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SUMMER 2016

Nightless night and

99other reasons

to visit Ylläs

yllas.fi/en

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Nature Authentic

Kolari

Kemi

Oulu

Arctic circle

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Take a look of variety of things to do in Ylläs and find your

own favourites (whether you start with number 1 or 99).

We hope that you will try as many of them as possible.

Welcome to enjoy summer in Ylläs!Ylläs Marketing Ltd

Ylläs summer, full of great experiences!

Authentic Activity

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1. Varkaankuru Wizard’s Trail 3,5 kmStarting point: Kellokas Visitor Centre.If there were to be a ”Finland’s Most Beautiful Nature Trail” competition, one of the medals would have to be awarded in advance: the landscapes and nature of this nature trail on Varkaankuru Ravine are uniquely rich in variety On Wizard’s Trail, natural phenomena and the world of super-stitions go hand in hand. Because of its duckboards and steps, the trail is not physically demanding.

Along the way, near the top of Varkaankuru Ravine you will find a designated campfire spot.

2. Kiirunankieppi Trail 15 kmStarting point: Kellokas Visitor Centre.A magnificent exursion to wonderful fell landscapes awaits! The title of this nature trail comes from kiiruna, which is the Finnish word for the hard-boiled inhabitant of bare fell tops, the ptarmigan. The trail will acquaint you with the ge-ology of the Ylläs area. The lean-to shelter on Varkaankuru ravine, located slightly off the trail, is a goog campfire spot.

3. Seitakierros Trail 9 kmStarting point: Kellokas Visitor Centre. Seitakierros trail tells its visitor about the worldview of the Northern peoples and their relationship with nature. The trail goes around Kellostapuli fell, and its demanding sections are either duckboarded or stepped. The nearby Varkaankuru lean-to shelter is a fine resting place.

HIKER´S PARADISE

It is easy to get to know the nature of Ylläs: the well-marked trails take you to the heart of old-growth forests and to breathtaking fell landscapes. While in Ylläs, help preserve a litter-free Lapland by not leaving any behind.

The Ylläs Travel Info is located in the Kellokas Visitor Centre between villages Ylläsjärvi and Äkäs-lompolo. Contact us or come visit – you will see also the scenic road which takes you from village to another. In Kellokas you are able to learn about the services available in Ylläs and Kolari and you can obtain fishing permits, maps, books and information on hiking.

Contact information: info@yllas.fitel. +358 40 550 2424

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4. Saalistusjotos Trail 5 kmStarting point: Ylläsjärvi, Iso-Ylläs.Saalistusjotos trail is all about the struggle between the prey and the hunter and the ways in which the creation has adapted to the survival situation. The trail is undemand-ing. Should you get hungry while on the trail, simply pay a visit to the Kahvikeidas lean-to shelter to enjoy your picnic lunch. Starting point: Kellokas Visitor Centre. Seitakierros trail tells its visitor about the worldview of the Northern peoples and their relationship with nature. The trail goes around Kellostapuli fell, and its demanding sections are either duckboarded or stepped. The nearby Varkaankuru lean-to shelter is on a fine resting place.

5. Hillapolku Trail 6 kmStarting point: Äkäslompolo, Lake Kesänkijärvi. This trail, encircling Lake Kesänkijärvi, lets you enjoy its breathtaking scenery and get to know the fascinating plant kingdom of Ylläs. Hillapolku, literally “cloudberry trail”, is flat and undemanding and has a designated campfire spot.

6. Tähtipolku Trail 8 kmStarting point: Äkäslompolo, Lake Kesänkijärvi. On Tähtipolku trail (”star trail”), located on Kesänkitun-turi fell, you’re allowed to aim for the stars, because the subject matter involved is not from this Earth – it is time to look up to the skies! Celestial tales are the topic of this trail that begins in the parking lot by Lake Kesänkijärvi and goes up Pirunkuru Ravine to Kesänkitunturi fell and further to

the lean-to shelter on Tahkokuru Ravine. Pirunkuru area is demanding trail.

7. Ylläslompolo Nature Trail 2,7 kmStarting point: Ylläsjärvi.The bird watching tower of Ylläslompolo. This atmospher-ic trail runs through an old fir forest to a beautiful pond amidst the wilderness. The signposts on the duckboarded trail have information on meadow culture, old forest and wetlands.

8. Niesakero Wilderness TrailStarting point: Luosu, Niesakero.This nature trail that meanders in the varied landscapes of Niesakero acquaints you with the old hunter-gatherer culture and practical game husbandry. A Laplander’s hut and a water supply point are also located on the trail.

9. Saivonkierros Trail 3 kmStarting point: Aakenuksentie road, the River Äkäsjoki.You can get to know the magnificent landscapes of Äkässaivo easily by taking the Saivonkierros trail. There awaits one of the most awe-inspiring seita rocks in Lapland and Äkässaivo, a crystal clear pond. According to an old Lappish belief, Äkässaivo was inhabited by the dead (the saivo people), who lived a happy life on the shores of the “mirror image lake” located on the other side of a hole at the bottom of the deep lake. Along the trail is a cozy Laplander’s hut.

