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
Traditional Lappish Evening in the Wilderness with Dinner
Experience the traditional Lappish firewood sauna next to a cozy cottage and take a dip in the private Arctic lake! Blow off some steam and enjoy a peaceful night in the authentic Finnish sauna. End the night with a tasty dinner cooked over an open fire.
Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour – Summer
The highlight tour takes you to the most unique sights in Rovaniemi. Visit genuine Reindeer and Husky Farms, meet Santa himself in the Santa Claus Village and get your certificate for crossing into the Arctic Circle.
Meet and Feed Reindeer
Come with us to meet the star of numerous Christmas stories: the reindeer! You can pet these charming creatures, feed them lichen, and hear interesting stories about reindeer husbandry. Mon, Wed & Fri at 13:30
Arctos Autumn Spa – Private daytime session (5-6 persons)
Includes the private use of the wood-heated sauna, hot tub and swimming in the Arctic lake. Price: 299€ per group (5-6 persons)
Amethyst Mine (find your own stone)
Unearth Your Own Treasure: Amethyst Mine Adventure – A Journey of Discovery and Delight
Visit the Reindeer Sleigh School
If you love animals, this is the must have tour to you. Visit our Reindeer Sleigh school, meet our lovely students, and learn about animal friendly training methods usable also with other animal species.
Aurora Borealis Catamaran Cruise, Rovaniemi
Chase the northern lights on a river cruise
Watching the Northern Lights from a campfire on a reindeer pasture in Rovaniemi
Spend the evening sitting by a campfire, watching the Northern Lights and feeding the reindeer.
Hiking Trip to Korouoma Canyon and Auttiköngäs Waterfalls
Explore the Arctic wilderness! Your guide will lead you on a hike to Korouoma Canyon and Auttiköngäs Waterfalls. Snack & fire included.
Week Pass for Climbing and Yoga
Limitless climbing and yoga for a week
Hiking with Huskies
Let’s go on adventure with Huskies!
Husky walk
Take a walk with our lovely huskies in the nature.
Aurora Dinner at Private Happy Fox Farm, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Private traditional Finnish Dinner inside the luxurious Fox Cottage and have the opportunity to see the Auroras in the midst of the forest.
Delightful Quad Bike Ride with Northern Lights
Experience the thrill of riding an ATV across the Lappish landscapes and hunt for the magical Northern Lights dancing above your head!
Santa Claus Village Tour
Perfect for families with kids, our guide will provide the maximum experience in a streamlined tour so that all the most fascinating parts of Santa Claus Village will be experienced before nap time.
Santa Claus Summer Magic in Rovaniemi – a Fun and Unforgettable Encounter with Reindeer in Summer and Autumn
Santa Claus Summer Magic in Rovaniemi awaits — Meet arctic reindeer up close and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Lapland, no booking needed!
Northern Lights Alert Login Key for Rovaniemi Area
Real-Time northern lights alerts to your phone
E-Fatbike Tour from Rovaniemi
Enjoy a biking tour from Rovaniemi into the wild arctic forests! With your fatbike, you can ride without limits : the fat tires allow you to go on city roads, rocky terrains, sand and even snow! We offer different options for the guided tour and rental.
Husky and Reindeer Experience with Snowmobiling
Experience Reindeer, Huskies, and an Adrenaline-Packed Snowmobile Safari!
Trip to Arctic Circle, Santa Claus’ Village, Santa’s Reindeer and Elf’s Farm Yard
Must in Rovaniemi! During the trip we cross the magical Arctic Circle and visit Santa Claus’ Village where is Christmas all year round!
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 Activities in Santa Claus Village Accommodation in Santa Claus Village Restaurants in Santa Claus Village Sights and…
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