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
Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath
Relax in the cozy warmth of our Lakeside Sauna and experience true Finnish calm. Whatever the season, a refreshing dip in Lake Olkka adds an exhilarating touch to your relaxation.
Electric Fat Biking at a Reindeer Farm in Rovaniemi
Explore a Reindeer Farm on an Electric Fat Bike in Rovaniemi! Ride through private trails and immerse yourself in the stunning Arctic wilderness.
Private Guided Ranua Wildlife Park Tour from Rovaniemi with Lunch & Arctic Animal Encounters
Discover Lapland’s leading wildlife attraction on this 5-hour private guided tour from Rovaniemi.
Apukka Fishing Tour
Apukka Resort is surrounded by lakes teeming with pike and perch, making it the perfect destination for both seasoned anglers and beginners. Join our guided fishing trip to experience some of the best fishing Lapland has to offer.
Korouoma canyon and Auttiköngäs waterfalls adventure
On this tour you will visit two great nature location situated around 1,5 hours away from Rovaniemi.
Magic of the Forest and Log Sauna Winter, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Feel the healing effects of the forest, herbs and log sauna of Fox Cottage with herbal bath for feet or treatment for hands. After the sauna we’ll serve you traditional Finnish dinner.
Summer Biking Experience with E-bikes, Rovaniemi
Hop on a bike and see Rovaniemi City, Ounasvaara hillside and the beautiful riverside
Aurora hunting photo tour
Ride around the surroundings of Lapland in a bus to observe the auroras.
Arctic Bee Farm Visit & Honey Tasting
A family friendly Ecotour
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.
Pure Forest Hiking Adventure (Small-Group)
A unique summer hiking adventure in Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Hiking with Huskies
Let’s go on adventure with Huskies!
Northern Lights Hunting Adventure – Small Group Photography Tour – Rovaniemi
A small-group experience designed for comfort, flexibility, and the best possible Northern Lights viewing conditions.
Visit the Reindeer Sleigh School
If you love animals, this is a must-do tour for you. Visit our Reindeer Sleigh School, meet our lovely four-legged students, and learn about animal-friendly training methods that can also be used with other species.
Hunting Northern Lights with Lappish Barbecue
Hunt for the Northern Lights in the middle of the untouched nature, escaping from the light pollution of the town. Taste a traditional Lappish barbecue and warm yourself by the fire while waiting for the magical lights.
Trekking in the Heart of Nature
Join our guided tour to unwind in the serene Lappish forests. Stroll at an easy pace, soak in the beauty of nature, and learn fascinating insights about the region from your knowledgeable guide.
Private Unlimited Northern Lights Guarantee Tour with Photographer & Unlimited Mileage/Time – Private Tour
Join Rovaniemi’s Original Aurora Hunters—20 generations since 1600s. Guaranteed Northern Lights, fully private tour with your own guide & photographer, premium 2025 luxury 4×4 van, unlimited mileage, professional photos & 24/7 Aurora tracking!
Husky Farm Visit
Want to learn about huskies? Join a guided tour of our modern kennel and see sled dogs’ daily life up close, with lots of petting and cuteness!
Ranua Wildlife Park – Small-Group Photography Tour
This photography tour takes us to Ranua wildlife park where we can meet more than 50 species of Arctic animals.
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
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