HIKER´S PARADISE

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10. Laestadius Trail 20 km(the section located in Finland) Starting points: Lappea and Sieppijärvi.Lars Levi Laestadius became vicar of the Pajala parish in 1849. It was not long thereafter that people were already travelling all the way from Sieppijärvi to hear the sermons of the renowned preacher. You can take the newly-renovat-ed trail from Sieppijärvi through Lappea to the west side of the River Tornionjoki to Pajala, where you will find the Laestadius Museum, among other things.

11. Telatie – a duckboard trail from village to village Starting points: Kurtakko and Venejärvi.This route connects the villages of Kurtakko, Venejärvi and Teurajärvi and takes you through the largest wetland in Finland. Along the way you can light a campfire at a laavu (a kind of lean-to shelter) and marvel at the wetland wilderness from the watch towers.

12. Volcano Park 1,5 kmStarting point: Aakenuksentie, Linkupalo.In the distant past, the fells of Ylläs were mountains not unlike those in the Alps. And to top it all off, there have also

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been volcanos on Ylläs! The bedrock of Linkupalo tells ge-ological tales about the volcanic eruptions that occurred over 2 billion years ago. It is nice to think about the ancient times of glowing lava in the warmth of the Laplander’s hut located at the starting point of the trail.

13. Ylläs–Pallas 72 km (+ Pallas–Hetta 55 km)Starting point: Kellokas Visitor Centre.You can see Lapland at its most beautiful by taking the marked trail from Ylläs through the entire Pallas–Yllästun-turi National Park. If your schedule does not allow a week’s hiking trip, you can always choose a section of the trail that suits you. The resting places along this peaceful trail are Laplander’s huts, wilderness huts and cabins.

14. Ylläs–Levi 50 kmStarting point: Kellokas Visitor Centre.The travel centres of Fell Lapland are a comfortable walk-ing distance away from each other. Highlights of the route between Ylläs and Levi include the ravines surrounding Lainiotunturi fell with their spring creeks, the fish-rich clear watered Lake Pyhäjärvi and the great Kätkätunturi fell. The route is undemanding. If you like, you can also

go and reach for the skies, because there are seven different fells to take a detour to and conquer.

15. Ylläs–Olos 54 kmStarting point: Kellokas Visitor Centre.For the first part of the trip you will stroll amid the most beautiful fell landscapes of Ylläs. Next, the trail takes you along the River Äkäsjoki to Äkäsjoki Water Mill, where the mill café is open during September. The rest of the trail runs in uneven forest terrain past the wilderness huts of Juuvanrova, Kuusikonmaa and Pahtavaara to the Olos Holiday Resort.

For more information of all hiking trails:

Kellokas Visitor Centre www.luontoon.fi kellokas@metsa.fitel.+358 (0)40 550 2424

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There is plenty to see and experience in the diverse nature of Fell Lapland. Good examples are the fells of the Ylläs region: they all have their own character. One thing is in common – the roof is high and the walls are on the horizon.

The landscape of Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park is dominated by fells and the unscathed forests and wetlands surrounding them. The well-marked trails, clean and beau-tiful nature and varied terrain of the area provide excellent opportunities for trips and wandering in nature. The fell range in the national park is almost one hundred kilo-metres long in total. The picturesque, beautiful Pallas fells have been chosen as one of Finland’s national landscapes.

Visitors to the national park are served by a large network of resting places and wilderness huts and the unique chain of three nature centres of the Forest and Park Service (Äkäslompolo, Pallas and Hetta).

More information for National Park:

Luontokeskus Kellokaswww.luontoon.fikellokas@metsa.fitel. +358 40 550 2424

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SIGHTSThere is plenty to see and experience in the diverse nature of Fell Lapland. Good examples are the fells of the Ylläs region: they all have their own character. One thing is in common – the roof is high and the walls are on the horizon.

16. The River Tornion-MuonionjokiThe great River Tornion–Muonionjoki is the longest free-flowing river in Europe. In the river there are rumbling waterfalls, rushing rapids and peaceful small gravel-bed rapids where salmon spawn. The upper reaches of the river divide long stretches of wilderness and the lower reaches run amidst the old cultural landscape of the river valley. The River Tornion–Muonionjoki is a stream of northern life.

17. Teuravuoma MireA sedge stand waves in the summer wind and bogbeans bloom. Birds shout their warning cries at passers-by. It is easy to lose one’s heart to the huge and diverse Teuravuo-ma Mire.

18. Niesakero Fell, 409 m.a.s.l. The terrain south of the village of Luosu is dominated by Niesakero fell. The scenery that is revealed from the top of the rocky fell is worth climbing the way up for. The terrain of Niesakero has had an effect on the people of the past as well three human figures carved on two dead standing pine trees in the early 19th century have been found in the vicinity of the fell.

19. Kiuaskero Fell, 431 m.a.s.l. Surrounded by grand old forests, Kiuaskero fell is part of our cultural heritage. In the early 19th century, the astron-omer F. G. W. Struve set out to calculate the size and shape of the Earth via triangulations stretching from the Arctic Ocean to the Black Sea. The lone, peaceful Kiuaskero fell is one of the triangulation points of the Struve Geodetic Arc,

an official item on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

20. PakasaivoPakasaivo, the famous “Hell of Lapland”, is a ravine lake formed in a bedrock canyon washed by glacial meltwater. Commanding deep respect Pakasaivo is an old worship site. You can acquaint yourself with Pakasaivo by taking the well constructed route to it. Whatever food you take with you on your journey can be eaten comfortably in a big Laplander’s hut.

