National Parks in Lapland

The national parks in Lapland are protected areas of Finnish wilderness characterized by fells, old-growth forests, and extensive mires. This page aggregates 6 of these parks, including Pallas-Yllästunturin Kansallispuisto and Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto. These parks provide a network of marked trails for human-powered activities.

The primary activities are hiking, mountain biking, and cycling, with more than 280 routes available across the parks. Specific trails exist for different sports, including long-distance hiking, gravel biking, and running. In winter, many areas offer opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on maintained tracks.

Pallas-Yllästunturin Kansallispuisto is Finland's most visited national park, known for its long fell chain. Lemmenjoen kansallispuisto is the country's largest, offering a vast roadless wilderness. Other significant parks include Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto, known for its remote fells, and Pyhä-Luoston Kansallispuisto, which features a rugged chain of ancient peaks.

The landscape of Pallas-Yllästunturin Kansallispuisto is defined by a 62-mile (100 km) chain of fells that rise above the tree line. Below the barren fell tops are extensive taiga forests, bogs, and clear lakes. The park offers more than 120 routes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling across this varied terrain.

Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto is a vast subarctic wilderness with rolling fells, boreal forests, and large aapa mires. The park is suitable for both short day hikes and demanding multi-day treks, with an extensive network of trails and wilderness huts. It contains more than 60 routes for hiking, mountain biking, and running.

This park contains Finland's southernmost fell chain, a remnant of one of Earth's oldest mountain ranges. The landscape of Pyhä-Luoston Kansallispuisto is defined by its rugged, rocky peaks and deep gorges, surrounded by ancient forests. It offers nearly 60 routes for hiking and cycling, connecting the main fell areas.

Lemmenjoen kansallispuisto is Finland's largest national park and one of Europe's most extensive roadless wilderness areas. It is characterized by the Lemmenjoki River valley, large birch and pine forests, and surrounding fells. The park is a core area for Sámi culture and reindeer herding, offering about 60 kilometers (37 miles) of marked hiking trails for experienced trekkers.

Yes, there are numerous hiking trails available, from short day hikes to multi-day wilderness treks. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park features the well-known Hetta-Pallas hiking trail. Urho Kekkonen National Park has an extensive network of trails supported by wilderness huts for longer journeys.

Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity in several of Lapland's national parks. Pallas-Yllästunturin Kansallispuisto offers more than 30 mountain bike trails. Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto also has over 10 designated routes for mountain biking through its wilderness terrain.

Yes, several parks offer trails suitable for families and beginners. Pyhä-Luosto National Park is well-suited for day trips and has a well-maintained trail network with shorter options. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park also provides a variety of trails with different difficulty levels, including easier routes through its forests and around lakes.

The parks are accessible year-round, with distinct seasons offering different activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for hiking and biking in snow-free conditions under the midnight sun. Autumn (September) provides vibrant foliage colors, while winter (December to April) is the season for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Riisitunturin kansallispuisto is known for its winter scenery, when spruce trees on the fell slopes become covered in a thick layer of condensed frost, called 'tykky'. This creates a unique landscape of white, sculptural trees. The park is a popular destination for snowshoeing and nature photography during this season.