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Mountain Biking
· Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
Pyhäkero winter route
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A winter cyclist and a skier together in Ounasjärvi, on the way to Pallas-Yllästunturi National ParkPhoto: Rami Valonen, Metsähallitus
News! Book your own shelter and cooking utensils if you plan to camp overnight in the wilderness. The huts may not have space due to corona restrictions. Favor nearby ski tracks and winter trails and stay in villages and tourist centers to support the local businesses.
Winter cycling on the ice of Lake Ounasjärvi through snow-laden forest feels like a journey to another world. At the destination awaits the cozy Pyhäkero wilderness hut.
From the Tunturi-Lappi Nature Centre, cycle on the light traffic route onto the ice of Lake Ounasjärvi, from where a shared use track begins. On flat terrain it is good to get a feel for cycling on snow and admire the surrounding vast whiteness.
On the other side of the lake, there is a short steep climb which even a fit cyclist must walk. After the climb, the route winds through magnificent forest landscapes, where dark reindeer lichens cover the pine branches. The snow-covered forest is shaped like meringue.
The Pyhäkero wilderness hut is a great place to warm up and have a snack break. Rest there a moment, so the return journey goes more easily.
In winter cycling, there is no rushing; the trip is for enjoying together. Cycling goes best in light frost when the surface is suitably firm. In severe frost, it is advisable to turn back already from the opposite shore of Lake Ounasjärvi.
Author’s recommendation
In Hetta, fat-tire mountain bikes are rented, among others, by Hetta Huskies and Lapland Safaris Hetta.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Fell Lapland Visitor CentrePyhäkero Open Wilderness Hut
Safety information
In winter, daylight hours are short. Bring a headlamp.
Wetness in frost cools quickly. Be especially careful not to wet your feet.
The weather in the fell can change rapidly, and visibility can decrease quickly. Prepare for cold and rain, and in spring and autumn even winter conditions, even if it is warm when you depart.
Mobile phone coverage is not available on all hiking routes. Coverage is generally better at higher, open areas than elsewhere. Download the free 112 Finland app to your phone and activate it before heading out. Note that batteries drain quickly in cold weather.
Tips and suggestions
Check real-time maintenance information, café opening hours, and alternative routes on the ski trail map before starting the trip: Infogis.fi/hetta
Familiarize yourself with the national park instructions and regulations: Luontoon.fi/pallas-yllastunturi/ohjeetjasaannot
Free hiking map: Retkikartta.fi
Hiking instructions, rules, and tips: Luontoon.fi/retkeilynabc
Roadbook
Tunturi-Lapin luontokeskus pysäköintialue
Pyhäkero Open Wilderness Hut
Directions
See https://luontoon.fi/pallas-yllastunturi.
Parking
Free parking at the Tunturi-Lappi Nature Centre.Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Winter trekking is enjoyable if you stay warm. Remember to wear clothing suitable for the weather in layers, warm winter footwear, gloves, and a head covering. It is advisable to add clothing during breaks and before a long descent.
Bring snacks, drinks, warm clothing, a charged phone, matches, toilet paper, a map, first aid supplies, and a trash bag.
Finnish tap water is very clean. Fill your water bottles before going on the trip, as natural water may not always be available. The availability of natural water varies and its use is at each person's own risk.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions