Autumn in Rovaniemi
Ruska is the Finnish word for Autumn leaf colour. Natures amazing display is at its best usually in mid-September or at the end of September. This phenomenon is triggered by the dropping temperatures as the nature begins to prepare for winter. Trees get different leaf colours from sparkling yellow to warm oranges and fiery red, even with splashes of purple.
Some summer activities continue until autumn and some early winter activities start at the autumn months, so it is a wonderful time to experience a lot in between the seasons. Versatile services guarantee a lovely holiday.



Harvesting season
Harvesting season
August and September in Rovaniemi are defined by harvesting nature’s crops, namely berries and mushrooms. Locals flock to forests in search of cloudberries, bilberries, lingonberries, boletuses and russula / brittlegill. For visitors, guidance on what and where to pick is available. Typical temperature is 10°C to 20°C.
Northern Lights season
Northern Lights season
Northern Lights are visible starting from late August, so you can combine your autumn trip with unforgettable Auroras. The Northern Lights season continues from the end of summer to early spring in Lapland, Finland. Seeing the dancing lights in the sky is a dream come true experience!
Autumn activities
Autumn activities
Ruska time is one of the best hiking and activities season in Lapland, the nature is booming of colours of fire, it is cooler to hike and the scent is earthy and soft, you can truly breathe nature in and let it fill all your senses. Ruska is also one of the photographic seasons in Lapland. Being one of the best periods for landscape photographers, Rovaniemi might surprise you with easy access to Autumn Colour nature just outside the city centre. There are plenty of routes close to the rivers and scenery spots to marvel the fiery landscapes.
Information about the autumn months
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: No snow
Phenomenon: Autumn foliage
Average temperature: Between 5 to 15 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 13 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Possible to appear
Phenomenon: Northern lights
Average temperature: Between October: 0 to 10 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: 9 hours
Northern Lights: Possible to appear
Snow: Possible to appear
Phenomenon: Northern lights
Average temperature: Between -10 to 5 degrees Celsius
Lenght of the day, average: In the beginning of the month around 7 hours, at the end of the month around 5 hours.
If there is no snow yet in November, the available activities are same as in autumn months.
Autumn activities
Tour to Aurora Horses Farm with Charming Finnhorses
Hug a Finnhorse
Visiting package: Sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (autumn)
Great chance of seeing the northern lights in the evening! Try also Finnish sauna, relax in outdoor jacuzzi and have a 3 course dinner by the fire at the Kota restaurant
Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Tours – Guaranteed with Photography
Aurora Borealis Tour
Ranua Wildlife Zoo Park Visit & Auttiköngäs Visit
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Ranua Zoo in Lapland’s winter wonderland.
Husky Safari 5 km With Hot Drink, Self Driving, in Small or Private Group
Husky Safari 5 km Self-Driving With a Hot Drink in Small Group, into the Wild!
Sámi Museum Siida day trip
Take a day trip to the Sámi Museum Siida to dive into Sámi history and culture with exhibits and interactive displays – transport, entry, and lunch are all included, making it a fun and easy outing for everyone.
Electric Fat Biking at a Reindeer Farm in Rovaniemi
Explore a Reindeer Farm on an Electric Fat Bike in Rovaniemi! Ride through private trails and immerse yourself in the stunning Arctic wilderness.
Private Northern Lights Hunt and Photography Experience
Private Aurora Hunt – Chase the Northern Lights with your own dedicated guide and photographer. Enjoy a flexible itinerary, personalized attention, and an exclusive Arctic experience.
Arctic Snowmobile Tour on Private Trails
Join our snowmobile safari to feel the purity of the nature!
Day tour to Ranua Wildlife Park – Visit the Arctic Animals!
Enjoy a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park to see Polar Bears, arctic foxes, lynx and 50 other arctic species as well as 200 animal varieties!
Magic of the Forest and Log Sauna, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Feel the healing effects of the forest, herbs and log sauna with herbal bath for feet or treatment for hands. After the sauna we’ll serve you traditional Finnish dinner.
Northern Lights Experience by a Campfire in Traditional Finnish Style from Rovaniemi
Enjoy a peaceful Northern Lights experience in a cosy private forest location away from light pollution.
Autumn: Aurora Floating
Dip yourself into a frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind and body float wearing rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry.
Pure Forest Hiking Adventure (Small-Group)
A unique summer hiking adventure in Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Northern Lights Hunting Autumn, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Northern Lights Hunting is your best chance to find the aurora borealis !
Korouoma canyon and Auttiköngäs waterfalls adventure
On this tour you will visit two great nature location situated around 1,5 hours away from Rovaniemi.
Electric Snowmobile Safari & Reindeer Experience in Rovaniemi
Go and admire the snowy forests of Porovaara on an electric snowmobile! On a silent and peaceful electric snowmobile safari you will get closer to nature and forest animals.
Early Winter Husky Sled Ride 3 km
Enjoy our longest early winter husky tour, a 3 km (1.8 miles) ride through Arctic fields and forests. Experience the thrill of these amazing dogs in action while taking in the stunning natural surroundings.
Private Traditional Finnish Sauna, Hot Tub and Bbq Snacks, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Private Traditional Finnish Sauna, Hot Tub and BBQ Snacks
Explore holiday tips
Unbelievable seasonal experiences in Rovaniemi
A day in Rovaniemi city
Alvar Aalto Architecture in Rovaniemi
Finnish Sauna Culture
There are over 3 million saunas in Finland – that’s more than passenger cars. It’s safe to say we love our saunas! For an absolute Rovaniemi experience one must try sauna.
Lapland’s food culture in Rovaniemi
Read more about Lappish treats
Nature trails in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi area is a versatile playground for day hikers. Explore the rugged wilderness, climb a fell, and wander in the relaxing sounds of nature
Reindeer, husky and other Arctic Animals
Examples of Activity products
Rovaniemi cultural attractions
Rovaniemi with kids
Santa Claus and Christmas time sights & attractions Christmassy winter activities for families Indoors – all year round Culture experiences…
Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle
Santa Claus Village Services Activities in Santa Claus Village Accommodation in Santa Claus Village Restaurants in Santa Claus Village Sights…
Shopping in Rovaniemi
From small boutiques to shopping centres. Versatile products and services at the Arctic Circle and Rovaniemi City centre
Sustainable Tips for Visitors
Sustainable Travel Finland companies
The local companies and Visit Rovaniemi are taking part in the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program
Fall in love with the Rovaniemi phenomena
Autumn Colours
When bright arctic summer ends and nature is preparing for winter at the Arctic Circle, we are enchanted by the changing colors of the season. In Rovaniemi this amazing nature’s display is at its best in September when trees and ground is covered with spectacular colours. Get your cameras out and head to nature!
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun, the nightless night or polar day – can be seen only here in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle or above. From early June until early July, and nights are white throughout the summer. See more here.
Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.
Polar Night
Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.
Snow And Ice
For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year. Find out more here!
Santa Claus
There’s no place like Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, for genuine Christmas experiences. See here for some Rovaniemi Christmas magic.
Explore the Arctic Seasons
Early winter
Winter
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.
Christmas time in Rovaniemi
Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi
Spring
Rovaniemi is the city of the Midnight Sun, surrounded by Arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet!
Summer
Rovaniemi is the city of the Midnight Sun, surrounded by Arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet!
Northern Lights Season
Seasons when Northern Lights appear Read more about Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi