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
Bucket List Bus Tour – Aurora Hunting Guaranteed Tour
Aurora Hunting with a Guarantee – See the Lights or Get Your Money Back
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
Rovaniemi: Book Your Custom Private Tour
PrivateTour
Wilderness Survival Tour – Summer & Autumn
Experience the wild Taiga forest and what the Lapland wilderness has the best to offer. On this tour, you will feel the peace of Arctic nature, hike through the forests, and learn about your surroundings and some basic survival skills.
Fishing Trip by Boat
Participate in a nice fishing trip where you can fish local fishes at the best fishing places of the region!
Bear Watching
On this tour you will see wild brown bears on their natural living area, in the wilderness.
Arctos Autumn Spa – Private evening session (5-6 persons)
Includes the private use of the traditional wood-heated sauna, hot tub and swimming in the Arctic lake. Price: 375€ per group (5-6 persons)
Guided tour in Arctic Circle Trekking area
Discover the beauty of the Arctic wilderness on a peaceful, family-friendly guided walk. This 2–3 km journey follows the scenic Könkäsaari Nature Trail in Vaattunki.
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Auttiköngäs Waterfall Tour
Auttiköngäs is a dream-come-true destination for day trip visitors! Easy hiking in beautiful nature by the valley of river Kemijoki.
Private Electric Fat Bike Winter Tour in Rovaniemi
Book a Private electric fat bike tour just for you to experience the beautiful views and epic winter fat bike trails of Rovaniemi.
3 h electric snowmobile safari in Rovaniemi
Go and admire the snowy forests of Porovaara on an electric snowmobile! On a silent and peaceful electric snowmobile safari you will get closer to nature and forest animals.
Massive Northern Pike Fishing Day Experience (Rovaniemi, Finland)
Massive Northern Pike Fishing Day Experience (Rovaniemi, Finland)
Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari from Rovaniemi with Campfire Picnic
Embark on a safari to drive a snowmobile through snowy forests and along the river in the shadows of the…
Reindeer Summer Farm Visit at a 200-Year-Old Farm
Experience Lapland’s essence on our summer reindeer tour at our historic farm—where iconic reindeer roam freely and local traditions come to life, offering an authentic taste of Arctic heritage
Visit to a real reindeer farm in Rovaniemi
Visit the pasture of an authentic reindeer farm in Rovaniemi. See the reindeer up close and feed them.
Northern Lights safari and meeting reindeer on electric snowmobiles in Rovaniemi
Go in search of the Northern Lights and meet the reindeer! Enjoy the silence of Porovaara, the atmospheric glow of the campfire and the fun company of our reindeer.
Unlimited Northern Lights Guarantee Tour with Photographer & Unlimited Mileage/Time – Small Group
Join Rovaniemi’s original Aurora hunters—20 generations since 1600s. Guaranteed Northern Lights, expert‑led small‑group tour, brand‑new bus, unlimited mileage, professional photos & 24/7 Aurora tracking!
Vikaköngäs Hiking Tour
Vikaköngäs hiking area at the southern end of the village of Vikajärvi, at the northern end of the hiking area is the perfect place for the experienced travellers, same as for the beginners.
Forest Walk with a Husky, Rovaniemi
Take the huskies for an afternoon walk and get friends with the furry sled dogs
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