Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park: Official Guide and Planning Resources Collection

Finland's most visited national park protecting a 100-kilometre chain of ancient fells and boreal taiga forests in Arctic Lapland

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park represents one of Finland's most significant protected areas, combining outstanding natural diversity with extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The park's long, north-south oriented territory encompasses a remarkable range of arctic and boreal habitats, from the ancient rounded summits of the fell chain down through coniferous forests and into extensive mire systems. The geological foundation of the landscape dates to approximately three billion years ago, when the original folded mountain range was formed. Subsequent glacial processes and weathering have shaped today's characteristic fells, with their distinctive kero summits representing the treeless, rounded tops unique to Scandinavian mountain terrain. The park straddles the boundary between Metsä-Lappi (Forest Lapland) and Peräpohjola (Northern Lapland) vegetation zones, creating ecological diversity that supports both northern and southern species. Beyond its ecological significance, the park holds cultural importance as Finland's most visited protected area, with a visitor infrastructure developed over decades that includes three well-equipped visitor centres, serviced wilderness huts, lean-to shelters, and an extensive network of marked trails suitable for hikers of all ability levels. The park's air quality is exceptional, with some of the world's cleanest air measured at the Sammaltunturi weather station.