Keskisenlaki Loop

The Loop from Ylläs to Kesänkijärvi is approximately 18.25 km long and generally takes about 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete by mountain bike. Some sources suggest a cycling duration of around 1 hour for the roughly 13 km Ylläsjärvi-Kesänkijärvi section, depending on your pace and stops.

Yes, the Loop from Ylläs to Kesänkijärvi is considered relatively easy for biking, with sections described as family-friendly. The 'Kesänkijärven polkaisu' route, which is part of this loop, is specifically highlighted as an easy, family-friendly option. While the overall difficulty is rated as moderate due to natural terrain, many parts are accessible and feature reinforced trails.

The terrain varies, featuring natural trails with rock dust and metal duckboards, especially through mire landscapes. You'll ride through diverse natural forests, bogs, and mires. The trail is generally easy in profile, but the natural surface provides its own challenges.

The best time to mountain bike this loop is during the summer months, as the Ylläs area has many marked summer trails available since 2017. Late summer offers particularly beautiful scenery, with slanted sunlight illuminating the spruce forests against the dark fells.

Yes, there are several points of interest. You'll find the Ojanlatva Day-Use Hut and Lean-to Shelter, which offers a beautiful lookout point. The Latvamaja and Kesängin Keidas café are wilderness cafes that operate during high season. The trail also leads to the popular Kesänkijärvi lake shore, featuring a Lapp hut, lean-to shelter, and toilets, with a great view of Kellostapuli across the lake. There are also designated rest stops for breaks.

You'll experience diverse and beautiful Lapland scenery, including natural forests, bogs, and mires. The trail offers views of Kesänkijärvi lake and towering fells like Kellostapuli and Yllästunturi. One side of the trail features the expansive Kesänkijärvi lake, while the other is bordered by forests thick with beard moss. Expansive fell views are visible right from the parking area.

Yes, the Loop from Ylläs to Kesänkijärvi intersects with several other trails. Notable sections include the Ylläsjärvi-Äkäslompolo mtb, Keskisenlaen kierros ("Kiirunankieppi"), Tuomikurun kierros ("Saalistusjotos"), and Kesänkijärven polkaisu. It also briefly touches parts of the Pallas-Ylläs Hiking Route and the Ylläs-Levi MTB trail.

There are parking areas available that provide access to the trail, with expansive fell views right from the parking spots. Specific parking for the Kesänkijärvi mountain bike trailhead is available, making it convenient to start your ride.

While the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park generally welcomes dogs, they must always be kept on a leash. Please ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you clean up after them to preserve the natural environment.

No, there are no entrance fees to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, and you do not need a specific permit for mountain biking on marked trails like the Loop from Ylläs to Kesänkijärvi. However, mountain biking is explicitly prohibited on certain sensitive sections, such as the Pirunkuru gorge section of the Kesänkitunturi trail.

While enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding forests, you might spot local wildlife such as reindeer and Siberian jays. Remember to observe from a distance and avoid disturbing the animals.

Yes, parts of the Kesänkijärvi trail are designed to be accessible, making them suitable for a wider range of visitors. This contributes to the trail's reputation as one of the most beautiful accessible trails in Finland.