Hiking & outdoor recreationLength13.6 km
Duration(4,5 hours)
Degree of difficultyMedium
Get a taste of the wilderness and Lapland’s magical silence as you hike on Aakenustunturi Fell. When you reach the Vasalaki summit, you’re already at the highest point of the route. You are about to set out on a journey of many kilometres across a landscape of forests and mires to the Ylläs fells. The reward at the end of the hike is magnificent views from Haavepalo at Iso Totovaara Fell. The trail is mostly hardened trail, natural path and an old cart path. The nature boards along the trail provide information about large carnivores, hawks and reindeer in the area.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise.
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. In the Wilderness Zone camping is allowed freely.
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 pointTotovaaran pysäköintialue
Start the excursion by familiarising yourself with the information on Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the Aakenustunturi trails provided at the information shelter. The Totovaara tunturireitti trail is marked with green signposts. Along the way, you’ll find information boards on animals living in the area, such as bears, wolverines, hawks, reindeer, and the history of Kirgiisitie. After hiking along a flat, hardened path for 0.5 km, we recommend reading the information board for the area, which describes the Totovaaran tunturireitti in more detail.
The trail continues by climbing gently for 2 km to the trail crossing and from there it’s easy walking along a good and clear gravel path. However, the demanding climb can be tiring and it’s a good idea to stop and look back at the deciduous trees where hole-nesting species have left their mark. The distance from here to Vasalaki summit at Aakenus is 1 km.
The trail leads to the top of Vasalaki, where the rocky terrain is fascinating. Walking becomes a bit more difficult when you have to hop from rock to rock for about 200 metres. Walk across the boulder field until you come to the fell heath. Sit down and enjoy the view to the rock face and a well-deserved drink. The distance from the junction is 1 kilometer.
The trail continues down a gentle slope and provides a chance to see the shape of Aakenustunturi Fell from close up. After descending for 0.6 km, it’s time to turn your gaze towards the Ylläs fell range. The trail continues southwest along an easy nature trail in the terrain between the tree line on the fell slope and the rocky area. You’re sure to notice the national park’s large and unique natural forest and mire area that lies between the fells of Ylläs. Have a look at the nature boards along the way to read some interesting stories about the predators and reindeer in the area. The distance travelled is 3.2 km.
You will eventually arrive at a crossing that takes you onto a small natural path leading to the famous Haavepalo Summit and its unforgettable panoramic landscape. Use your camping stove to prepare your favourite snacks in the campfire hut yard. The campfire hut is a welcome sight if it happens to rain. There is also a wood shed and dry toilets in the yard. The distance travelled from the crossing is 1.5 km.
Walk 1.5 km back along the same route towards Kirgiisitie road. The rest of the hike is quite easy, as you return to the starting point by walking along an old overgrown logging road for about 3.1 km. Take a look at the information board along the way to learn about the interesting history of Kirgiisitie road.
End pointTotovaaran pysäköintialue