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
Day tour to Ranua Wildlife Park – Visit the Arctic Animals!
Enjoy a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park to see Polar Bears, arctic foxes, lynx and 50 other arctic species as well as 200 animal varieties!
Aurora Borealis Catamaran Cruise, Rovaniemi
Chase the northern lights on a river cruise
Catamaran Cruise to Kotisaari Island, Rovaniemi
Join us for an afternoon sightseeing cruise to Rovaniemi riverside and soak in to the tales of old times
Trip to Pyhä-Luosto National Park and Amethyst Mine – Rovaniemi
Join us to Pyha-Luosto National Park and Amethyst Mine!
Trip to Korouoma Canyon – Rovaniemi
Demanding hiking and canyon! Korouoma Canyon is a famous hiking destination year around. In the summertime you can admire natural rapids and, in the wintertime, famous icefalls!
Forest Walk with a Husky, Rovaniemi
Take the huskies for an afternoon walk and get friends with the furry sled dogs
Oulanka national park Adventure
Embark on an adventure to Oulanka National Park and observe the power and might of water! This new, private wilderness adventure takes you to one of the most picturesque and beautiful national parks in Finland.
Private meeting with Santa in Santa Claus Cottage in Rovaniemi
Private Santa Meeting in Rovaniemi: Step into a snowy forest at Porovaara for a private meeting with Santa Claus and his reindeer. Cosy cottage, peaceful surroundings, and magical family moments await.
Fishing Experience at Kuoksa Private Lake
Spend a Day Fishing in the Heart of Lapland
Private meeting with Santa Claus in Rovaniemi in summer
Meet Santa Claus in summer and feel the warm glow of Christmas magic! Santa will have time for a private meeting with you and your family.
Rovaniemi: Summer & Autumn Fishing Tour in Arctic Nature & Barbeque – Small Group
Enjoy fishing in Lapland’s pristine rivers and lakes through summer and autumn. Small groups only, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, all fishing gear, expert guide, and BBQ included
Wellness from Finnish Nature, Rovaniemi
Get familiar with the Finns close relationship with nature that shows in the local way of life
Aurora Pass : Unlimited Northern Lights Hunting Pass
We know nature is unpredictable so we offer you 3 or 5-day pass to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Our guides will show you where can you see the northern lights from and help you with capturing them on camera.
Sunset at the Arctic Circle – Rovaniemi
Join our nature experts and enjoy our little nature trip and come admiring exceptionally beautiful mountain landscape in Katkavaara – the mountain area of southern Lapland.
Caves, Cliffs & Canoe Adventure at Kätkävaara
Designed for active travelers, this is a more immersive and exclusive way to experience Lapland—combining exploration, stillness, and authentic wilderness.
Nulkki Husky Adventure
Family Friendly 5km Self Driven Husky Sleigh Tour
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Group Tour – Guaranteed View
Guaranteed Viewing – No Auroras, Full Refund
Horse riding over the hills 4 hour (Advanced Only)
Horseback riding adventure in Lapland for experienced riders. Varied terrain, beautiful views, and a real connection with the horse.
Visiting package: Ice sculpting and dinner at Kota Restaurant (Autumn)
Create your own ice sculptures and have 3 course dinner by the fire at the Kota restaurant
Visit a Real Reindeer Farm
Visit a real reindeer farm in Rovaniemi: Meet the reindeer up close, hand-feed them, and experience the magic of Lapland!
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 Services Activities in Santa Claus Village Accommodation in Santa Claus Village Restaurants in Santa Claus Village Sights…
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