Hiking, accessible routes and by car – 10 stunning views of the Pallas fells

The Pallas fells are one of Finland’s 27 nationally significant landscapes. The cluster of round-topped, massive fell peaks is a sight that easily leaves onlookers speechless – both first-timers and more experienced visitors to Lapland alike. The Pallas fells can be seen from far away and admired from many different directions. Here’s a list of ways to enjoy the beauty of Pallas, whether from the car, via accessible routes, or on foot with a bit of sweat on your brow.

By car: Pallaksentie Road and Pallastunturintie Road

1. Pallaksentie Road

Pallaksentie, which skirts the foothills of the Pallas fells and the shore of Lake Pallasjärvi, runs from the village of Raattama in Kittilä to the village of Särkijärvi in Muonio. The road cuts through the national park and offers stunning views of the fells in many places. The photo below was taken at the parking area near Raattama (map).

There’s also a parking area along Pallaksentie (map) opposite Lommoltunturi (below). The Pyhäjoenpolku hiking trail passes by here. Reindeer are often seen in the meadow, and on a hot summer day you might even spot someone having a picnic. This is definitely a spot worth stopping at for a fell photo!

2. Pallastunturintie Road

Pallastunturintie (photos below) branches off from Pallaksentie and leads to the Pallastunturi Nature Centre and hotel. The road takes you straight into the embrace of the great fells, winding for about 6 km. Along the way, keep an eye out not only for the road and the fells but also for reindeer and Siberian jays that may flit through the forest. For reindeer lovers, the parking area waiting at the end of the road is a fairly reliable spot to see them.

Accessible routes: Punainenhiekka Beach, Orava Avenue and Lake Vuontisjärvi

3. Punainenhiekka, 0.7 km / one way

The road to the beach known as Punainenhiekka (‘Red Sand’) is narrow and in poor condition, and there isn’t really any parking space at the start of the route. Even so, the spot is popular. The accessible route from the roadside down to the beach (map) is about 0.7 km one way. The beach has an open wilderness hut and a campfire ring, as well as a truly magnificent view of the fells (below).

4. Orava Avenue

Another accessible route through the Pallas fell scenery starts right by the Nature Centre. Along Orava Avenue you’ll find squirrel statues symbolising the unity of the world. The route is 0.5 km long one way, and at its end there’s a kota hut, among other things.

5. Vuontisjärvi’s challenging accessible route, 2.5 km / one way

The route leading from the village of Vuontisjärvi towards the fells offers charming forest scenery, open views over the lake and meadows, and magnificent fells (photos below). It’s a great route for a relaxed evening stroll on a fine day. Parking area for the route on the map.

Hiking: Pallas trails, Olos fell and Puljutunturi fell

6. Taivaskero loop, 8.3 km

The Pallas fells have several trails, the most famous of which is the Taivaskero loop, climbing to the highest peak. The route begins with a long and demanding ascent, but the views are magnificent right from the start. There are no rest stops along the route, so it’s worth packing good, ready-to-eat provisions and plenty of drinking water. The loop’s best view opens up from the summit of Taivaskero towards the north (photo below).

7. Palkaskero trail, 7 km

The Palkaskero trail passes a reindeer fence and climbs to the summit of Palkaskero fell, which offers a magnificent 360-degree view. From the top you can spot Lake Pallasjärvi and its sandy beaches, the weather station perched on the summit of Sammaltunturi fell, and the village of Raattama. This route has no rest stop either, but it makes up for it with plenty of ascent and rocky terrain. So bring water and ready-to-eat snacks. Waterproof shoes won’t hurt either – the slope can be wet in places. Trail starting point on the map.

8. Vatikuru nature trail, 3 km

From behind the Pallas hotel you can also slip onto the Vatikuru trail. The Vatikuru nature trail is about 3 km long, but the paths follow the banks of the babbling stream at the bottom of the gorge even further. From here you can see what the Pallas fells look like from below and immerse yourself in their peace and quiet. You may also spot reindeer and willow grouse – the grouse’s belch-like call echoes magnificently through the gorge.

9. Olos, 1 km / one way

Särkitunturi fell, next to Olos, is a very popular destination and often crowded. Fortunately there’s a good, quieter alternative right next door. A gravel road built for maintenance traffic leads up to the summit of Olos, and it’s a pleasant walk to a superb view. The walk is about a kilometre one way – bring at least some water, as the climb is moderate. At the top there’s a large cross surrounded by benches. The view towards Pallas is exceptionally fine.

10. Puljutunturi fell

Puljutunturi, rising in Kittilä, isn’t a jaw-dropping sight in itself, but its terrain is very beautiful and the view of Pallas from the summit is lovely (photo below). A mast maintenance road leads to the top of Puljutunturi, and the walk comes to a good couple of kilometres. Starting point on the map. The climb is gentle, but it’s worth bringing water and ready-to-eat snacks here too. On the slope of Puljutunturi lies Lake Varkaanvaaranjärvi, which has a lean-to shelter on its shore.

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