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
Summer Excursion to the Amethyst Mine in Luosto
Embark on a Day Trip to Amethyst Mine in Lapland’s stunning Pyhä-Luosto region, dig for your own lucky gemstone and hear fascinating stories from locals!
Horse Carriage Ride under the Night Sky
Enjoy a crisp autumn night in a cozy carriage, wrapped warmly as Finland’s national Finnhorse carries you through the Arctic’s peaceful landscapes—a magical journey you won’t forget.
Northern Lights Photography Tour
The Northern Lights dancing up above is such a powerful and unique natural phenomenon: it changes lifes down on earth. Being one of the best places to spot the Auroras, Finnish Lapland is the ideal place to see them!
Arctic Circle Highlights
Enjoy a full day of arctic experiences in Rovaniemi with the huskies and reindeers, visit Santa Claus Village, and make unforgettable memories in Rovaniemi!
Embrace the Forest
Hear the sounds, feel the life, taste the sweetness, smell the purity and witness with your own eyes the wonderment of Lapland. Immerse yourself into nature and embrace the healing energy of the forest like a Finn.
Ranua Wildlife Zoo Park Summer Visit
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Ranua Zoo in Lapland’s winter wonderland.
Private Vaattunki Hiking
Private Vaattunki Hiking
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!
Rovaniemi: Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls Hike with Hot Bbq Lunch
Discover the Frozen Beauty: Korouoma’s Breathtaking Waterfall Expedition!
Family Snowmobile Safari from Rovaniemi with Hot Drinks & Kids Snowmobile Experience
A high-quality and family-friendly snowmobile experience designed for those who appreciate comfort, safety and authentic Arctic moments together.
Löyly & Legends
Known the world over, the Finnish sauna offers a multitude of healing and relaxing benefits, but how is a truly Finnish sauna prepared? Roll up your sleeves to see first-hand how it’s done and enjoy a genuine Finnish sauna experience.
Private Rovaniemi Lakeside Sauna & Fireside Experience
This is more than a sauna — it’s a chance to live like a local, unwind by a crackling fire, and enjoy authentic Finnish traditions, not to mention ice swimming.
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Group Tour – Guaranteed View
Guaranteed Viewing – No Auroras, Full Refund
The Life of the Husky
2 hour modern husky kennel tour, with an 800 meter husky ride
Delightful Quad Bike Ride with Northern Lights and Bbq
Experience the thrill of riding an ATV across the Lappish landscapes and hunt for the magical Northern Lights dancing above your head!
Tour to Aurora Horses Farm with Charming Finnhorses
Hug a Finnhorse
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.
Private Korouoma Hiking autumn, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Private Korouoma Hiking
Arctic Sunset Boat Tour
Enjoy a tranquil 3-hour cruise on Lake Olkka aboard a traditional motor-powered church boat. Pause lakeside for campfire coffee, then continue your peaceful journey as the sun sets over the stunning landscape.
Vip Private Santa (Fixed price – up to 6 people)
Experience an exclusive private Santa encounter in a hidden Arctic wonderland, where an elf guides your family through gingerbread decorating before meeting Santa in his secret cottage, receiving personalized gifts, and enjoying warm holiday treats
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