in 1934, before the national park existed, making it Finland's oldest marked hiking trail. The surrounding fells have long been used by the indigenous Sámi for reindeer herding. The original Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park was founded in 1938; the current Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park dates from 2005, when it merged with the Ylläs-Aakenus area. Taivaskero also has Olympic history: in 1952 a flame was lit there from the midnight sun for the Helsinki Olympic torch relay, with gas used because the night was cloudy.
Notable highlights
- Pallastunturi fells and Taivaskero (807 m): The high point of the walk lies in the Pallastunturi fells, with the marked route passing close to Taivaskero. This open fell landscape is one of Finland's officially designated national landscapes.
- Lake Ounasjärvi boat crossing: The Hetta end begins or finishes with a short boat crossing across Lake Ounasjärvi, operated by local partners. Hikers arriving from the Pallas direction use a signal flag to summon the boat.
- Hannukuru huts and wilderness sauna: Hannukuru is a popular mid-route stop with open and reservable huts beside a small lake. The wood-burning sauna is a memorable Finnish trail luxury.
- Open fell plateaus above the treeline: Around 40 km of the 55 km route is on treeless fell ground, crossing rounded plateaus and ravines. It gives big views but little shelter in wind, fog or rain.
- Autumn ruska colours and reindeer: September is popular for ruska, when dwarf birch and tundra vegetation turn red and gold. Semi-domesticated reindeer herded by the Sámi are commonly seen on the fells.
- Finland's oldest marked trail: Waymarked in 1934, the Hetta-Pallas line is a core route in Finnish hiking culture and remains the signature long-distance walk of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
Challenges to expect
The trail is non-technical and waymarked, but do not treat it as easy. Long ascents and descents, rocky fell tops, boggy boardwalk sections and about 40 km above the treeline make it physically demanding. Weather can change quickly on exposed ground, and fog or low cloud can make navigation difficult despite posts and poles. Mobile coverage is patchy, so carry a map and compass.
HikeList Score
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park Trail scored 84/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.
See score breakdownHide breakdown
- Ideal length 74
- Balanced challenge 100
- Scenery & wildness 68
- Varied terrain 100
- Accommodation 84
- Food & support 88
- Path quality 87
- Season flexibility 76
Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.
FinlandShow more data Show less
- Forest
- Mires
- Fell
- Tundra
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Rocky
- Boardwalk
- Paved
- Huts
- Hotels
- Campsites
- Wild Camping Spots
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Restrooms
- Water Sources
- Campsites
- Shelters
Photos from hikers
Taken on the trail by people who've reviewed Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park Trail.
Start in Hetta with the Lake Ounasjärvi boat crossing, then climb onto the fell route. Pyhäkero is a common lunch stop before continuing to Sioskuru, set in the ravine between Pyhäkero and Siosvaara.
Continue south across open fell terrain and ravines to Hannukuru. This is a popular overnight point with both open and reservable huts, plus a wood-burning sauna beside a small lake.
Walk another exposed fell stage towards Nammalakuru, using the hut as the final overnight before Pallas. Three-day hikers commonly combine one of the middle stages instead of stopping here.
Finish over the Pallas fells, with the route culminating near Taivaskero before descending to the Pallastunturi Visitor Centre area and Lapland Hotels Pallas.
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