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
Northern Lights Tour At The Campfire
Enjoy the peace and quiet of our private forest location to watch the northern lights. Includes an enclosed Teepee for roasting snacks over the campfire + our winter clothing.
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.
Kennel Visit
A guided husky kennel tour with plenty of time to interact and pet the dogs.
Born to Run tour
A 2.5 hour program with 4 kilometer self driven husky cart tour.
Trekking in Lappish Nature, Rovaniemi
Let us take you to an enjoyable and relaxing nature walk with a local guide
Santa’s Pets Visit
Meet domestic animals next to the Santa Claus Office. Tickets are valid all day!
Rovaniemi: Arctic Canoeing Tour & Barbeque – Small Group
Paddle Lapland’s pristine lakes on an expert-guided canoe trip — surrounded by untouched wilderness and wildlife. Small groups only, brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 vans, all equipment, hot drinks & barbecue
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.
VÄKI – Forest Bath
Welcome to this inclusive, private and guided experience. With our local guide you will feel and sense the power of the nature – Väki.
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.
The Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma Photography Tour- Small group
Hike in the stunning beauty of the Finnish landscape with a spectacular view of dripping icicles. Discover the nature of Arctic Circle, including frozen waterfalls, canyons and forests, as you stop and taste the Lappish cuisine.
Kayaking Adventure
Paddle through the serene waters of river and Lake Alajärvi, a secluded Arctic gem just 60 km from Rovaniemi, experience Lapland’s unspoiled wilderness.
Fatbike Winter Adventure
Do you want to ride a bike, enjoy a relaxed pace and explore and photograph local landmarks?
Children Aurora Tour (pre season)
Children Aurora Tour-autumn
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.
Traditional Reindeer Farm Visit in Summer
Experience traditional reindeer herding in Lapland, feed and photograph the animals while learning about the local lifestyle and traditions from the herders.
Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Tours – Guaranteed with Photography
Aurora Borealis Tour
Moose Wild Safari – Small Group Tour
It’s time to head out in search of Moose! The Moose is named after the King of Finnish forests due to his prominent huge antlers.
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.
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.
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
Get to Know the Flavours of Lapland
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, Huskies and Other Arctic Animals
Book Your Activity with Arctic Animals
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 the Santa Claus Village Accommodation in the Santa Claus Village Restaurants in the Santa…
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 the Northern Lights Appear Read More about the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore Seasons in Rovaniemi