When staying in Levi, there are plenty of outdoor trails to choose from. However, there is one specific fell we find ourselves returning to season after season: Särkitunturi. Located just a short drive from the Levi resort, it offers some of the most rewarding views in Western Lapland for a relatively moderate effort.

Whether you are visiting Lapland for the first time or are a seasoned hiker, Särkitunturi is a highly practical and scenic choice for a half-day trip.

Quick Facts About the Trail

To help you plan your day, here is a quick summary of what to expect:

• Distance from Levi: ~30 km (about a 25-minute drive towards Muonio)
• Trail Length: 3 km one way (6 km round trip)
• Total Duration: 3–4 hours (including stops)
• Elevation Gain: Around 150 meters
• Difficulty: Moderately easy

Easy Start: Parking and Trailhead

Getting to the trail is straightforward. You drive from Levi along road 79 towards Muonio. After about 30 kilometers, you will see a well-marked, spacious parking lot on the left-hand side of the road.

Parking here is free, and the trail starts immediately from the edge of the parking area, making the departure effortless.

The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow right from the parking lot.

The Ascent: Forest Paths to Rocky Ridges

The first half of the hike is a steady, gentle climb. The trail is exceptionally wide and surfaced with hard-packed gravel, which makes for easy walking. You will ascend through a typical Lapland pine and birch forest.

The lower part of the trail runs through a beautiful pine forest with a solid gravel foundation.

As you gain altitude, the trees begin to thin out. Near the summit area, the smooth gravel path naturally transitions into a more traditional fell trail. The ground becomes noticeably rockier (kivikkoisempi) with exposed bedrock and loose stones. While you need to watch your footing a bit more on this section, it remains highly accessible and easy to walk.

Closer to the top, the path becomes rockier, but remains highly manageable.

Mid-Way Stop: The Mountain Pond and the Traditional Kota

Approximately halfway up the fell, you will reach a scenic rest area by a small mountain pond. This spot features a wooden pier extending into the clear water, which is a great place to stop and admire the reflections of the forest.

The little pond along the trail offers a quiet spot to rest by the water.

Right next to the lake, there is a large, wooden kota—a traditional Finnish octagonal wilderness hut built around an open fireplace—with a covered campfire place.

The total time you spend on this hike—typically 3 to 4 hours—depends heavily on your plans here. If you choose to light a fire in the kota, grill some lunch, and take your time at the top, it is easy to stretch the trip into a relaxed half-day excursion.

The kota is equipped with a large open fireplace, perfect for a lunch break.

Enjoying a break by the open fire is a core part of the traditional Finnish trekking experience.

The Summit: Expansive Views and Pallas Fells

After the rest area, you make the final push to the summit. The trees quickly disappear, replaced by low-growing alpine vegetation, heather, and open bedrock. Clear wooden signposts at the top keep you on the right path.

Clear trail signs guide you as the landscape opens up near the summit.

Once you reach the top of Särkitunturi, the 360-degree views open up. On a clear day, the most impressive sight is looking northwest towards the iconic, rolling peaks of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Looking out from the summit towards the distant peaks of the Pallas fells.

The summit area is also known for its beautiful, small fell ponds (tunturinlammet) that dot the rocky landscape, reflecting the sky. You will also pass iconic Lapland scenery, including ancient, weather-beaten dead standing pines (kelo).

The summit of Särkitunturi is characterized by rocky terrain and resilient old pines.

The small ponds at the summit offer some of the most photographed views in the region.

The peaceful summit environment is the perfect reward for the steady climb.

The Ultimate Day Trip Destination

Särkitunturi is our favorite day hike near Levi because of its incredible ratio of effort to reward. The trail is short and light enough for families, yet the summit views rival those of much longer and more demanding wilderness treks.

If you are staying at Nulkka Chalet or anywhere else in the Levi area, we highly recommend dedicating a morning or afternoon to this trail. It is a classic Lapland experience that never disappoints.

Planning your own trip to the Levi fells? Stay at our cosy Nulkka Chalet — a warm, comfortable base that puts day hikes like Särkitunturi right on your doorstep.