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 autumn trip with unforgettable Auroras. Northern Lights season continues from 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 your all 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
Combo Tour: Boating and Trekking
A perfect excursion for the nature traveler! This tour combines the scenery both from the lake and from the forests, as we take a boatride to enjoy some trekking in the heart of nature. Tue, Thu & Sat at 13:30.
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.
Moose Safari (premium)
Original Moose Safari.The biggest wild animals in Europe! Moose safari is a fascinating nature trip for searching moose, the largest land mammals in Europe.
Aurora ice floating
Dip yourself into frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind and body float wearing rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry.
Canoeing Adventure in Rovaniemi
Experience Lapland’s nature on this canoeing adventure in Rovaniemi and take stops along the shore to bask in the sun, with no prior experience required.
Day tour to Ranua Wildlife Park – Visit the Arctic Animals!
Enjoy a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park to see Polar Bears, arctic foxes, lynx and 50 other arctic species as well as 200 animal varieties!
The magnificent mystery (Autumn)
Pure amazing experience in the beautiful Lappish scenery in Rovaniemi. Chasing the Northern Lights in the Lappish wilderness.
Hiking with Reindeer 1 hour (private)
Hiking with reindeer in the forest at Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
Arctic Boat Trip to the Ounasjoki River, 3 hours (Private Tour)
River boat trip up to the north by Ounasjoki River to the Happy Fox Forest Farm. Enjoy the fascinating riverside views and traditional campfire picnic.
Private berry picking and hiking
Not just an activity, but a local experience, with the locals. Looking for a unique hiking and berry picking experience in Lapland? We take you to remote places and guide you on how to make yourself comfortable in the wilderness.
Lapland Reindeer and Husky Safari from Rovaniemi
Reindeer & Husky fun in one day
Goods of the Forest – picking trip of the season’s berries or mushrooms, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Experience this unforgettable trip picking berries or mushrooms in a clean, Lappish forest, where you get to taste berries directly from the twig. And enjoy traditional Finnish campfire picnic with your family or friends.
Handcraft Workshop with Lappish Family from Rovaniemi
Gain insight into Finland’s customs and culture on this 3-hour private handcraft workshop with a…
Kayaking Adventure in Rovaniemi
Unforgettable kayaking adventure in Rovaniemi
Husky walk
Take a walk with our lovely huskies in the nature.
Winter northern lights excursion for a Private group
Winter northern lights excursion for a Private group
Afternoon with Huskies, Rovaniemi
Take the huskies for an afternoon walk and get friends with the furry sled dogs
Horse ride to the Haukivaara (advanced only)
Ride to the couple of fells and feel free. Only for advanced riders.
Korouoma Canyon & Ranua Zoo Summer Tour 09:00-17:00
Enjoy the nature of Korouoma canyon. After hiking in Korouoma we drive 1 hour to Ranua Zoo, where we meet arctic animals and birds!
Private Northern Lights photography tour
On this private Northern Lights hunting tour we will take you to best locations to photograph the amazing Auroras.
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 –…
Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle
Accommodation in Santa Claus Village Restaurants in Santa Claus Village Sights and attractions in 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 Northern Lights appear Read more about Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland Explore…