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
The Best of Lapland : Sauna, ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about traditional Finnish adventure? Northern lights hunting, Finnish sauna, or traditional Lappish dinner in a cozy wooden cottage away from the city buzz? Correct! On this tour you will get all of
Aurora Borealis Adventure, Rovaniemi
Escape the city lights and experience the northern night
Atv Experience – Rovaniemi
A great introduction to ATV riding – explore local landscapes in a fun and active way.
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.
Arctic Wildlife Adventure: Ranua Zoo Tour
An adventurous day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park. Ranua Wildlife Park is located about one hour drive from Rovaniemi.
Private Korouoma Hiking, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Private Korouoma Hiking
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.
Pure husky kennel visit
Visiting the husky kennel and walking with the huskies in the forest to train them to be with people.
Elf Hat Academy in Santas Village
Welcome to the Elf Hat Academy, located near Santa’s main office in the Arctic Circle. Learn the elf wisdom and graduate as an elf in this interactive show!
Walking Trip to Korouoma Canyon
Walking Adventure to Korouoma Canyon – Explore the Stunning Waterfalls and Nature Trails
Löyly & Legends
Known the world over, the Finnish sauna offers a multitude of healing and relaxing benefits, but how is a truly Finnish sauna prepared? Roll up your sleeves to see first-hand how it’s done and enjoy a genuine Finnish sauna experience.
Private Unlimited Northern Lights Guarantee Tour with Photographer & Unlimited Mileage/Time – Private Tour
Join Rovaniemi’s Original Aurora Hunters—20 generations since 1600s. Guaranteed Northern Lights, fully private tour with your own guide & photographer, premium 2025 luxury 4×4 van, unlimited mileage, professional photos & 24/7 Aurora tracking!
Walking with the huskies
A guided 2-3 km Hike with huskies.
Pure Atv Adventure (Small-Group)
A unique and intimate small group quad bike adventure in Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Santa Claus and Sauna, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Experience a traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Sauna, Christmas Dinner and meet Santa Claus in private.
VÄKI – Stories and Songs of the Old Spirits
Welcome to this inclusive, private and guided experience. With our local guide you will feel and sense the power of the nature – Väki.
Northern Lights Hunting Adventure – Small Group Photography Tour – Rovaniemi
A small-group experience designed for comfort, flexibility, and the best possible Northern Lights viewing conditions.
Ranua Wildlife Zoo Park Visit & Auttiköngäs Visit
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Ranua Zoo in Lapland’s winter wonderland.
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