Hiking & outdoor recreationLength11.8 km
Duration(4 hours)
Degree of difficultyMedium
The Keskisenlaen kierros Trail introduces hikers to the nature and geology of the fells. The clockwise circle trail has benches for resting and information boards along the route. The trail runs through rugged fell terrain around Keskisenlaki Fell, which is part of the Yllästunturi fell formation. The trail takes hikers through the large mire and fell areas of the neighbouring municipalities as well as the villages of Ylläs. The rocky valleys, forest line and treeless area with its fell plants in the nearby landscapes make this trail well worth the effort. The boulder fields at Kellostapulinkuru Ravine are an impressive sight. Most of the trail is an upgraded gravel path.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
Multi-purpose trailYou can hike, bike or run along the trail. Please note other trail users (moving at different speeds)
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedIn the Special zone, Recreational zone and Cultural zone Camping is permitted only in the vicinity of wilderness huts, campfire huts and campfire sites. Camping is forbidden in the restricted zones.
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins on the trail. Bring along your own trash bag and take your waste out with you when leaving.
Contact information
Starting pointYlläs Ski Resort, Ylläsjärvi pysäköintialue
The brown Kesäreitit (summer trails) signpost in front of the Taiga building at Ylläs Ski Resort points to the actual starting point of the trail, where you can find all the trail signs. The distance travelled is 150 metres.
From there, follow the green Keskisenlaen kierros signposts for about 2 km. The wide partly natural and gravel forest trail rises up to the tree line and turns left at the crossing.
As you continue to climb up through this rocky quartzite area, you can see rocks formed as a result of frost weathering higher up. Mosses and colourful lichens (Rhizocarpaceae) are easy to spot on the sides of the rocks. After approximately 2 km, the trail turns onto Ylläs maintenance road, which provides a nice view of the Äkäslompolo village landscape and the rugged Kellostapuli Fell.
After travelling approximately 0.7 km, turn right towards the herb-rich forest landscapes of Varkaankuru Ravine. You are now almost halfway through the journey, so this is a good time for a lunch break at Varkaankuru campfire hut. Varkaankuru campfire hut has a campfire site, toilets, wood shed and ash containers. On hot summer days, it’s a good idea to take your own camping stove so that you can cook at the campfire site even during a forest fire warning. Varkaankuru Ravine is part of a restricted area and, for example, camping there is prohibited.
After leaving the hut, you can see typical fell plants along the wide gravel path, such as Mountain Heath (Phyllodoce caerulea) and Alpine Bearberry (Arctous alpina). The trail rises towards the Kellostapuli saddle area, where you’ll find yourself walking between two rocky fells. A narrow gravel path makes a steep descent through mountain birches (Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii) and ancient junipers (Juniperus communis). When you come to the trail crossing, turn right and follow the green signposts. The distance travelled is 2 km.
The trail continues for 2 km down along the tree line and towards Tuomikuru campfire hut. Note the stone pits and circle formations in the area that have developed in the magnificent hollows. Look northeast to see a beautiful view of Lainiojoki River valley, which continues all the way to Aakenustunturi Fell. The summit of Levi is visible as a continuation of the fell silhouette, while to the east hikers can see Kumputunturi Fell standing alone and Ylläsjärvi village. Tuomikuru campfire hut is located at an magnificent lookout point that also has a campfire site, toilets, a wood shed and an ash container.
After leaving the hut, follow the green signposts for approximately 2.8 km. It’s easy to descend the slope to the services provided at the fell centre.
You can also start in Äkäslompolo by taking an easy gravel path to the trail from Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas. Starting point: Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas Tunturintie 54, 95970 Kolari. From the Visitor Centre, follow the brown Tunturi-Ylläs signpost for approximately 400 metres to a crossing, then follow the brown Varkaankuru signpost to the hut. The distance travelled is 2 km. The circle trail from Varkaankuru hut is marked with green Keskisenlaki signposts.
End pointYlläs Ski Resort, Ylläsjärvi pysäköintialue