Hiking & outdoor recreationLength1.9 km
Degree of difficultyEasy
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and make your way through the forest to Varkaankuru campfire hut. Glittering snow and trees covered in crown snow make the winter a magical time. Varkaankuru winter trail is a great choice for your first snowshoeing hike and is suitable for the whole family. The trail includes a few short but steep ascents and descents. In slippery conditions, bring snowshoes or studded shoes and poles. Varkaankuru is an excellent destination, especially on cold days when the inversion makes it warmer higher up in the fells than in the villages below.
Multi-purpose trailYou can hike, snowshoe 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 not 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.
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 pointYllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas, yard and parking area
The ski tracks and winter trails are maintained by the municipality of Kolari. Check the maintenance information for ski tracks and winter trails, as well as the opening hours of cafés, on the Ylläs online map: https://kartta.yllas.fi/. By purchasing a map, you support the maintenance of the trails in Ylläs.
The trail starts behind the Visitor Centre. At intersections and campfire sites, there are signposts. Follow the blue Varkaankuru signs from the Visitor Centre. The winter trail is marked with tall wooden poles topped with blue reflectors. The trail takes you through the snowy forest, winding between the most spectacular summits of Ylläs. Large spruce trees line the path. Even though everything is covered by snow, life in the forest is still very busy. Can you spot the tracks of a hare or willow grouse on the snow?
Eventually, the steep walls of Varkaankuru Ravine appear beside you. Varkaanoja Creek, which flows through Varkaankuru, is crossed via a bridge just before the hut. You can make a small campfire in the fireplace to warm up. Remember to use wood responsibly. When you leave, extinguish the fire and clean up after yourself, as good manners dictate.
Follow the same trail back to the Visitor Centre, admiring the soft light of the polar night or the sparkling snow in the spring sunshine. During the dark season, look up at the sky, and you might see the legendary fire-fox wagging its tail, spreading its colors across the sky.
End pointYllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas, yard and parking area