The park supports diverse wildlife including large mammals such as brown bears, wolves, and wolverines, though they remain elusive. More commonly spotted are reindeer, which roam freely throughout the park, and moose. The area is also significant for bird-watching, hosting species like the Siberian jay, willow grouse, and golden eagle. Several endangered butterfly species and other insects unique to the fell ecosystem can also be found here.
The park showcases distinct vegetation zones, transitioning from old-growth boreal forests of pine and spruce in lower elevations to mountain birch woodlands, and finally to treeless alpine tundra at higher altitudes. The area harbors rare arctic-alpine plants including mountain avens, alpine bearberry, and various lichens. Spring and summer bring vibrant displays of arctic flowers such as globe flowers, wood cranesbill, and arctic white heather.
The park's distinctive landscape was shaped by the last ice age, featuring ancient rounded fells (tunturi) that are remnants of one of the world's oldest mountain ranges. The Pallas-Ounastunturi fell chain forms the park's backbone, with peaks rising to 807 meters above sea level. The area consists primarily of quartzite and other metamorphic rocks, while numerous glacial formations including eskers, ravines, and moraines dot the landscape.
The area's cultural heritage dates back thousands of years, with the indigenous Sámi people traditionally using these lands for reindeer herding. The region gained protected status in 1938 when Pallas-Ounastunturi became Finland's second national park. In 2005, it merged with the Ylläs-Aakenus nature reserve to form the current Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, making it Finland's third-largest national park and a crucial center for long-term atmospheric and environmental research.
Key attractions include the Pallastunturi Visitor Centre, offering extensive exhibits about the park's nature and culture, and the renowned Pallas Atmospheric Research Station, conducting some of the world's cleanest air measurements. The park boasts over 500 kilometers of marked hiking trails, including part of the famous Hetta-Pallas trail, and extensive cross-country skiing networks. Traditional Sámi culture remains visible through reindeer herding activities and cultural sites throughout the park.
Pallas-Yllästunturi experiences a subarctic climate characterized by long, cold winters and brief, mild summers. Winter temperatures typically range from -10°C to -25°C from November through March, with permanent snow cover lasting up to 200 days. Summers are short but feature the unique phenomenon of the Midnight Sun, with 24-hour daylight from June to mid-July. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons marked by dramatic temperature fluctuations and spectacular displays of northern lights during darker months.
Finland
68.0720°, 24.0550°
1938
1020
Pallas-Yllästunturi is Finland's third-largest national park, featuring pristine fells and ancient forests. The park is known for its exceptional air quality and offers extensive hiking trails through varied Arctic landscapes. It is particularly popular for both winter and summer activities, with the Pallas fell chain being one of the park's most distinctive features.