What to do during Autumn in Rovaniemi?
The Arctic nights of endless sunlight is followed by fresh autumn breeze and romantic dark nights. In Rovaniemi, autumn months of late-August and September are statistically great months for seeing the Northern Lights. In Finland, autumn is time of many activities before the snow arrives. Here are some tips for fulfilling autumn trip.



The Thing in Rovaniemi’s Autumn: Foliage
The Thing in Rovaniemi’s Autumn: Foliage
Fall foliage, “ruska” in Finnish, is the process of leafs turning various shades of yellow, orange, red and brown. It’s the northern equivalent of the famous Japanese Hanami, that starts normally in September. To take the advantage of foliage, go to nature! One hour drive from Rovaniemi city center, Auttiköngäs is a popular destination in autumn due to it’s colorful nature, taiga forests and one of the greatest’s waterfalls in Finland. There are daytrips available to Auttiköngäs.
Autumn brings back the Northern Lights
Autumn brings back the Northern Lights
The Aurora season in Rovaniemi starts late-August when the nights are dark again after bright summer nights. There are many ways to experience the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi. Try for example:
Reindeer and husky tours
Reindeer and husky tours
Beautiful animals of Lapland can be seen in by participating a tour at the reindeer farms and husky kennels in the area. You can choose from simple farm visits or try a sleigh ride activity. In autumn, the huskies run with wheel carts & the mushers teach you how to ride it. For animal welfare reasons cart tours are offered only weather permitting, weather being cold enough.
Autumn in Rovaniemi: Epic Hiking Time
Autumn in Rovaniemi: Epic Hiking Time
In Lapland, autumn is a famous hiking time with its colorful foliage. You’ll find many hiking trails around Rovaniemi. The closest one’s are in walking distance from the city center, such as Ounasvaara’s trails and Koivusaari. Rent a bike from some of your providers and discover Ounasvaara’s trails by a mountainbike or e-mountainbike! Arctic Circle Hiking area with scenic rapids of Vikaköngäs and Vaattunkiköngäs are easy and family-friendly daytrip destinations.
Find Forest’s Treasures – Go Harvesting!
Find Forest’s Treasures – Go Harvesting!
The Finns go wild about berries and mushrooms that are ready to be picked in autumn. Starting already in late-July and lasting early October, berries such as blueberry, lingonberry and cloudberry are ready to eat and various mushrooms pop out in forests. Join a tour and let a guide lead to discover forests treasures at their best, in best possible locations.
More Tips for your Autumn Holiday
Autumn Highlights in Rovaniemi, Lapland
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…
Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
10 Northern Lights activities
Aurora Borealis are visible from late August until end of March or beginning of April
Autumn activities in Rovaniemi
Luxury Log Sauna and Finnish Dinner Summer, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Experience the gentle heat of a log sauna and its invigorating health effects only with your own family or friends. After the sauna we’ll serve traditional Finnish home made dinner.
Pyhä-Luosto Natural Park Hiking Tour & Naava Exibition Center.
Explore Pyhä-Luosto Natural Park’s best hiking trails and stop by the Naava visitor centre for a fascinating nature exhibition on this guided day trip.
Rovaniemi: Autumn Husky Safari – Drive Your Own Husky Team (5-8 km), Small Group & Bbq
Drive your own husky team through Lapland’s golden autumn forests and vivid landscapes — from our authentic family farm, far from tourist crowds. Small groups only, 5–8 km safari, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, hot drinks & seasonal barbecue
Arctic Circle Hiking Area Tour in Rovaniemi
Enjoy a guided 4 km hike through the stunning nature of Lapland in the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, located in the picturesque countryside of Rovaniemi. This area offers a taste of Lapland’s wilderness in a compact and accessible setting.
Ranua Wildlife Park Photo Tour
Join a guided Ranua Wildlife Photography Tour and receive professional photos capturing the animals in stunning detail.
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Pro Guaranteed – Unlimited (Private)
PRIVATE Aurora Hunting Guaranteed Tour With Photography
Pure husky kennel visit
Visiting the husky kennel and walking with the huskies in the forest to train them to be with people.
The Aurora Trail (Family friendly)
The magic of a nocturnal forest can only be highlighted by a blaze of Auroras.