21. Äkäsaivo - KirkkopahtaIn a pine forest near the road leading to Pakasaivo lies a lonely erratic block. This is no ordinary rock thrown about by the ice age, however, but a traditional worship site instead.

22. Kuerlinkka WaterfallsThe gentle flow of the River Kuerjoki turns wild during the last kilometre: the river surges down at the bottom of the grand fell towards the River Äkäsjoki. The dazzling pace climaxes in two “linkkas” i.e. waterfalls from which fish-ermen of times past hauled trout in a clever style: a willow basket was placed under the waterfall, and fish that failed their jump would fall in that basket.

23. Kuertunturi Fell, 446 m.a.s.l. Surrounding Äkäslompolo in the east, Kuertunturi fell is easy to conquer: at the end of the planned road that reaches the highest altitude is a path which you can take to climb to the peak in half an hour. Flat-topped old pine trees decorate the sides of the path.

m.a.s.l. = metres above sea level

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24. Yllästunturi Fell, 719 m.a.s.l. Yllästunturi fell is a landmark of western Lapland. Being over 500 metres higher than the surrounding terrain, on Yllästunturi one can see things way over 100 kilometres away – which amounts part of the area of Lapland. Yllästunturi fell can be conquered from the west by hop-ping from one natural stone to another, from the north by walking along a road or comfortably from the southeast enjoying the longest gondola ascent in Finland. Pre-re-served by special request, the gondola can also function as a sauna, the only one in the world!

25. Varkaankuru RavineBeginning above the treeline, Varkaankuru Ravine is a magically beautiful place whose nature is amazingly diverse. The lower region of the ravine seems like an en-chanted forest with its old trees and grass as tall as grown men. Species-wise, Varkaankuru is one of the finest places in Lapland.

26. Keskinen Laki, 615+ m.a.s.l.The lower peak of Ylläs fell, Keskinen laki, is the highest

untouched area in the region. Easy to conquer, Keskinen laki is a great place to get to know the nature of the fell: by searching near rocks, you can find a tame ptarmigan and a true fell plant, the pink-flowered trailing azalea.

27. Kellostapuli Fell, 503 m.a.s.l.The steep Kellostapuli Ravine is the noble little sister of Ylläs. The top of this fell sister is hard to reach, but the eas-iest way to conquer her is to climb the fell ridge in the east.

28. Lake KesänkijärviLake Kesänkijärvi, located in the valley between Kesän ki-tunturi fell and Kellostapuli Ravine, is a uniquely beati-ful place. The fish-rich lake is surrounded by old-growth forests and exuberant springs and beset by beautiful gray fell walls. The best way to get to know Lake Kesänkijärvi is to go on a trip on the lake itself.

29. Kesänkitunturi Fell, 535 m.a.s.l. Fill your bottle with water from a spring in Lake Kesänki-järvi. Walk up the path to the old pine trees. Sit and take a break on a fallen dead tree near the forest border. Climb up Pirunkuru Ravine. From rock to rock. Step by step. Lean to the mass of rocks on the top. Breathtaking scenery. Restless-ness is long gone. Time stands still. A raven flies by, breaks the spell and guides you to the Tahkokuru lean-to shelter. The flames dance in the campfire. On the way back, your step is light. A trip to Kesänkitunturi fell is a classic.

30. Lainiotunturi Fell, 613 m.a.s.l.If you want to leave everyday troubles below you, Lainio-tunturi fell is the place for you. Walk past the peak to the stretch of moor on the eastern side of the fell. Settle down. Take off the clothes of everyday. Dress in the clouds; wear the wilderness on your feet. Wrap yourself in a fell blanket.

31. Kukastunturi Fell, 477 m.a.s.l. Across the River Äkäsjoki via the Karila suspension bridge. A three kilometer long gentle ascent through a pine forest. Up the steepening slope to the forest border and the treeless upper regions. And voilá – the peak! Stroll to the top slowly without breaking a sweat or run your way up. It is your choice.

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32. Pyhätunturi Fell, 490 m.a.s.l. Pyhätunturi fell with its multiple peaks is an enticing des-tination for those fond of heights – even though the fell is not that tall, there is room to breathe in its broad treeless upper regions.

Be careful: the magnificent landscape and undemanding fell can easily lead to your trip becoming longer than you expected!

33. Lake PyhäjärviSurrounded by fells and old-growth forests, Lake Pyhäjärvi is a piece of Lapland at its most beautiful. The lake is spring filled and clear: you can see down to a depth of 10 metres! Lake Pyhäjärvi and Lake Kukasjärvi next to it have always been popular amongst travellers of the wilderness, which is proven by the deer hunting pits and old fishing sites found in the terrain.

34. Aakenustunturi Fell, 565+ m.a.s.l.The fell reaches for the skies in front of you. Carry on; soon you can touch the clouds. Ten thousand steps on top of the fell. Take your bag off and let the wind dry your back. The cry of an eagle touches your ears. Around you, the horizon caresses the ground. A reindeer herd grazes beneath you in the wetland. In your soul, the wide world breathes. Aak-enustunturi fell is extraordinary.

