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
Rovaniemi: Insider Northern lights trip for families
Enjoy a cozy, family-friendly Northern Lights tour in Rovaniemi with short travel, warm indoor spaces, fun outdoor activities for kids, and tasty treats – perfect for families wanting a magical aurora experience without late nights.
Autumn Husky experience with cart ride and photographer
This one-of-a-kind autumn tour combines one of the most popular activities in Rovaniemi with professional photography. You get to meet the huskies, try husky cart riding on wheels, and have the experience captured in memorable, professional photographs.
Delightful Quadbike Ride around the Arctic Circle & Bbq
Join us if you want to drive an ATV (Quad Bike) from a lakeside and through the mystical Arctic forest!
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.
Canoeing Trip from Husky Home to Reindeer Farm
See the huskies and reindeer while enjoying a lovely paddle trip.
Arctic Survival
Learn how to survive in a wild nature together with a guide on a day trip to the forest by learning different survival tasks. Suitable for a whole family!
Running with the Pack – Autumn, 3km Husky tour with a Kennel visit
Visit the kennel, meet the pack and experience the running dogs!
Private Rovaniemi city & Santa Claus Village Tour
Get to know Rovaniemi city and meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village on family-friendly private tour.
Northern Lights Hunting tour by Van
This 3-hour tour includes transportation, guidance, storytelling and hot sausages by the campfire. Learn about Nordic myths and see the colorful lights fire up the sky.
Northern Lights Photo Hunt
Chase the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi with a professional photography guide.
Northern Lights Hunting Autumn, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Northern Lights Hunting is your best chance to find the aurora borealis !
Walking with Alpacas 30 min + visit
Walking with alpacas in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
Summer escape – Private island Lunch & Sauna experience
Island lunch, sauna & Arctic river views in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi photography tour (Summer)
This photography tour will take you to key locations around Rovaniemi City to photograph some of its most iconic landmarks and nature.
The Aurora Trail (Family friendly)
The magic of a nocturnal forest can only be highlighted by a blaze of Auroras.
VÄKI – Power of Herbs
Welcome to this inclusive, private and guided experience. With our local guide you will feel and sense the power of the nature – Väki.
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
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.
Wilderness E-Bike Adventure
Join us for an electric fat bike adventure, taking you through peaceful forests and exciting uphill and downhill paths.
Rovaniemi: Ranua Arctic Wildlife Zoo Park Tour & Hot Bbq lunch
Ever been to an arctic animal zoo, where in the winter the whole place is covered in snow and ice? Come see over 200 species of winter animals including polar bears. Spot the camouflaged animals.
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