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 autumn trip with unforgettable Auroras. Northern Lights season continues from 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 your all 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
Private Rovaniemi city & Santa Claus Village Tour
Get to know Rovaniemi city and meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village on family-friendly private tour.
Arctos Winter Spa – Evening session (Private)
Spa experience in a magical setting. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub surrounded by cosy candles and ice-dipping. Price: 179€ per person
Aurora Borealis Catamaran Cruise, Rovaniemi
Chase the northern lights on a riverside cruise
Rod Fishing from the Shore in Rovaniemi
Improve your fishing skills with traditional rod fishing in Rovaniemi, while enjoying the beautiful Lappish nature and relaxing by the shore.
Authentic Reindeer Farm & Ranua Wildlife Park
Enjoy a combo visit of an authentic reindeer farm and the wildlife park of Ranua. This guided trip is perfect for families and animal-lovers: you will meet & feed the reindeer, and discover about other Arctic animals. Buffet lunch in restaurant included.
Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls
This Korouoma expedition takes you to this outstanding photography location led by a professional photographer.
Yoga Hike
Experience the healing power of nature by hiking and doing yoga in the nature.
Aurora ice floating
Dip yourself into frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind and body float wearing rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry.
Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari from Rovaniemi with Campfire Picnic
Embark on a safari to drive a snowmobile through snowy forests and along the river…
Trip to Pyhä-Luosto National Park and Amethyst Mine
Join us to Pyha-Luosto National Park and Amethyst Mine!
Canoe Trip from Rovaniemi
Explore Lapland in summer with a unique canoe trip! Enjoy a great time on peaceful waters away from Rovaniemi! This guided tour is adapted to all levels!
Arctos Summer & Autumn Spa – Evening session (Private)
Includes the private use of the traditional wood-heated sauna, hot tub and swimming in the Arctic lake. Price: 149€ per person
Arctos Winter Spa – Day session (Private)
Spa experience against an Arctic backdrop. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub & ice-dipping. Price: 149€ per person
Trail Riding in Breathtaking Arctic Hillscapes 1,5h
Trail riding in breathtaking arctic hillscapes. This experience is especially suitable for nature lovers who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and experience Lapland’s nature and the current season together with horses.
Ice fishing trip
Experience on a frozen lake, try your luck with ice fishing.
Atv Experience
Come and experience the nature by driving an ATV.
Fishing Trip by Boat
Participate in a nice fishing trip where you can fish local fishes at the best fishing places of the region!
Aurora Picnic by Campfire at Private Happy Fox Farm, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Have a luxury experience on Aurora Adventure and Photography Tour at private forest. Enjoy the beauty of the Nordic nature by forest walk with campfire and a traditional Finnish picnic.
Reindeer & Husky Tour in Summer / Autumn
A great animal combo experience for your summer / autumn : meet the reindeer in a long-established local farm and visit an husky kennel. There are options for wheel cart rides or homemade lunch.
Boat Leisure Tour
Leisure boat tour for 1-5 persons on the rivers Kemijoki and Ounasjoki in Rovaniemi! Price is for group 1-5 in hour, not person.
Explore holiday tips
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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
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Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle
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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…