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
Meet Santa Claus and His Friends
Experience Christmas magic in summer and autumn! Join Santa, his reindeer, and merry elves for a festive tour—perfect for families looking for a joyful, early holiday adventure.
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.
Arctic Circle Highlights
Enjoy a full day of arctic experiences in Rovaniemi with the huskies and reindeers, visit Santa Claus himself, and make unforgettable memories in Rovaniemi!
Santa Claus Village Tour
Perfect for families with kids, our guide will provide the maximum experience in a streamlined tour so that all the most fascinating parts of Santa Claus Village will be experienced before nap time.
Private Premium Northern Lights Hunting
A premium private Northern Lights hunting experience designed for guests who want the highest chance of seeing the aurora in comfort, style, and complete privacy.
Arctic Family Nature Hike with Picnic
A half-day wilderness adventure is our way to experience the remote and untouched nature of Lapland.
Rovaniemi Aurora Borealis Tours – Guaranteed with Photography
Aurora Borealis Tour
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.
Autumn Aurora Borealis Picnic in Rovaniemi
Our location on the Arctic Circle gives us perfect possibilities to try and see the Northern Lights.
Horse riding over the hills 4 hour (Advanced Only)
Horseback riding adventure in Lapland for experienced riders. Varied terrain, beautiful views, and a real connection with the horse.
Excursion to Ranua Wildlife Park, Rovaniemi
Experience the wild Arctic in Ranua Zoo and get familiar with the fauna of Finnish Lapland!
Aurora hunting photo tour
Ride around the surroundings of Lapland in a bus to observe the auroras.
Early Winter Reindeer Sleigh Ride 1-2km
Glide through Lapland’s snowy landscapes on a traditional reindeer-drawn sleigh, experiencing a timeless Arctic tradition for yourself.
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!
2 km sled rides, Christmas Season
Husky sled rides at Korvala: 2 km sled ride, kennel tour, dog cuddles & photo ops. Starts at 9:00 & 10:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays.
Private Korouoma Hiking, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Private Korouoma Hiking
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.
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.
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.
Kennel Visit
A guided husky kennel tour with plenty of time to interact and pet the dogs.
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