Pallas Yllastunturi National Park is located in the far northwest portion of Finland along the border of Sweden. The park encompasses an area of 390 square miles (1,020 sq km) making it the third-largest national park in the country.
The pine, spruce, and larch forest make up the boreal forest known locally as Taiga. These forests are scattered across the mostly barren landscape. The majority of the park is characterized by the moor-covered rounded mountains and valleys.
The park is renowned for picturesque terrains and recognized as one of Finland’s national landscapes. Based on visitors, it is the country’s most popular national park reaching well over half a million annual visitors.
Taivaskero is the highest point in the park reaching a height of 2,654.2 feet (809 m). Amongst the folded and rounded mountains are habitats that include heath forests, mires, and old-growth forests. These ecosystems include streams, ponds, and lakes with Pallasjarvi Lake being the largest.
These habitats support an array of wildlife. Some of the more popular species include elk, reindeer, bear, lynx, and fox. Some of the more popular smaller species include the hare, weasel, lemming, squirrel, and the mole. There are an abundance of bird species with some of the favorite species including owls, hawks, rock ptarmigan, and the colorful pine grosbeak.