35. Iso-Totovaara Fell, 380 m.a.s.l. An extension to the 10 km long Aakenustunturi fell is Iso-Totovaara fell, a place with unmatched scenery. Its peak, dubbed Haavepalo, reveals the caldera of Aakenus in all its glory.

36. Linkukero, 466 m.a.s.l.The eastern little brother of Äkäskero fell, Lintukero, is a good destination for a daytime trip.

A good way to get to Linkukero fell is to walk along the 10-kilometer circle trail that begins near Äkäskero Resort. The trail rises gradually through atmospheric old-growth forests to the beautiful fell that reveals a fantastic land-

scape in the east. Located by a small, beautiful pond near the peak is a Laplander’s hut, which is a comfortable place to light a campfire, sit and relax in.

37. Äkäsmylly Water MillThe gentle flow of the River Äkäsjoki is quickly inter rupted by a waterfall, at the bottom of which is fish-rich still water. In the beautiful Äkäslinkka rapids a water mill was once built that the inhabitants of the nearby villages used to grind grain.

38. Äkässaivo – a rugged worship siteBut even greater than this is Äkäsjoensaivo, located by the River Äkäsjoki north of Äkäslompolo. It is such a river that not all are courageous enough to even go and look at it, not the faint of heart at least; it has horrifying seita rock walls. On one side is the tall Kirkkopahta rock, on the other side is the terrifying tooth-shaped rock, and between the noble rock walls runs a narrow passage to the River Äkäsjoki. – Samuli Paulaharju

39. Äkäskero, 508 m.a.s.l.In the middle of the Ylläs–Pallas fell range is the magnif-icent Äkäskero fell. The peak of the fell is narrow but long and easiest to reach from the southern side. Regard the cot-tage-esque fir tree groups near the peak with respect: these asexually reproducing clones are ages old.

A real surprise came about in Central Sweden where the age of a fir clone not unlike these was found out to be a whopping 9 550 years!

40. Lake ÄkäsjärviOne of the largest lakes in the area is beautiful Lake Äkäs-järvi, whose islands and long fjordesque bight entice you to go on a trip on the lake.

In addition to its varied landscape, one of the lake’s sights is a small seita stone located on the east coast.

41. Lake Jerisjärvi and fishing cottages of KeimiöniemiIf you wish to see some national scenery, head towards Pallas fells and lake Jerisjärvi. Beautiful old forests are around the Fell Keimiötunturi, Fells Pallas and the lake. There are also very old fishing cottages by the lake, the oldest are from the 18th century.

42. Visit Sweden and KautokeinoIn the beautiful village of Pajala in Sweden you can get to know the rich cultural history of Tornio River Valley. If you want to go on a trip to the great fells, the Abisko region is only a four hours’ drive away and three hours away from Ylläs, the municipality of Kautokeino is all about tundra, reindeer, art skillfully crafted out of bone, antlers and rein-deer skin, colourful Lappish costumes, joiku singing and Juhls Silver Gallery. On the way there you will get to see the magnificent streams and charming villages of Tornio River Valley.

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43. Ancient RemainsHunter-fishers following the retreating ice wandered in the landscapes of Ylläs as far back as 8000 years ago. The past also lives on in the terrain – a good number of an-cient remains have been found in the Ylläs area. Stone Age dwellings have been mapped out in the Äkäslompolo and Kesänkijärvi areas.

44. SeitasA seita is a holy worship site, a link between Man and the divine nature. The Sámi worshipped curious looking natu-ral formations as seitas. Seitas like this were widely known and people travelled great distances to come and worship them. The most famous worship sites in the Ylläs area are Pakasaivo and Äkässaivo.

45. Reindeer HerdingIn the age of the forest Sámi before the 17th century, the caribou was the most important game animal. During the next centuries, caribou hunting was abandoned in favor of reindeer herding. There are several old reindeer round-up sites in the Ylläs area. The Nilivaara round-up site located

by Kesänkitunturi fell is a great place to experience the atmosphere of times past. The Aakenus reindeer cabin and the nearby calf castration site form a scenery that is a uniquely beautiful sight.

46. Meadow CultureIn the past natural meadows were valued: the winter feed of livestock was gathered from beaches and wetlands. Open your eyes – traces of the centuries-old tradition are still vis-ible in the meadows of Ylläs. In nearly every sedgy swamp, you can see a couple of upright hay poles. Renovated, fine meadow culture buildings can be found in Teuravuoma, Kutujärvi and Hangaskuru, for example.

47. Tar pitsTar was Finland’s most important export between the 17th and 19th centuries. The centre of the tar trade was Oulu, where the tar from Kolari was transported via water routes. Tar was also commonly burned in homes; it was used to coat boats and tools and to treat wounds, among otherer things. The tar pits of eastern Kesänkijärvi and Ruonaoja are a few of the locations that tell their story about these smoke-ridden times.

