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Varkaankuru Trail

—•Hiking Trails

3.4 km

Route

P 1

Description

Luontoon.fi – Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas+

Description

Varkaankuru Trail is an easy, marked hike of about 3.4 km through Varkaankuru gorge in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, starting and finishing at Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas above Äkäslompolo. Kolari is the municipality, and Lapland frames the wider fell country. Metsähallitus manages the park; Luontoon.fi’s Kellokas hub is the best place to confirm opening hours, services, and access. Metsähallitus has also explained why the route’s steel duckboards were renewed in 2023 and how the Varkaankuru restricted zone is meant to protect fragile grove vegetation. From Kellokas you pass Kellokas uusi kota and the main Kellokas yard parking. After a short stretch the path reaches Yläs Ski Resort Äkäslompolo laavu and, farther on, Ylläs Ski Resort Äkäslompolo mutterikota. About 1.6 km along, Varkaankurun kota sits in the heart of the gorge with a campfire site; dry toilets are available there so you can settle in for a break without hunting for separate facilities. The return leg climbs back through the western flank of the gorge toward Yllästunturin luontokeskus Kellokas. Much of the hollow is lush spruce–deciduous forest with a small stream, stone steps at the entry to the gorge, and viewpoints toward the little cascade. The popular summer hiking route shares Kellokas with the start of the Ylläs-Levi maastopyöräilyreitti, but Yle reports that on the Varkaankuru walking route itself cycling and pushing a bicycle are prohibited. Taipaleita’s hike write-up suggests hiking the ring clockwise through the hollow for a gentler climb on the duckboards, while the stone steps feel steeper if you approach from the other direction. If you want more altitude after the gorge, combining with an off-route climb toward Kellostapuli is a common extension described by independent hikers; that summit leg is not part of the marked Varkaankuru circuit.

Length & route

The trail is about 3.4 km as one round trip between Kellokas and Varkaankuru and back. Allow roughly 1–1.5 hours at an easy pace. Metsähallitus and Yle, in their 2023 coverage of the reopening, often round the outing to about 4 km. A clockwise circuit through the hollow keeps the steepest stone steps as a descent for many hikers.

Getting there

Drive to Äkäslompolo in Kolari and follow signs for Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas at Tunturintie 54, 95970 Kolari—the trail leaves from the centre grounds with parking in the Kellokas yard lot. Luontoon.fi summarizes arrival and the centre’s location in the national park.

Good to know

Varkaankuru is a restricted zone: from 1 May to 30 November you may travel only on officially marked routes, and leaving the tread damages protected plants. Metsähallitus has noted forthcoming signage reminding visitors to stay on the trail. Camping and other camping-style stays are prohibited throughout that restriction area, including around Varkaankurun kota. Yle reporting on the reopened route repeats the seasonal access rule and states that cycling and pushing bicycles are prohibited on this walking route. Steel duckboards installed in 2023 span roughly 900 m, are wider than the old wooden structures, and include narrow wooden strips along the edges for dogs’ paws. Follow national park pet rules and keep dogs under control. Winter visitors can check Luontoon.fi for the separate Varkaankuru winter track when snow conditions apply.

Managed by

Kolari

Official Maintenance

+358 40 550 2424

GPX data from: © Metsähallitus, 2024

Trail info

Hiking clockwise through the gorge is often described as the gentler option for the duckboard climb.

Route direction

green trail symbols

Route Signs

Dogs (On Leash)

Dogs

Open / Good Condition

Taipaleita – Varkaankurunpolku ja Kellostapuli

Activities allowed

Hike / Walk

Activity

Terrain & conditions

3.4 km

Distance

About 1–1.5 hours.

Est. Time

Duckboards / Dirt / Gravel

Surface

Loop, Single Track

Route Type

2023

Renovation years

Location

67.58900°N, 24.20292°E

Parking coordinates

FinlandCountry

LaplandRegion

KolariCity

ÄkäslompoloVillage

Hiking TrailsCategory

Explore nearby

Kesäretkeilyreitti 2

208 m

Free

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Answers to your questions

Our data was researched from Kolari, and other trusted sources, in March 2026. Our route / place GPX data comes from Metsähallitus / Lipas, last updated March 2026. Always check their official website for safety-critical updates.

Finland Lapland Kolari Hiking TrailsVarkaankuru Trail