excursions in yllas

• Tours & Safaris
• Accommodation
• Restaurants

The Northern Lights are like magic in the sky

Travelers from all around the world come to Ylläs to admire the magical Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are always different, which makes them even more captivating. The faint green streak stretching across the sky may remain in one place for an hour, but then it begins to move. It breaks apart and forms several smaller and larger streaks. The movement starts to intensify. At its best, the Northern Lights experience culminates in a rapidly pulsating dance directly above your head. This highlight doesn’t last long, and soon the colorful flames disappear into the darkness of the night.

In Ylläs, you can see the Northern Lights on two out of three nights

Ylläs is located on the southern edge of the aurora oval that surrounds the North Pole. This means that the chances of seeing the Northern Lights here are very good. Statistically, you can see them here on two out of three nights, and the season lasts from early autumn to late spring, basically as long as the nights are dark.

When it’s dark outside, the only obstacle between you and the spectacular dance performance is the clouds. On a completely cloudy evening, it might not be worth even trying, but if you see even one star in the sky, witnessing the Northern Lights is possible. In that case, the best approach is to dress warmly and head outside to wait. You should aim your gaze towards the northern sky, as that’s where the Northern Lights usually dance.

Nothern lights tours & safaris

What causes the northern lights.

The activity that creates Northern Lights begins on the sun and the different colors are caused by collisions between different gases and electrons entering the earth’s atmosphere. The most common color is green, but they can also appear pink, dark red, blue, purple and even yellow. This is the scientific explanation for the formation of the Northern Lights, but the mythological stories are much more entertaining. In Finnish lore, the aurora is caused by a fox running so fast across the snow that its tail sparks flames up into the sky. The Sámi people believed that the lights were created by a whale’s water spew.

Best places to see Northern Lights in Ylläs

In Ylläs, you don’t necessarily have to venture far for the Northern Lights hunt; you can watch them right from your own yard. Streetlights are turned off from October to March at 10 PM to make viewing easier.

However, for the best photos, it’s advisable to head to an open location with a good view to the north. For example, Äkäslompolo Lake or Ylläsjärvi Lake are good spots. Alternatively, you can hike up to the fell. For instance, Fell Kuertunturi is an excellent and relatively easy destination where you can capture not only the Northern Lights but also beautiful and mystical trees covered in snow.

The biggest mistake is just to go and take a peek at the sky – the starting time of the show can vary by hours! Statistically, the most likely time to see the Northern Lights is around midnight and the preceding couple of hours. Aurora forecast is also unrealiable, do not trust it but instead go outside.

On guided tours , you can get technical tips for photographing in the dark.

In addition to winter, the best time to spot the Northern lights is in the spring

If you want to optimize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, it’s advisable to travel to Ylläs in early spring (May, April) as well. In autumn (starts in late October), the weather is generally cloudier than in the spring. By late April, the nights begin to be so bright that the chances of seeing the Northern Lights diminish.

Northern lights Acommodation

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TOURS IN YLLAS

Ylläs is a Finnish ski resort where you can enjoy adventures in the snow. See where else you can visit in Finnish Lapland for winter activities, and let Nordic Visitor arrange your accommodation, excursions and transfers.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

NATIONAL PARK

Our cottages in ylläs national park.

Welcome to our comfortable wooden chalets! The two independent cottages offer a haven of peace, located on the shore of a refreshing river, in the middle of beautiful Lapland nature. The Ylläs national park starts just at your doorstep!

The surrounding nature offers an idyllic setting all year round and a perfect playground for all outdoor-enthusiasts. Especially in Winter, the cross-country ski tracks start from the end of the yard, while in Summer the river is a delicacy for fishermen and kayakers. !

All holiday facilities are located within easy access from the chalets : Kittilä airport (20 min), Kolari train station (35min), Ylläs ski station (20 min), Levi ski station (35 min), Snow Village (10min)… 

SUVANTO COTTAGE (4 pers.)

Our cozy Suvanto chalet is the ideal place for a vacation with family or friends (4 people). 

Nestled in the forests of Lapland, the chalet has a double bed (alcove on the ground floor) and a twin bedroom upstairs, as well as an equipped kitchen, a sauna, and ‘a traditional wood-fired hot tub.

You may find a full description of the chalet on Airbnb website. Please contact us directly at [email protected] if you would like to reserve your holidays (without paying Airbnb system fees). The Airbnb calendar only shows part of the available dates, as we keep more dates for our direct guests! 

LAINIOKOSKI COTTAGE (8 pers.)

