Ylläs and Äkäslompolo Travel Guide
(The front side slopes of Ylläs in summer)
Ylläs is one of Finland's most popular downhill ski resort areas located in the municipality of Kolari at the southern end of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. The main villages around Ylläs are Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi which are located on different sides of Yllästunturi. While the area is more popular as a winter holiday destination, the nearby national park offers a wide variety of summer activity options for visitors, from fishing to hiking to canoeing, and more.
In the map below, you will find practical places to know about for planning a trip and things to do in Ylläs and things to do in Äkäslompolo. Below the map you will find some helpful travel information by clicking on a topic button and scrolling down to read.
In the map below, you will find practical places to know about for planning a trip and things to do in Ylläs and things to do in Äkäslompolo. Below the map you will find some helpful travel information by clicking on a topic button and scrolling down to read.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: How to Get to Ylläs and Äkäslompolo
The quickest way to get to Ylläs or Äkäslompolo is by plane to Kittilä (KTT) airport and then by bus, taxi or car the rest of the way, which is about 40 km to Ylläs and about 50 km to Äkäslompolo. Buses can also be taken from the airport in Rovaniemi (RVN).
By car, both can be reached from highway E8 which travels up the Finland/Sweden border, or from Road 79 headed north from Rovaniemi.
You can see bus timetables and buy tickets and on the Matkahuolto website.
By car, both can be reached from highway E8 which travels up the Finland/Sweden border, or from Road 79 headed north from Rovaniemi.
You can see bus timetables and buy tickets and on the Matkahuolto website.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Getting Around Ylläs and Äkäslompolo
You can pretty much walk anywhere you want to in the villages but will need taxi or car to get between them.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ylläs and Äkäslompolo Weather
For up to date weather forecasts, visit the FInnish Meteorological Institute. Below, you can see the real-time weather status.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Things To Do in Ylläs and Äkäslompolo
Winter
- Snowmobile Safaris
- Reindeer Sleigh Rides
- Dogsledding
- Downhill skiing & snowboarding
- Cross country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Viewing Auroras
Summer
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Canoeing
- Swimming
Things To Do in Ylläs and Äkäslompolo
- Kellokas Visitor Center - offers exhibits on the nature, history, and culture of the surrounding area and National Park.
- Midnight sun - In summer time its quite a surreal experience to stay up late into the evening to watch the different colors produced as the sun floats on the horizon. In general, the night sky is luminous from May until mid August
- Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) - many visitors come to Lapland hoping to see the dancing solar winds in the night sky.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Ylläs and Äkäslompolo Travel Tips
- Practical Lapland Travel Information
- The area is a great base for hiking and exploring the surrounding national park in summertime.
- In Äkäslompolo, the area next to the lake that is just behind the village shopping centre is a good place (and easily accessible) for viewing the northern lights.
- If you would like to support local businesses and small business owners, its better to book services / accommodation directly with service providers.
Enter the name for this tabbed section: Finding Accommodation
- Everyman's Right (in Summer)