Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park
Park Lapland national park of fells, lakes, and Arctic wilderness
Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park in Finnish Lapland protects tundra-like fell landscapes with marked hiking routes, open summits and opportunities for northern-lights viewing and summer trekking across lichen-covered slopes.
Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park is a protected area in Finnish Lapland that conserves a chain of fells and tundra-like uplands typical of the region. It is known for its open fell scenery, marked hiking routes and natural Arctic ecosystems.
The area has been protected to conserve its characteristic fell landscapes and biological communities; protection has allowed for managed public access via designated trails and facilities while limiting impacts on sensitive habitats. Over time the park has become an established destination for hiking, nature study and outdoor recreation in Lapland.
The park lies in Lapland in northern Finland, within a remote subarctic region of fells and lakes well north of the Arctic Circle. It is accessed from local towns in Lapland and is reached by regional roads and trailheads serving the park.
- Landscape and trails: The area protects characteristic fell (tunturi) landscapes of Lapland with marked trails for hiking and long-distance routes connecting ridges and summits.
- Northern lights viewing: The park is valued for clear northern skies and relatively low light pollution, making it a recognised place for viewing aurora activity in winter months.
Tips for Visiting Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park #
- For hiking and alpine scenery visit in late June-August for snow-free trails and 24-hour daylight, and in late autumn or winter if you're specifically chasing northern lights-plan your timing to match the experience you want.
- Start early from the main visitor facilities (check local park information for the current recommended trailheads) to secure parking and quieter trails; popular viewpoints and marked routes can fill up during peak summer days.
- Don't rely on phone coverage inside the park-check trail maps, weather and conditions at the park's official visitor information before setting out, and plan routes according to daylight and trail difficulty.
Best Time to Visit Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park #
Choose summer for hiking and the midnight sun or winter for snow activities and Northern Lights; conditions vary sharply with season in this Lapland park.
Weather & Climate near Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park #
Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -20°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (508 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -20°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -18°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 25 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 83 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -19°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