48. Lumberjack CultureFrom the 1920s onwards, the saws and axes of lumber-jacks started singing their tune in the wilderness of Ylläs. The mouldering foundations of log cabin mansions and rotting tree stumps serve to remind us of the oldest log-ging sites. The legacy of newer logging sites is kept alive by the log floating structures along rivers and the log cabins Aakenuspirtti, Totovaara and Peurakaltio, which nowadays function as holiday housing. The logging museum situat-ed in the Visitor Centre´s grounds offers the opportunity to become acquinted with the life of a logger.

49. The Lapland WarTowards the end of the Second World War, Finland and Germany were engaged in a conflict called The Lapland War, which left massive scars in the landscape of Lapland. All of the largest population centers were burned, which

CULTURAL CORNUCOPIA

Ancient fireplaces, reindeer and tar pits, meadow cabins – evidence of Man’s inhabitation of Ylläs extends way back to post-Ice Age times. The rich history of the region lives on in its diverse culture life.

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is the reason why old buildings are few and far between in Lapland. The small, outlying villages of Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo were left unharmed by the destructive war. Those interested in the Lapland War ought to pay a visit to the Järämä Fortress Museum located along Kilpisjärventie road in Enontekiö.

50. Ylläsjärvi villageThe southernmost of the sibling villages of Ylläs, Ylläsjärvi, saw the founding of its first farm in 1771. The fish-rich lake and ideal location south of Yllästunturi fell kept the tiny village alive throughout the changing centuries. Today, Ylläsjärvi is a modern village with a population of 250 and an appreciation for its roots: being of national importance, the old traditional scenery with its buildings is still open and intact.

51. Äkäslompolo villageAs early as in the Stone Age, the fish-rich lake and good hunting ground attracted people from the villages of Ylläs to the Äkäslompolo area up north. Agriculture in the area only began in the late 18th century. The first tourists arrived in the hitherto roadless village in the 1930s. In the follow-ing decades, tourism grew to be the most important source of livelihood for “the village of the seven fells”. Today 600 inhabitans live this vivid and traditional village.

52. The Scenery RoadBy its name, the Scenery Road offers magnificent views. Passing the Yllästunturi fell just align the tree line, the road climbs up to 400 m.a.s.l. Beautiful trees and other details are lighted and there is no traditional street lights so that you can enjoy the northern lights as well.

53. Music Fell YlläsYlläs is known for its music-related events, which are held in the summer and the winter alike. In the summer, the focus is on traditional dance music, which is most prom-inently heard in the traditional Ylläs Soikoon! event. Most importantly, the most beautiful music on Ylläs is the song of the soul.

54. Kellokas Visitor and Nature CentreKellokas Visitor Centre gives you an introduction to the na-ture of North-West Finland and to the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the diverse recreational opportunities therein. In Kellokas you will also find a Café & Restaurant, the Kellokas Gallery, Ylläs Travel Association, Ylläs Mar-keting Ltd. and Kolari Municipality and Ylläs area Tourist information. Here you will also find information about the services in Pajala Municipality located across the border in Sweden.

55. Särestöniemi MuseumThe Särestöniemi Museum, the artists’ home of Reidar Särestöniemi in the Kaukonen village in Kittilä, exhib-its the art and work environment of the most important Laplandish artist of his time, Reidar Särestöniemi (1925–1981).

56. Get married in YlläsHas your heart made its choice and the feeling is mutual? How about memorable wedding ceremony amongst the fells, in the midnight sun or autumn colours?

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NATURE WATCHINGSettle down, watch and listen – the nature of a northern summer is swarming with life. The slower you move, the more you see and learn about the flora and fauna of Lapland and the region’s changing conditions.

57. Hear the silenceSilence is a resource which has a raising value all over the world. Already you are able to buy silent time in sound-proofed room in Paris or London. However in Ylläs, you will find the silence in the nature. Go near a stream and listen the voices of the water. Climb the hills and fells and hear the sound of the wind.

Just be. Hear the silence.

58. Observe plantsThe largest plants in the Ylläs area are found in exuberant gorges and along watery ditches. Plants taller than a man, like angelicas, blue sow-thistles and ostrich ferns, evoke de-light while the mighty mountain fir trees command respect. Plants growing on fell moors include crowberries, club moss and alpine bear berries. Spring wetlands are blooming with flowers: the glow of peat moss is complemented by beautiful orchids.

59. BirdwatchingThe Ylläs area is a great place to go bird watching because the bird population of the area is a varied mix of southern and northern species. The old forests of the area are of spe-cial importance to its bird population. In Ylläs there are two excellent bird watching towers: from the towers in Ylläslom-polo and Äkäslompolo you can not only watch birds but also marvel at the fell landscapes. Furthermore, there are several other bird and nature watching towers in the surrounding region, in Teuravuoma, Lalvajärvi and Kallo, for example.

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NATURE WATCHING

60. See mammalsIf you want to see large mammals, grab your binoculars and go to a fell. The best animal watching fells are Lainio, Aakenus and Linkukero. With a bit of luck and patience, you will see an elk grazing by a ditch. With a lot of luck you may see a bear doing its thing. It is also worth it to peer up to the sky, because the area belongs to the kingdom of the eagle.

61. Watch bugsThe old forests of Ylläs are the invertebrate paradises of the area. Observing the forests’ most important predators, ants, is fascinating. Stand by an ant trail and learn a lesson about communication and teamwork!