Our fully-equipped cottage may comfortably accommodate a group of up to 8 people in 4 twin rooms. The large living room with kitchen and a traditional fireplace offers a warm and cozy place to bring the whole family together during the evenings.

Those who prefer to enjoy some quiet time to themselves may sit on the terrace with a view of the gently flowing river, watch TV in the small upstairs lounge, or relax in the sauna with a traditional hot tub!

The cottage is accessible by normal car, snowmobile (official snowmobile tracks are just 800m down the private access road), ski (cross-country ski tracks 50m from the parking place) or kayak in early summer. 

ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

Husky adventure from Ylläs (10km safari)

Reindeer farm experience (4km safari) from Ylläs

To the top of Ylläs fell with snowmobiles

Northern lights by Snowmobiles in Ylläs

Ski Expedition in Ylläs National Park (3 days)

Ice fishing experience by snowmobiles from Ylläs

Aurora ice floating from Ylläs

Multi-day packages & expeditions.

Winter trip in Lapland with Northern Lights (6 days)

DIY Hike in Hetta-Pallas (3 Days, 2 Nights)

Early winter package in Lapland

100% Women Adventure Week in Lapland

Ski Expedition in Lapland (4 Days)

Winter trip from Rovaniemi to Ylläs (6 days)

About ylläs.

Located on both sides of the Yllästunturi fell, the villages of Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo offer a good basecamp for nature experiences all year round. In winter, the ski slopes and snowy landscapes are a paradise for travelers in search of thrilling adventures like snowshoe treks, snowmobile safaris, skiing… In summer and autumn, hikers and paddle-lovers can explore the beautiful quiet landscapes of the national park at their own pace.

Overall, Ylläs is a destination recommended to those who want to experience Lapland independently or away from the crowd of Rovaniemi. The closest airport in Kittilä is just 30 min away from Ylläsjärvi, which also makes it quite an accessible destination from Helsinki. A lot of hotels and cottages can accomodate travellers, but it is recommended to book in advance in Winter.

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Ylläs - First by Nature

• Did you know?
• Attractions

Ylläs is Finland’s largest ski resort.

The seven fells of Ylläs are often referred to as the Seven Sisters.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is the country’s most popular national park.

Season: All year

Yllästunturi, or Ylläs Fell, rises between the authentic Lapland villages of Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo . The fell and its six sisters nearby offer a wonderland, not just in the cold twinkling days of winter, but all year round, with cultural, sports and recreational events.

How to get here?

The international airport in Kittilä has flights to other Finnish airports, and depending on the season, flights to European destinations. Of course, you can always come via Helsinki  by road or rail, no matter the time of year.

Lace up & take off

When you visit Ylläs, what you wear on your feet depends on what you want to do. If there’s snow on the ground, you’ll likely wear ski boots as you speed down the 63 different slopes on offer. Once you’re at the bottom, you might lock into a pair of cross-country skis for a journey across the great white wilderness. Of course, once the snow is gone, you can lace up your hiking boots and discover the radically different landscapes of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park .

The National Park recently opened up all its summer trails to bicycles, effectively creating hundreds of kilometers of bike paths throughout wild western Lapland. You can put your endurance to the test and ride Finland’s oldest trail, the Hetta-Pallas (55 km). In winter, suit up and climb Kukas fell on a fatbike. The snow-capped forests and the gently rising fells in the distance are a sight to behold.

Ylläs sits on the cusp of Fell Lapland , the Tornio River Valley and central Lapland , giving rise to unexpected and delightful natural locations. On warm summer days, you can ride the gondola up the fell to enjoy a snack at the Ylläskammi 718 café . Tour the rolling fields and pine forests on horseback. Take a week-long trek into the last true wilderness Europe has to offer. After you’ve roasted a sausage or two over a campfire, sit back and see if any Siberian Jays are interested in your company. These little guys will often eat seed right out of your hand.

To the west, the mighty Tornio River offers exciting rapids and placid pools, and salmon fight their way upstream every May and June. In winter, grayling, perch and burbot move under the deep ice, in a contest against the patience of bundled-up fishermen waiting up top.

Two Villages

The two villages of Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo are as authentic as they are wonderful. These original villages are some of Finland’s earliest tourist destinations, and here visitors can still see and experience life in a traditional Lapland village.

Part of the fell villages’ authentic nature comes from their food: real restaurants, not franchise chains. Restaurant Rouhe offers the gourmet touch, whether its escargot and parmesan or Arctic char in crayfish sauce. Many of the hotels also feature gourmet restaurants and cafes. At night, check out the reindeer burgers and Lapland almond potato fries from the restaurant Kitchen & Northern Cafe Well . A special treat for winter visitors, the restaurant at the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage serves up traditional cloudberry appetizers, reindeer entrees, raspberry sorbet and more!

