Pallastunturi
Mountain Fell cluster in Lapland, popular for skiing
Pallastunturi in Finnish Lapland is a fell area inside Pallas‑Yllästunturi National Park; hikers and skiers come for marked trails, cross‑country tracks and frequent northern lights viewing in winter.
Pallastunturi is a group of fells in Finnish Lapland located within Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. The area is a notable example of subarctic fell terrain and is managed for recreation and conservation.
Hiking routes and marked trails cross open fell landscapes, offering panoramic views of tundra, lakes, and birch woodland. The fells are popular for both summer trekking and winter cross-country skiing, and they are also a frequent location for observing the Northern Lights.
The Pallastunturi area was incorporated into Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park when the park was established in 1938, reflecting early Finnish conservation efforts to protect fell ecosystems. The site has since been managed for recreation, research, and landscape conservation.
Situated in Lapland in northern Finland, the Pallastunturi fells form part of the broader Pallas massif and are accessible from nearby towns and park visitor centres within the national park.
- National park: Pallastunturi lies within Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Finland's oldest national park established in 1938 and known for fell landscapes and marked trails.
What to See #
- Taivaskero: The highest summit in the Pallastunturi group is Taivaskero, which reaches 809 metres above sea level and is a primary viewpoint for surrounding tundra and Northern Lights displays.
How to Get to Pallastunturi #
The Pallastunturi fells are reached by road from Saariselkä or Ivalo; drive north on regional roads (E75 toward Ivalo, then local roads) and follow signs to Pallastunturi National Park areas. Some travel operators in Saariselkä and Ivalo run guided tours and transfers.
Tips for Visiting Pallastunturi #
- Bring a GPS or a detailed map for the final approaches; the fells are remote and signage can be sparse.
- Visit on a clear night during winter for a strong chance of Aurora Borealis displays; some accommodation options in the area cater to aurora-watchers.
- If hiking between the Pallastunturi fells in summer, be prepared for boggy sections and bring insect repellent - mosquitoes can be relentless after midnight sun periods.
Best Time to Visit Pallastunturi #
Pallastunturi is a Lapland fell area best visited either for winter auroras or the benign midnight-sun hikes of summer; choose based on desired activities.
Weather & Climate near Pallastunturi #
Pallastunturi'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 16°C. Moderate rainfall (594 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -20°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 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 (41 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 (35 mm).
