Hiking & outdoor recreationLength10 km
Duration(3 hours)
Degree of difficultyMedium
Vareslaen kierros Trail at Aakenustunturi Fell is a versatile hiking destination located close to service structures. This route follows a natural path from the rugged beauty of Pyhäjärvi Lake to the summit of Vareslaki and its boulder fields. From the summit you can see the landscapes of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. The excursion ends at the lovely Pyhäjärvi open wilderness hut, where hikers can admire the steep rocky slopes of Pyhätunturi Fell and crystal-clear waters of Pyhäjärvi Lake.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
Campfire site Always check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
HutPyhäjärvi open wilderness hut.
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 pointPyhäjärvi parking area, Aakenus Pyhäjärvi
Starting point: Pyhäjärventie 507, Kittilä. Pyhäjärventie road (5 km) is a bumpy forest road. An accessible campfire hut, campfire site, pier and dry toilets are located 250 metres from the starting point. There are also outdoor tables and benches. Pyhäkota campfire hut and the dry toilet are marked with white signs.
The Vareslaen kierros Trail is marked with green signs. The natural path winds through the fell and has roots and boulders in many places. The first part of the trail from the Pyhäjärvi Lake starting point is fairly easy, although 2 km of it is a forest path with some protruding tree roots.
The trail continues for 2.5 km, winding its way towards the boulder fields on Vareslaki Fell at Aakenus, which has a view over Pallilaki Fell and the magnificent national park landscapes. You might encounter a Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) or Snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), which is the park’s emblem, hiding in the rocks.
As you descend the fell slope, look ahead and you’ll see the well-stocked Pyhäjärvi Lake reflecting the steep rocky slopes of Pyhätunturi Fell on the opposite shore. The small grey Pyhäjärvi open wilderness hut is a welcome site on the shore. The yard at Pyhäjärvi open wilderness hut has a lean-to shelter, wood storage and toilets. This is a popular stop for fishers and hikers. The distance travelled from Vareslaki is 3.5 km.
After leaving the open wilderness hut, hikers continue on a natural trail along the shores of Pyhäjärvi Lake. This section has a lot of tree roots. In early summer, you can watch the noisy flocks of ducks, and see fishers rowing on the lake. On the other side of the trail, many perching birds (Passeriformes), such as Redpolls (Acanthis flammea), Chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs) and various types of tits thrive in the spruce forest. You can finish the hike by taking a dip off the pier into the clear waters of Pyhäjärvi Lake. The distance travelled from open wilderness hut is 2 km.
End pointPyhäjärvi parking area, Aakenus Pyhäjärvi