Attractions and services include an 18-hold disc golf course in both villages, lakeside saunas, ice swimming. In winter, many operators provide husky and reindeer rides through the quiet, sparkling countryside. And no matter the season, you can enjoy horseback riding, bowling, or wellness treatments. Or maybe just put your feet up by a crackling fire and enjoy a traditional Lapland evening. In the winter, the villages turn off their streetlights in the nights from November to February so you can see the Northern Lights swirl and dance above the fells.

With 55 km of ski slopes, Ylläs claims the title of Largest Ski Resort in Finland. As such, it has accommodation to suit, with almost 25 000 available beds. Isolated cabins on the forested fells. Luxury hotel rooms replete with the comforts, conveniences and services one expects. For any number and size of beds and rooms, Ylläs has the perfect place for you to unwind and plan your holiday adventures.

Around Ylläs

About half an hour’s drive southwest of Ylläs sits the town of Kolari , nestled in the Tornio River valley. This valley has a long, rich history entwined with the Swedish side of the river. Check out the 200-year-old church on Kolarisaari island , or take a scenic hike on the Lukkarinvainio Natural Trail (3.5 km). And birdwatchers will love the Teuravuoma-Kivijärvenvuoma Protected Mire . Considered one of the best birdwatching sites in the whole of Finland, this area features duckboards, lean-tos, campfire sites and observation towers.

And of course, you can hardly miss the gigantic national park bearing Ylläs’s name. The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park offers endless skiing and hiking trails, as well as Finland’s oldest hiking trail, while never straying from great services.

Travel to Ylläs

Whether you’re coming from London, Paris, or even Rovaniemi, getting to Ylläs poses no challenge. The international airport in Kittilä  (1 hour drive) has flights to other Finnish airports, and depending on the season, flights to European destinations. Of course, you can always come via Helsinki , no matter the time of year.

Lapland has a modern, maintained infrastructure. That means that visiting Ylläs by road or rail is as easy as clicking a few buttons on your phone. The night train from Helsinki terminates in Kolari, only 45 km from the slopes of Ylläs. Depending on the season, the trains may run every day or only a few times a week.

There are direct bus routes from the Kemi and Kolari railway stations to the resort village, and plenty of parking, should you drive yourself. The road between Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo is called Maisematie , or Scenic Road , and for good reason. The fells rise to the east, perfect for freeriding in winter, and Lapland rolls away to the west, a promise of adventure, any time of year.

Looking for more adventure? Learn more about visiting Ylläs.

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Reindeer Safaris

Relaxing with Reindeers

Well-being with Reindeers!

Relaxing with Reindeers includes breathing lessons and body health with reindeers. Activity is done inside the fence where reindeers are. Inside fence we have open fire too.

Our goal is to find inner peace and strength with breath, animals and nature.

Program lasts about 1 hour. Its in the middle of the reindeer farm with peaceful atmosphere and snow. Welcome to experience unique program with us!

• program lasts 1 hour

Reindeer Safari and a Campfire

Calm adventure where we are moving by a frozen lake, through a forest to a open swamp.

Fresh winter air, clean nature of Lapland, great old trees, fox footprints on snow...

Warming bonefire, traditional Finnish coffee & berry juice.

Your job is to enjoy and look around you. Enjoy the peaceful frozen forest.

• 2 kilometer reindeer ride
• Reindeer feeding
• Bonefire at farm
• Traditional finnish coffee & homemade berry juice
• Homemade buns
• Stories of life around reindeers
• Program lasts 1,5h - 2 hours.

Reindeer farm visit

Welcome to see how our reindeers are doing at the farm.

Excited young reindeers and experienced older reindeers are showing you their half-wild nature.

We will explain you the story of reindeers, while enjoying tasty traditional coffee made on fire, as well as berry juice & home made buns.

• Program lasts 1h - 1,5 hours.

Driving a reindeer is traditional Lappish way of transportation. Back in time sledge was 1-seated and reindeers was directed with one rope. Nowadays reindeer rides are mostly hobby and experience for traveller. Instead of 1-seated sledge we use bigger sledge with two ropes for controlling. Normally driving reindeers are running in a line, when they follow each others.

Reindeer education is started when reindeer is on its second year. Practice begin at the farm where we are walking around the fields, next to the houses, next to children, to make them comfortable. Reward is always there, like with dogs food is always main priority.

