Why Visit Finland in Autumn?
As summer comes to an end, the trees in Finland start changing their colors — and before we know it, winter will arrive. Mornings are chilly, the sun shines but doesn’t warm as much… yet autumn is one of the most underrated seasons to visit Finland.
Slightly cheaper than winter, fewer crowds, stunning landscapes, and plenty of unique activities make this time magical. You’ll be surprised how much there is to do — and probably find something just for you.
💚The picture above of the northern lights was taken in October 2022, during autumn. I was there with my eldest son and my mom, who was visiting from Mexico. The strong northern lights danced behind us, with no snow yet on the ground and a crisp 5°C in Ylitornio. We started our trip around 7 PM from Rovaniemi, and these northern lights were the earliest I had ever seen
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Helsinki vs. Lapland in Autumn
Autumn in Finland looks very different depending on where you go. Here’s how to choose:
Autumn in Helsinki & Southern Finland
Great for travelers who want nature but also culture, concerts, and urban comforts.
- Mushroom & Berry Picking Tours — Guided tours take you to the forest and teach you which mushrooms are safe to pick. (Affiliate link)
- Reindeer Park in Nuuksio — Just outside Helsinki, Nuuksio Reindeer Park is the southernmost place in Finland where you can meet real reindeer! (Affiliate link)
- Northern Lights —With a bit of luck and strong solar activity, the Northern Lights can sometimes be spotted in Helsinki, Vantaa, and Espoo. However, they’re much harder to see here than in northern Finland.
The best time to try is between September and May, when the nights are dark, the skies are clear, and solar activity is strong.
✨ In the capital area, Oittaa Beach in Espoo is a popular spot to watch the auroras. It’s right next to the highway, but when activity is strong, you can still catch them dancing across the sky. Believe it or not, they’ve even been spotted in the heart of Helsinki city center, despite the light pollution!
That said, your best chances are always in places with less city glow, clean horizons, and no trees blocking the view. National parks like Nuuksio are ideal if you want darker skies and a better aurora experience.
With a very good luck and strong activity Northern Lights are also visible in Helsiki, Vantaa and Espoo. Nevertheless its bit harder to see them in the south than in the north. Still the best time for Northern Lights is between September and May-as long as the nights are dark, you have clear skies and there is sun activity - Candlelight Concerts & Cultural Events — Helsinki comes alive with cozy, intimate concerts in atmospheric venues.
Autumn in Lapland (Rovaniemi & Beyond)
Best for travelers seeking wilderness, cultural depth, and bucket-list experiences.
- Northern Lights Tours — Best in September–October when reflections are visible in lakes.
- Husky Cart Rides & Farm Visits — Active huskies ready for winter training.
- Reindeer Farms & Sámi Experiences — Feed reindeer, learn local traditions, enjoy fireside meals.
- Gold Panning — Fun for kids and adults.
- NEW! Unique Activities in Rovaniemi:
Quick Overview: Helsinki vs. Lapland in Autumn
| Region | Top Activities | Best For | Book your adventures here |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Helsinki & Southern Finland | – Mushroom & berry picking – Reindeer Park in Nuuksio – Candlelight concerts | Nature + culture mix, easy access from the capital | |
| ❄️ Lapland (Rovaniemi & Beyond) | – Northern Lights tours – Husky cart rides – Reindeer farms – Gold panning (Apukka Gold Rush) – Photo safaris & wilderness trips | Adventurers, families, Northern Lights chasers |
|
Best Autumn Activities in Finland
1. See the Northern Lights in Autumn Finland ✨
Few people know this: the Northern Lights season starts in mid-August and end at the middle of may! Northern lights are not exclusive for winter time! At first, the auroras are faint, but as nights grow darker in September and October, the shows get stronger.
👉 The best part? Autumn is the only season when you can see the auroras reflected in lakes and rivers, before they freeze. And unlike deep winter, it’s not that cold — so you can stay outside longer without freezing.
Note: The northern lights are unpredictable. That’s why I recommend choosing tours that last over 3 hours—this gives both you and the driver the chance to travel further in case the sky isn’t clear in certain areas. This way, you’re not stuck in just one spot!
Tours that offer a money-back guarantee are usually the best. They don’t sell the experience based on luck—instead, they move according to solar activity and sky conditions, giving you a much higher chance of seeing the auroras.
Here are the best tours I found on GetYourGuide that meet these requirements.
