Kolari

Arctic fells, husky trails and reindeer country in Finnish Lapland

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Kolari is a small municipality in Finnish Lapland built around the Ylläs fell, split between the villages of Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi and served by Finland’s northernmost railway station, with overnight trains running up from Helsinki. Winters bring snowshoeing, snowmobiling and northern lights over the fells; summers open up free hiking through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the old-growth pine of the Varkaankuru ravine. Reindeer herding is still a real local livelihood here, not just a photo opportunity. Our local picks run from fell-top snowshoe treks to the kota restaurants and pubs of Äkäslompolo – filter by category and budget below.

Kolari at a glance

Ideal stay: 3 to 5 days
Best time to visit: December to April for snow and northern lights, June to August for midnight-sun hiking
Highlights: Yllästunturi fell, the Varkaankuru ravine and Ylläs 1 Gondola
Where to stay: Äkäslompolo or Ylläsjärvi villages
Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
Getting around: overnight train to Kolari station, then the local ski bus between villages

Where to stay in Kolari

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Varkaankuru Ravine (Pirunkuru)

Varkaankuru – also known locally as Pirunkuru, the Devil’s Gorge – is a steep-sided ravine on the climb up Kesänkitunturi, cut through slopes of old-growth pine that are centuries old in places.…

★ 4.6

Ylläs 1 Gondola Lift

The Ylläs 1 gondola climbs from the Ylläsjärvi base station to the top of Yllästunturi, the resort’s main fell, giving non-skiers the same summit views as everyone on the pistes below.

★ 4.2

Ylläs Swing

The Ylläs Swing is a simple wooden swing set up with a view out over Äkäslompolo and the lake, the kind of low-key spot locals send visitors to for a photo rather…

★ 4.7

Ylläs: Guided Snowshoeing Adventure to Kesänki Fell

This guided snowshoe climb tackles the 500m Kesänki fell from Äkäslompolo, following forest trails up through snow-laden pine before opening onto panoramic views across the Ylläs fells. Reviewers consistently rate it among…

★ 5

Ylläs: Northern Lights Ice-Floating Experience with Transfer

This one puts you in a dry survival suit and floating on your back in a frozen lake outside Ylläs, looking straight up for a chance at the northern lights while staying…

★ 4.9

Ylläs: Snowmobile Adventure with Ice Fishing

This tour pairs a snowmobile ride out onto a frozen lake near Ylläsjärvi with hands-on ice fishing – drilling your own hole and trying for perch or whitefish with the guide’s help.…

★ 4.7

Ylläs: Snowmobiling ABC

Snowmobiling ABC is built for people who’ve never touched a snowmobile before, starting with proper safety and driving instruction before heading out through snowy forest, frozen lakes and swamp on a two-hour…

★ 4.8

Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas

Kellokas sits on the road between Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi and works as the free gateway to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, with a permanent nature and culture exhibition covering the fells, forests and people…

★ 4.4

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Kolari travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Kolari?

Three to five days lets you split time between Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi, fit in a snowshoe or snowmobile tour, and still have a spare day for the weather to cooperate for the northern lights.

Where is the best area to stay in Kolari?

Äkäslompolo has the most restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance; Ylläsjärvi sits right at the ski lifts if skiing is the priority.

What are the best things to do in Kolari?

Browse the local picks above, from the free Varkaankuru ravine trail and Yllästunturi Visitor Centre to snowmobile and snowshoe tours and the region's kota restaurants.

What is the best time to visit Kolari?

December to April brings snow, skiing and the best northern lights chances; June to August brings the midnight sun and free hiking in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Please check current conditions before planning a trip.