When reindeer feels comfortable, we will put the harness on it which can be attached to a sledge. First times the sledge will be further away from the reindeer until he is comfy with human sounds and reactions. After that sledge is just meter away from reindeer.

Some reindeers can be trained by using wooden poles instead of ropes in the harness. It all depends on the nature of reindeer, some are calm and some are cranky. We teach how to follow each others, normally most calm and experienced reindeer is leading the line.

Way of education has to be planned well for every reindeer - other learns quicker than other. But with each reindeer it is interesting and rewarding journey to gain the trust of the reindeer. Personally i talk a lot to a reindeer, explain my days, talk about weather, what ever comes to mind. Its therapic!

Aave (=eng. Ghost) is a small, beautiful reindeer who does not make a number of himself, but is nevertheless always present. Sneaking around unnoticed, like a ghost... was the name a prediction =)

Ailo is a goddaughter's reindeer who has started it's career in Vaamila and has earned his place. A small, but spicy reindeer, which is a really great work animal. This reindeer appreciates its own "territory", but with the reindeer's chocolate, guests will get a real friend from it too. The trust of this reindeer has to be earned, after which it is an easy and reliable friend.

Elmeri is a working mole, a lip-smacking lizard man. Doesn't make a number out of himself, but does it's job with great heart and diligence, a model worker. Doesn't show off, but still inspires respect and calms the atmosphere with its own essence. Model of a Finnish man =)

Heiveröinen is a white giant that rushes forward like a steam locomotive. Speaking in car terms, power can be found under the hood in wild amounts, power like in a small village. Over the years, it has also learned to play a little at the customers' expense during the Safari; when driving, it leaves quite a distance to the reindeer in front and then accelerates from zero to one hundred and catches the others, causing the customers to wake up during the drive =)

Jooseppi is a calm diesel model reindeer. Warms up slowly but surely. A long-suffering guy, and because of this, it is a great type of reindeer, especially in cold weather.

Kauhu is a graceful reindeer with good nerves. During the training, it has shown himself to be a leading figure in the subject; wanting to move forward, who listens to guidance. A curious little reindeer who is pleasant to work with.

Kille Killukka is strong and trustworthy, great one at the end of the line. Might be the one who stop during safari and licks the snow without hurries. But eventually will get you there!

Kipinä is a calm, big reindeer that likes its own company. It's great to drive, sure-footed, can think for himself and can make wise decisions on safari. It is a sure "keeper", brings both the smallest and the biggest customers home from a trip with professionalism.

Lurjus (=eng. Scoundrel) lives up to his name, but a top professional with long nerves. Reindeer of every place; goes as the leading reindeer and as the rear of the queue. A creditable reindeer with good nerves, clever and expressing his own will.

Pahis  is a reindeer who is curious and involved in everything. Not such an enthusiastic worker, it goes where the fence is lowest, but it is certainly at home during mealtime and knows how to entertain guests all day. You could perhaps describe it with the word showman.

Pyry is calm fellow, who has soft hair. 11-year old leader.

Ruusperi is a gentle giant that allows even small children to pet and hug it. It is a epicure that captures the hearts of both children and adults with its essence. 

Tikru is a bright-eyed, very personable reindeer. Reindeer chocolate lover with a big heart. Conquers people's hearts with its big round body and captivating eyes.

Valkojalka is a beautiful reindeer walking with the noble step of a daughter. A young reindeer who is still wary of people, but with experience and time it will surely become a great colleague and a friend who offers great experiences.

Contact information

Jauhojärventie 475, 99120 kallo, lappi.

LEARN, TAKE PART, LAUGH.

Since 1982, we have provided tourists visiting Lapland with exciting nature activities and memorable travel experiences.

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Northern lights in Yllas Finland

Scientists have been studying the Aurora Borealis for many years to try to determine the reasons for the light activity and for the changes in colours that are often see by observers of the northern lights. The most common colour to be reported is green however there are many other colours that can be seen especially during the more intense periods of activity.

It is difficult to predict when there will be a display of the northern lights and there is no guarantee that you will be lucky enough to experience them on your holiday in Yllas. The Geophysical Institute, part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks does provide some forecasting information that can be found on their website: www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast/Europe/ .

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• Longer Adventures

REINDEER TOURS

The true masters of winter conditions.

To book, be in touch .

Duration: app. 2,5 h

Price: 155€/adult, 110€/child

Duration: app. 1,5h

Price: 135€/adult, 100€/child (4 - 11 years)