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
Northern Lights in Rovaniemi Lapland
Northern Lights Tours
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
Public transportation
1. Local bus routes and timetables around the city 2. Other public transportation connections 3. Other transport services 4. Important…
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…
Autumn activities in Rovaniemi
Riisitunturi National Park
Discover with us the beauty of Lapland with its snowy landscapes and take photos of this winter wonderland.
Local Reindeer farm visit with photographer (summer & autumn)
On this tour you will visit authentic reindeer farm outside of Rovaniemi and meet these Arctic animals in very close distance.
Aurora Borealis Catamaran Cruise, Rovaniemi
Chase the northern lights on a river cruise
Photoshoot in Santa Claus Village
This winter, you have a chance to record your visit in Santa Claus Village by a professional photographer!
Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience
Relax in our private, wood-heated lakeside sauna in Kuoksa Wilderness Park. Enjoy Finnish sauna traditions with birch whisks, refreshing lake dips, and water activities.
Rovaniemi: Insider Luggage Storage
Luggage storage
Aurora Hunt by Atv
Experience an exciting ATV adventure through the Arctic night while searching for the magical Northern Lights.
Traditional Reindeer Farm Visit in Summer
Experience traditional reindeer herding in Lapland, feed and photograph the animals while learning about the local lifestyle and traditions from the herders.