1. Snowshoeing on a Fell
If there’s one activity that captures the feeling of winter in Ylläs, it’s snowshoeing. Unlike the ski slopes or snowmobile routes, snowshoes allow you to leave the crowds behind and wander quietly through snow-covered forests where the only sounds are your footsteps and the occasional creak of the trees.
Unlike busy snowmobile routes or ski resorts, snowshoeing allows you to move quietly through snow-covered forests, explore hidden areas and reach viewpoints that many visitors never see.
The pace is relaxed and no previous experience is required, making it suitable for families, couples and first-time visitors to Lapland.
Local tip: In midwinter, the polar twilight (kaamos) create some of the most beautiful light of the entire winter. Even short walks can feel surreal thanks to the deep blue light that covers the landscape.
2. Sunset from Kuertunturi
Backcountry skiing offers a unique way to travel across the winter landscape.
With wider skis and climbing skins, it’s possible to move efficiently through forests, over frozen lakes and into remote areas far from the ski resort.
You don’t need to be an expert skier to try it. Many routes around Ylläs are gentle and ideal for beginners who want to discover the wilderness in a more adventurous way.
Local tip: Combine a ski tour with a stop in a wilderness hut (kota) for a truly authentic Lapland experience.
3. Northern Lights at Kesänkijärvi Lake
Ylläs is one of the best places in Europe for seeing the aurora borealis.
Thanks to its northern location and relatively low light pollution, the conditions for aurora viewing can be excellent throughout the winter.
Although sightings are never guaranteed, simply spending an evening outdoors under the Arctic sky is an experience in itself. Kesänkijärvi is one of the most accessible and beautiful spots to watch the sky reflect on the frozen lake.
Local tip: The best nights are often cold and clear after snowfall.
4. Try Nordic Skiing in the Backcountry
5. Grill Sausages in a Traditional Kota
6. Explore 300km of Cross-Country Ski Trails
Ylläs has one of Finland’s largest cross-country ski networks, with over 300 kilometres of prepared trails.
The routes pass through forests, lakes and fell landscapes, offering something for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Even if you’ve never tried cross-country skiing before, it’s worth experiencing at least once during your trip.
One of the most authentic experiences in Finnish Lapland is visiting a wilderness hut.
Many huts around Ylläs are freely accessible and provide a place to rest, warm up and enjoy a hot drink by the fire.
These simple wooden cabins are deeply connected to Finnish outdoor culture and often become some of visitors’ favourite memories.
7. Local Cafés in Äkäslompolo
8. Finnish Sauna Experience
No trip to Finland feels complete without experiencing a traditional sauna.
After spending several hours outside in the cold, stepping into a warm sauna becomes even more enjoyable.
For many Finns, sauna is not simply an activity but an essential part of everyday life and wellbeing.
9. Ylläs Ski Resort
10. Visit Kellokas Nature Centre
Perhaps the greatest experience in Ylläs isn’t a specific activity at all.
Many visitors are surprised by the silence, the lack of crowds and the feeling of having space around them.
Sometimes the most memorable moments happen while sitting beside a fire, watching snow fall or walking through the forest without any particular destination.
That sense of calm is a large part of what makes Ylläs special.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” way to experience Ylläs. Some visitors come for skiing, others dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Yet, for many, the memories that stay the longest are often the simplest ones: following fresh tracks through the snow, sharing coffee in a wilderness hut or standing quietly beneath a sky full of stars.
That’s the side of Lapland we hope you’ll discover too.
