CyclingLength58.1 km
Duration(6 hours)
Degree of difficultyHard
The Ylläs-Levi mountain bike trail offers unforgettable moments in the diverse nature of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the Levi area. The trail is nearly 60 km long and provides an opportunity to see incredibly beautiful rock formations, views of the fell village and the remote wilderness at the summit of Kukastunturi Fell. The landscapes vary from forest-covered fells hills to lake landscapes and lush mire areas. Most of the trail is hardened paths, a natural trail that require technical riding skills, and relaxed coasting along the peaceful forest trails of Levi. There are several maintained huts and campfire sites along the trail. Phone reception is variable after leaving Ylläs. Check the mobile network coverage with your mobile phone operator before your trip.
Length
57.9 km
Unpaved
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Duration
6 hours
Forest path
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Uphill section
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Degree of difficulty (1-5)
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Downhill section
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Suited for biking
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Contact information
Starting pointYlläs Ski Resort, Ylläsjärvi pysäköintialue
The official starting point of the trail is Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi. You can also start the route from the Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas (Tunturintie 54, 95970 Äkäslompolo). Starting from Kellokas shortens the trail to 50 kilometers.
The brown Kesäreitit (summer trails) signpost in front of the Taiga building at Ski Resort Ylläs points to the actual starting point of the trail, where you can find all the trail signs and the white Levi cycling signpost. The entire trail is marked with white cycling signs. The distance travelled is 150 metres.
From Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi, you bike along a wide forest trail that is partly natural and partly gravel to the tree line. The trail comes to a crossing after 2 km and then continues to the left.
Along the continuously ascending quartzite rocky path, you can see boulder fields higher up, formed by frost weathering. After about 2 kilometers, the trail turns onto the Yllästunturi service road, offering views of the Äkäslompolo village landscape and the majestic Kellostapuli Fell. After rolling about 0.7 kilometers, turn right and continue 0.3 kilometers towards the lush scenery of Varkaankuru and the campfire hut.
After the Varkaankuru campfire hut, which has dry toilets. A gravel path leads to the Ihmisen Rinki parking area. From there, the path continues to the right towards the Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas. The distance travelled from the hut is approximately 2 km.
After the Visitor Centre, you will briefly cycle along a trail that is steep and rocky in place, after which the trail becomes easier and comes to the beautiful lakeside landscape at Äkäslompolo. This is the start of a long gravel trail that climbs up towards Kukastunturi Fell, where large and very old pine trees are gradually replaced by the fascinating shapes of smaller pines. From the top, you can look out over the magnificent round-capped fells of Ylläs surrounded by the beautiful wilderness areas of Western Lapland. The distance travelled from the Visitor Centre is approximately 10 km.
A fast gravel trail takes you from Kukastunturi Fell down to Kotamaja yard. However, please take other trail users into consideration when riding fast. A lot of hikers and families with children and dogs use the trails during the high season. The distance travelled from the summit is 1.5 km. There are dry toilets and wilderness café in the yard, and you should check the café's opening hours before departure.
The trail continues from Kotamaja through varied terrain. The route to Pyhäjärvi Lake is natural path with rocks and roots in some places as well as easier sections of metal duckboards and gravel path. The yard at Pyhäjärvi open wilderness hut has a lean-to shelter, wood storage and dry toilets. The distance travelled from Kotamaja is approximately 8.5 km.
From the open wilderness hut, the trail continues for 2 km along a sloping path with roots and rocks to the Pyhäjärvi parking area. This section is sure to make you sweat. This is a good place for a rest and perhaps even a swim in Pyhäjärvi Lake.
When you’re feeling rested and refreshed, continue the journey towards Levi. The trail continues from Pyhäjärvi Lake along a 5-km section of easy gravel road. Turn left at the crossing onto Aakenuksentie road, continue for 0.5 km and then turn right towards Aakenusjärvi campfire hut. The distance to the hut is 3 km along the road.
From the hut, you cycle 3.2 km along a steep road bed to Homevaara Hill, and from there another 3 km towards Vuolittaman Hirvikämppä open wilderness hut. There are wood storage and dry toilets in open wilderness hut area.
The rest of the journey is along hilly, forested and easy roadbeds to Levi. The route continues north of Pyhätunturi and Kätkätunturi Fells, passing the signpost for Muusa open wilderness hut at the 3.5 km mark and continuing for a further 9 km to Levi. Cycle through the cloudberry-rich mires to the Merkkisenvuoma Spring, with the majestic slopes of Kätkätunturi Fell opening up to the right. The trail ends in Levi town centre and its services.
End pointLevi Zero Point pysäköintialue