62. Examine geologyThe Ylläs region is sitting on 2-billion-year-old Precambri-an bedrock. In the past, there were mighty mountains in Ylläs which the sands of time eventually eroded into the fells of today. The landscape was shaped into its current form in the pressure of the Ice Ages.

63. Write an Ode to spring-summerSettle down. Listen, sing, draw, write – and most important-ly, live your art so it becomes real.

64. Worship the midnight sunGo on a trip dedicated to admiring the midnight sun. The sun’s magical night light is at its most beautiful on the fells. So take some food with you and climb up to Keskinen

Laki, one of the peaks of Ylläs fell, to spend the midnight hours

65. Immortalize the Autumn ColoursThe autumn colours of Ylläs are at their vividest at just about the same time of the year each year: in the second week of September. Take a camera with you and photo-graph nature up close and personal. Seek new perspectives. Immortalize the alpine bear berry against the light: such a crimson colour, such a translucent network of life! Capture a lonely, orange blueberry leaf on a lichen-covered stone: like a sun in space. Big things are to be found inside small ones.

66. Spot the Northern LightsIn the night, the colours of autumn move up to the sky: as the particle shower sent by the sun collides with the Earth’s atmosphere, dancing curtains of mystical Northern Lights are born. Pick a bright night and go watch for Northern Lights in the lean-to shelter of Hangaskuru Ravine, for example. The starry sky and a campfire guarantee a successful trip; the crown of Northern Lights makes the night a royal one.

67. Spend the night in the wildernessReserve a private cottage from Kellokas Visitor Centre or go hiking with your tent. It is very safe to spend the night in the wilderness, under the stars.

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TIGHT LINESFor many, fishing is a life-long hobby that provides countless stories to tell and crystal clear unforgettable memories. You can truly live in the moment on the fishing waters of Ylläs.

For more information and fishing licenses please contact Kellokas Visitor Centre www.eraluvat.fi info@yllas.fi tel. +358 (0)40 550 2424

68. The King of FishesThe River Tornio–Muonionjoki or Väylä is the dream desti-nation for many fishermen and women. The clear number one on the fish wishing list is the salmon. The creature bouncing at the end of the line can indeed be quite the whopper, because the Baltic Sea salmon is a long-living fish. Salmon fishing is not without its tricks and intricacies, and you can best learn them by going fishing with a guide.

69. Gobbling GraylingThe grayling is common company for a rod fisher in Ylläs - and delicious company at that! The small-mouthed gray-ling primarily eats animals living on the riverbed. In the summer, graylings like to gobble on insects sitting on the surface of the water. Examples of good grayling waters are the River Äkäsjoki and the River Muonionjoki, from which graylings as big as 2 kilograms are caught each year.

70. The Crocodile of the Quiet WatersYou throw the spoon bait into a shallow inlet. A splash is heard on the left, and something big shoots forward. A surging torrent of water approaches your spoon bait. In the next moment, the voracious hunter lunges at your bait. Your heart misses a beat, the rod shakes, the line tightens and the reel brake starts singing to the rhythm of the whop-ping 3-kilogram pike.

The waters of Ylläs will leave no pike-hunting fisherman without prey.

71. Honour the StripecoatsI am sitting by a campfire and watch the silent forest lake. I rise up, because I see whirls on the surface - the fish are out dinner. And how! I throw the bait into the water and one always bites. The stripecoat army is hungry! Four perches weighing half a kilo each is enough for me: from them I can prepare a delicious fish-on-a-stick dinner. Perch can be found in nearly all of the lakes and quiet waters of the rivers of the Ylläs area.

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72. Cloudberry pickingOf all berries, the cloudberry has always been above all others. This vitamin C bomb of the wetlands has a long shelf-life and it helped keep the feared scurvy away in times past. The cloudberry grows in such a wide range of differ-ent environments that you are guaranteed to find plenty of them somewhere every year. So, if the berry harvest of open marshes is unsatisfactory, try looking for some at the edges of backwoods and by brooks and creeks. Seek and ye shall find...

73. Berry pickingLate summer is a time of abundance in the nature of Lap-land. The next berries to ripen after cloudberries are the blueberries. In mid-August, the slopes of fells can be com-pletely blue with berries the size of a fingertip. In September it is time to pick the lingonberries and the crowberries, the latter of which were used in the past to treat overexertion and headaches – and as a love potion.

74. MushroomingThe mushroom season begins as early as in spring with the emergence of the brain mushroom. Remember to boil your delicious haul two times in plenty of water, because the brain mushroom is deadly poisonous without proper pre-treatment. In mid-summer, the boletus season begins. Boletuses are safe to eat; the Tylopilus felleus is inedible

due to its bad taste, however. In pine heath forests, you can look for pine boletes and matsutake, also known as the pine mushroom, which is a great delicacy among the Japanese.

75. PlantsUtilizing plants is a tradition with a long history in Lap-land. The most versatile northern plant was the Garden An-gelica. Plants were at their tastiest in the spring and early summer. You must only ever eat plants you are sure you are familiar with. Fortunately, among the group of excellent edible plants are many completely ordinary weeds such as nettles, dandelions and fireweeds. If you are interested in making salad out of wild plants or in drying herbs, Ylläs is the right place for you, because the air of western Lapland is the purest in all of Europe.