2. Experience Husky Tours on Wheels 
Yes, husky rides aren’t just for snowy landscapes! In autumn, huskies are in training for winter, and many farms invite visitors to join. Instead of sleds, they pull light carts on wheels — an unforgettable experience for families and adventure lovers.
A great chance to meet the dogs up close and support local farms.
I highly recommend Arctic Circle Husky Park—a sustainable, green, and friendly husky farm located in the heart of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi—as the top pick for this experience. Here is the link to my full post: Discover the Most Friendly Husky Farm in Rovaniemi.
3. Go Mushroom & Berry Picking Like a Local 🍄🍇
Want to feel like a true Finn? Head into the forest for a peaceful walk, basket in hand, and pick mushrooms or lingonberries. Thanks to Finland’s “Everyman’s Right”, everyone can roam freely and collect wild food.
Afterwards, enjoy a steaming mushroom soup or a hot coffee by the fire.
👉 Lingonberries are not only delicious but also an important part of Finnish food culture — they’re served with meatballs, reindeer stew, and moose dishes.
4. Admire the Ruska — Autumn Foliage in Finland 🍁
In Finland, the word “ruska” refers to the autumn color season. While many countries have beautiful foliage, Finland’s ruska is unique because in the north (Lapland) even the shrubs, grasses, and tundra plants change into deep reds, yellows, and oranges.
📸 Where to see the best ruska and autumn colors:
- Lapland (early to mid-September): Classic, most famous ruska — a true carpet of colors across forests, fells, and tundra.
- Koli National Park (September): Dramatic hilltops and lakes with iconic ruska views.
- Southern Finland (late September–October): Birch, aspen, and maple turn golden and red.
👉 Around Helsinki, you can also enjoy local autumn views:
- Paloheinä Hill: Wide open landscapes, magical at sunset.
- Malminkartano Hill (“the Malminkartano Steps”): Popular hike with panoramic autumn and all year round forest views.
5. Try Gold Panning in Lapland 🪙
Yes, gold panning is still a thing in Finland! In Lapland, families can try their luck. Kids love it — and even a tiny gold flake feels like treasure.
It’s a fun mix of history, culture, and hands-on activity. We tried it 2 years ago in Appukka Resort and it was a really cool experience!
We booked our experience through GetYourGuide! For me, it’s my go-to platform to find the coolest activities and experiences around the world—easy to book and always reliable.
6. Visit Reindeer Farms & Learn Sámi Culture 
Reindeer farms are open year-round, and in autumn the herds are active. You’ll get the chance to feed them, take photos, and enjoy local delicacies around the fire.
Some farms also offer Sámi cultural experiences, with storytelling, handicraft workshops, and traditional food — a deeper way to connect with Lapland.
And yes, this is by far one of my favorite activities! I’ve seen my kids grow up visiting reindeer farms, and we absolutely LOVE it.
During autumn, reindeer also begin their training season, so many farms start offering reindeer sleigh rides on wheels (see picture below). You might miss the snowy landscapes, but you’ll still have the opportunity to interact with them—feeding, petting, and even learning more about their way of life.
It’s also worth mentioning that some farms include a Sami Culture Experience, where you can hear stories and traditions about reindeer herding directly from the Sami people.
Practical Travel Guide for Autumn in Finland
Best time to visit: mid-August to late October
Aurora Borealis season: mid-August until April
Average temperatures:
- Southern Finland: +5°C to +15°C
- Lapland: 0°C to +10°C (colder at night)
What to pack: Warm layers, waterproof shoes, thermos for hot drinks, and a good camera.
FAQs About Autumn in Finland 
Is autumn a good time to visit Finland?
Absolutely! It’s less crowded than summer and winter, more affordable, and still packed with unique activities.
Can I see the Northern Lights in September in Finland?
Yes! September and October are great months, especially since you can see their reflections in water.
What is ruska in Finland?
Ruska is the Finnish word for autumn colors — most spectacular in Lapland, but also visible further south in Koli and Helsinki’s forests.
Is Finland in autumn family-friendly?
Definitely. From berry picking and gold panning to reindeer farms and husky training, there are activities for all ages.
Final Thoughts 
Autumn in Finland is definetely and underrated season — it’s colorful, cozy, adventurous, and authentic. Excellent for chasing auroras borealis (northern lights)- in fact is my favorite season, exploring ‘ruska’ the nordic autumn foliage forests, or warming up with reindeer stew and lingonberry jam, this is a season that balances adult and kids’ fun perfectly.
Start planning your trip today — and don’t forget to check out tours, activities, and unique stays that will make your Finland autumn adventure unforgettable.
