The Year-Round Magic of Yllas, Finland

The Finnish Lapland remains relatively unknown as a travel destination, but those wanting to immerse themselves in a true winter wonderland – or experience the captivating midnight sun – should not ignore this small Nordic nation.

Ylläs is a popular destination all year around, and both winter and summer seasons offer their own special kind of magic – something that travel enthusiast and a regular visitor to Ylläs, Vibert Noble, knows very well.

Where Is Ylläs?

Yllästunturi or Ylläs fell is located in the municipality of Kolari in the Lapland region of Finland. It lies between the villages of Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo, both of which derive most of their income from tourism generated by the fell.

Eight Seasons of Ylläs

Rather than being simply divided into summer and winter, or off- and on-seasons, Ylläs has eight different seasons, all offering their own unique activities and attractions. The seasons are midwinter, early spring, spring, nightless night, harvest season, colours of the fall, first snow and polar night. Those wanting to experience the best of the winter season should head to Ylläs during midwinter (January–February). While much the same wintertime opportunities are available during the polar night season (December), the new year brings slightly longer days, offering more time to enjoy the varied outdoor activities during daylight.

The summer season (June–July) at Ylläs is known for the nightless night, also known as the midnight sun. It is a truly fascinating if not slightly disorientating thing to experience, and the local wilderness offers an abundance of hiking trails for all ages and fitness levels. Ylläs is also known for great bike trails, fishing, paddling and foraging opportunities, as well as gloriously colourful autumn leaves.

Seven Fells of Ylläs

Yllästunturi is surrounded by six other fells. They are said to have been as high and mighty as the Alps are today, but over hundreds of millions of years erosion and multiple ice ages have done their job, with only rounded mounds left. The seven falls of Ylläs are Ylläs, Kesänki, Kukas, Kuer, Aakenus, Lainio and Pyhä. It should also be noted that Pyhätunturi is part of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park’s Restriction Zone, which does not allow camping, and visiting the area should be avoided in the summer season.

Meet Vibert Noble | Keen Traveller and Eclipse Chaser

Originally from Guyana, Vibert Noble moved to the UK as a child with his parents. Today, he resides with his wife in the scenic Vale of Belvoir, a region whose name comes from the Norman-French for "beautiful view." The area is home to the UK’s first community radio station, which began broadcasting in 2005.

Vibert is an enthusiastic traveller with a particular fondness for Lapland and La Palma in the Canary Islands. Known as La Isla Bonita, La Palma is a haven for nature lovers, offering everything from lush laurisilva forests and dramatic volcanic terrain to the vast Caldera de Taburiente. The island’s renowned dark skies and extensive footpath network make it an ideal destination for two of Vibert’s favourite pastimes: walking and stargazing. His adventures have also taken him to Svalbard in the Arctic, on road trips across the United States, and aboard the California Zephyr train from Chicago to San Francisco.

Over the years, Vibert has cultivated a passion for chasing solar eclipses. After witnessing his first eclipse in Cornwall in 1999, there was a long gap before his second in the Faroe Islands in 2015. Since then, he has journeyed to Indonesia (2016), the Pacific Northwest (2017), Antarctica (2021), and Mexico (2024) to witness total eclipses. Looking ahead, he plans to continue his celestial quest in Spain (2026), Egypt (2027), and either Australia or New Zealand (2028).

When he's not travelling, Vibert enjoys a variety of hobbies. He practices tai chi twice a week, explores the walking trails around his home, and is a regular supporter of the local cricket team, the Trent Rockets. He also enjoys trips to the cinema and theatre. A dedicated football fan, Vibert has been a long-time supporter of Crystal Palace F.C. and attends around ten matches each season to cheer on his team.