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
Arctic Canoeing Trip & Barbeque – Small Group
Immerse yourself in Lapland’s pristine lakes on our canoeing adventure. Paddle peacefully through stunning Finnish landscapes, then cap off your day with a delightful grilled sausage barbecue
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
Arctic Berry & Mushrooms Picking Hike
Let your experienced wilderness guide take you for a hiking trip to the best spots for mushrooms and berry picking, like blueberries or cloudberries, around Rovaniemi. Learn about Arctic nature and its treasures.
Private Northern Lights photography tour
On this private Northern Lights hunting tour we will take you to best locations to photograph the amazing Auroras.
Arctos Winter Spa – Day session (Private)
Spa experience against an Arctic backdrop. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub & ice-dipping. Price: 155€ per person
Aurora Hunting Pro Tour Guaranteed View- Unlimited time & mileage
Guaranteed Viewing – No Auroras, Full Refund
Private meeting with Santa Claus in Rovaniemi in winter
Meet Santa Claus and his reindeer in Porovaara, where he has a cosy cottage in the middle of a snowy forest. There he has plenty of time for a chat with you and your family in peace and quiet.
Early Winter Snowmobile Safari 2 hours
Put on your helmet and hop onto a snowmobile; your adventure into the wild is about to kick off. Enjoy the leisurely ride on our snowy routes and take in the sights of the early winter nature.
Exploring Nature with e-Fatbike
Our electrically-assisted eFatbikes make exploring the natural beauty surrounding Apukka a breeze. Inhale the pure air of autumn and revel in the changing colors of the season.
Husky Farm Visit
Ever wanted to learn more about the lives of huskies? Take a guided tour of our modern kennel facilities and get a closer look at the daily life of our sled dogs, with plenty of petting and cuteness! Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun at 13:30
Horse riding over the hills 4 hour (Advanced Only)
Experience the unforgettable adventure – a true Lapland journey for nature-loving equestrians. Prepare, ride, and conquer the stunning fells in a matter of hours. For experienced riders only.
Ranua Zoo Family Tour from Rovaniemi
Daily tour to Ranua zoo
Private Quad Tour – 30–40 km in Arctic Forest with Hot Drink
Enjoy a private quad tour through the peaceful forests of Lapland. Ride 30–40 km on trails and take a break with a warm drink in the heart of nature.
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.
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
Visiting package: Ice sculpting, sauna, jacuzzi and dinner at Kota Restaurant (Autumn)
Create your own ice sculptures, relax in outdoor jacuzzi and have a 3 course dinner by the fire at the Kota restaurant
Amethyst Mine (find your own stone)
Unearth Your Own Treasure: Amethyst Mine Adventure – A Journey of Discovery and Delight
Arctos Autumn Spa – Private evening session (1-4 persons)
Includes the private use of the traditional wood-heated sauna, hot tub and swimming in the Arctic lake. Price: 325€ per group (1-4 persons)
The Life of the Husky
2 hour modern husky kennel tour, with an 800 meter husky ride
Unlimited Time & Mileage – Aurora Hunting Pro Tour
Local Guided Real Unlimited Aurora Hunting with Photography (small groups)
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