76. On the HuntWhen bitten by the hunting bug, the condition is usually incurable. Fortunately there is medicine available: a week in Fell-Lapland helps you get by until the next autumn. Ylläs is a good starting point for a hunting journey all across the wide northern wild west.

77. Tap water drinkingThe quality of tap water in Finland has been considered even better than bottled water. So enjoy a nice cool glass of tap water! It´s good for your health.

TREATS FROM NATUREJuicy shoots, sweet berries, aromatic mushrooms – nature is full of tasty treats! If you are a traveler whose belly dictates your actions, you need to get to know the myriad delicacies nature has to offer.

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SPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES – WITH THE FAMILY!

78. River adventuresRoaring rapids and serene streams – river lovers will find plenty to explore on Ylläs. Every river has its own personality that changes according to the height of the water. Canoes, kayaks and inflatable boats as well as guided excursions are provided by many companies of the area.

79. Lake tripsThe midnight sun paints a miniature rainbow above the water splashing from the oars. Cloudlets and fells are united in the mirror of the water that is broken by a trout chasing a group of vendace. An elk is grazing water plants. Swans sing a song for the new dawn. Trips to the lake are magical. Good examples of small lakes well suited for families are Lake Ke-sänki, Lake Ylläsjärvi and Lake Äkäslompolo.

80. Kayaking and canooeingIn Äkäslompolo, you are able to rent kayaks and canooes from the local sport shops. Visit lake Äkäslompolo or Ke-sänki, or ask to arrange transportation to some other more distant places – with guide.

81. Go swimmingBoth Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo have nice beaches whose sand is comfortable to lie on and whose clean water is ref-reshing to swim in. The beaches have dressing rooms.

82. Play timePlay is work of children. There are few playing grounds in Ylläs area.Ylläsjärvi village:• by the lake, next to the supermarket “Eelin Kauppa”

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SPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES – WITH THE FAMILY!

Do you want to stroll peacefully amidst the gorgeous landscapes? Or, do you want to test your limits in water, on roads, on fells? In Ylläs, you can realize the active holiday of your dreams.

• in the skiing centre Sport Resort YlläsÄkäslompolo village:• by the elementary school

83. Make a firePublic fireplaces can be found also other places than along the hiking paths. In Äkäslompolo village: behing the super-market “Jounin Kauppa”, outside the “Äkäslompolo Sport-hop” and on the other side of the Äkäslompolo elementary school. In Ylläsjärvi village: by the playing ground next to the supermarket ”Eelin Kauppa”, in the island middle of the lake Ylläsjärvi and by the playing ground in Sport Resort Ylläs.

84. CyclingIf you want to explore larger areas during your trips out-doors, hop on a bicycle. In the Ylläs area there are plenty of roads and smooth paths suited for cycling. Here are a couple of tips for good routes:1. The villages of Ylläs. Äkäslompolo–Ylläsjärvi–Luosu–Hannukainen– Äkäslompolo. Length approximately 50 km. Water areas, forests and beautiful village scenery.2. Around Ylläs along the highways. Ylläs–Lainio–Totovaa-ra–Aakenusjoki–Tiura järvi–Ylläs. Length approximately 100 km. Northern scenery in its beautiful essence.

85. Bike Park in Sport Resort YlläsHop in a gondola ski lift with your bicycle, and get to the top of Ylläs fell comfortably in seven minutes. Put your helmet on and take the plunge – you are in for three kilometres of straight downhill! In Ylläs Bike Park you can either ride

safely down the road or put your skills to the test in chal-lenging ramps and tilted curves. Everything bicycle-related can be rented from the sport shops in service centre Taiga. You can also learn the intricacies of mountain biking by going on a guided trip.

86. FatbikesTry fatbikes in the National Park routes. You can rent a fat-bike from both sides of the fell, from local sport shops in Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo villages.

87. Gondola rideOne of the lifts are the best – Gondola! Hop on to the gondola ride and visit the top of Ylläs.

88. Disc golfA free disc golf course is located in Sport Resort Ylläs behind Lapland Hotel Saaga. The course is 2,5 km long and the altitude difference is ca. 150 m. It is a nice activity for the entire family, but also one where fierce competition is pos-sible! In Äkäslompolo village the disc golf course located in Kaulavaara. You can hire discs from local sportshops.

89. Bust out the BladesKilometres and kilometres of asphalt roads for bicycles, quiet planned roads, atmospheric highways in every direction and Scenic Road (Maisematie), the road that connects the villages of Ylläs, provide excellent opportuni-ties for rollerblading and roller skiing.

90. Horseback ridingHorseback riding is not only good exercise but also a great way to get to know nature: when riding, you are one with the horse and the animals are not afraid of you.

91. Petting zoo“Konijänkän Kotieläinpiha” located in Äkäslompolo villa-ge has a variety of animals such as reindeers, cats, dogs, lamas, camels and of course horses.

92. OrienteeringYlläksen Rasti Orienteering Club arranges an orienteering race in the Ylläs area on most summer Thursdays. You can go hunt for the control points whenever you like, because there is a fixed control point network in the areas of Äkäs-lompolo and Kuertunturi.

93. What if it rains?Weather can be versatile in Lapland. There is a spa in Lapland Hotel Saaga in Ylläsjärvi village (located in Sport Resort Ylläs) and a mini spa in Äkäslompolo village in Lapland Hotel Äkäshotelli.

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Ylläs is located 150 km north of the Arctic Circle in Fin-nish Lapland, in Scandinavia. The Ylläs area consists of two original Lappish villages. Äkäslompolo village is located on the northern side of the Ylläs Fell and Ylläsjärvi village on the southern side. The Scenery road (Maisematie) connects the two villages.

By train to KolariYou can reach Ylläs by train from Helsinki. Board the night train in the evening, and in the morning you are already in Ylläs. You can also board the train along the route. Time-tables are available on VR website. Kolari railway station is 35 km from Ylläs and there is bus transportation from every train.

By plane to KittiläThe nearest airport is in Kittilä, from which there is a bus connection to Ylläs. Operating flight companies are Finnair, Norwegian and Air100. The distance from Kittilä airport is 40 km/ 30 min to Ylläsjärvi village and 55 km / 50 min to Äkäslompolo village.

By plane to RovaniemiAlternatively you can fly to Rovaniemi, it is 170 km to Ylläs.

By bus to YlläsThere are bus connections to Ylläs across the country. Time-tables are available on Matkahuolto website.

TaxiThe central taxi reservation number in Ylläs is +358 200 718 00

CarNaturally you can also drive to Ylläs. Even though we are above the arctic circle our roads are in good condition. Car rental is available locally.

HOW TO REACH YLLÄS

94. Treat yourselfYou can also do activities indoors in Ylläs or pamper your-self in variety of wellness treatments. There are indoor gyms in Lapland Hotel Saaga and Lapland Hotel Äkäshotelli. Massage treatments and physiotherapy are also available.

95. Local eventsWhy not participate in local sports and musical events which take place especially in July and September? There are for example thriathlon and mountain bike competi-tions and film festival held every year. Look at Ylläs home-page and event calender for more information.

96. Midsummer partyJoin the locals in midsummer party. The traditional way of celebrating midsummer in Ylläs by participating outdoor dance events outdoors by the lakes or looking at the bonfire on top of Ylläs Fell.

97. Try finnish saunaYou can enjoy a Finnish sauna in Ylläs in the midst of the fells at Lake Äkäslompolo, Finland’s highest sauna on top of the Ylläs fell or a traditional smoke sauna at Lake Ylläs-järvi, the one and only Gondola Sauna and in the spa of The Lapland Hotel Saaga there is both a traditional Fin-nish sauna and steam sauna available.

98. Visit huskies and reindeersSome of the husky and reindeer farms let you come and visit see the animals also during the summertime.

99. Book a Golden Eagle safariThere is a special place near Äkäslompolo village, where you are able to see The Golden Eagle, king of the birds, very near – about 20 meter! Or hire the photography hide to take photos of the birds. Did you know that a golden eagle wingspan is over 2 meters?

Safety – The generalemergency number is 112

If you get lost or get involved in an accident, call the ge-neral emergency number, 112. There is a rescue service in Äkäslompolo, so help will be nearby. Cell phones function in almost the entire Ylläs region. If your phone has no signal, climb up to a higher spot.

Local taxi tel. +358 16 106 422

Health Care ServicesIn Ylläs there are a variety of health and beauty care services for you to enjoy. In cases of sickness, help is also readily available

The Medical Service MediYlläsA doctor and nurse’s reception in Äkäslompolo village and home visits in the Ylläs region. Service every day. Tel. +358 40 411 2262

You will find a pharmacy in Äkäslompolo village, in the premises of the grocery store “Jounin Kauppa”.Tel. +358 40 839 0579.

A medicine cabinet can be found in the grocery store “Eelin Kauppa” in Ylläsjärvi village. Tel. +358 16 565 501.

GREEN YLLÄSWell-organized recycling is used to save natural resources in Ylläs. Sort your trash and take your paper, small metal and glass waste to the designated eco points. In Ylläs we keep our trips litter-free. When on a trip, burn any combus-tible waste, put biological waste into a compost toilet and bring any trash to the garbage bin in your place of stay.

Eco points in Äkäslompolo:• The grocery store “Jounin Kauppa”• The yard of Äkäslompolo Volunteer Fire-Brigade, 8 Sivulantie Road• Äkäslompolo School

Eco points in Ylläsjärvi:• The grocery store “Eelin Kauppa”• Palovaara, Palovaarantie Road• The western parking lot on the fell

GOOD TO KNOW

Lapland is a safe place. Enjoy the peace and quiet and take a deep breath: the air of West-Lapland is the cleanest in Europe!

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Sport Resort Ylläs

Ylläsjärvi Village Services

TOURIST

INFORMATION

Luontokeskus KellokasYlläksen Matkailuinfo

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TOURIST

INFORMATION

Luontokeskus KellokasYlläksen Matkailuinfo

Ylläs Ski Resort

Maps of hiking trails and mountain bike trails available from shops and Visitor Centre Kellokas

Äkäslompolo Village ServicesTOURIST

INFORMATION

Visitor Centre Kellokas

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The Ylläs Travel Info Contact information

tel. +358 40 550 2424info@yllas.fi

yllas.fi/en