Lapland in full colour
More than hiking?
Going for a long autumn hike is a Finnish tradition, and a good way to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. If you'd prefer something faster, there are plenty of options.
Lapland's terrain works well for mountain biking. In and around all the popular ski resorts, there are also good biking routes for beginners and hard-core enthusiasts alike. You can choose from easy bike rides on marked roads, venture off-road and make the most of the hilly landscape or test your skills on rocky or tree root covered ground.
Some good areas to explore on a bike include the Pallas-Yllästunturi national park, where a mountain bike route runs along the Aakenus fell, Kulmakuru route in Saariselkä and Ruuhitunturi in Salla. For speed, try Ylläs Bike Park. A lift takes you up the fell, and from there you ride 4km of steep descent. There are various routes you can choose based on your experience.
If water is your element, try kayaking or canoeing to see the autumn colors from a new angle. For canoeing, the Muonio area with its rivers and lakes is a good place to start. There are also areas for white-water rafting. Inari and Saariselkä also have several water sport destinations with options for experienced paddlers as well as complete beginners.
Check out the wildlife
Make sure you have some time to see local wildlife with the backdrop of the ruska. Ranua Wildlife Park houses over 50 arctic species and around 200 animals. The environment is spacious and aims to give the animals the natural habitat they need. The area is large and, in addition to the actual zoo, you'll find accommodation, a restaurant and wildlife safaris.
If you want to see animals in the wild, join a safari. You might spot a moose or two, and enjoy the ruska at the same time. Choose from several tour companies around Rovaniemi that offer wildlife safaris.
Ruska with a bit of added comfort
Lapland in autumn doesn't, however, need to be a nonstop outdoors experience. To recover from trekking, biking and exploring, you could add some rest and good food to your trip.
Glass igloos are most popular in winter for the northern lights, but a night in one in autumn has its own appeal. You can see the ruska colours without leaving your bed. You can find the glass igloos dotted around Lapland, and Visit Rovaniemi has listed them for your convenience.
Lapland's dining scene has grown more diverse, with local ingredients increasingly at the centre of the plate. Deatnu in Utsjoki combines Sámi traditions with modern cuisine. Panoramic windows bring the surrounding nature close. In Inari, Aanaar serves dishes built around local ingredients, with views over the Juutua River rapids.
Plan your trip to Lapland's ruska
Whether you're hiking, cycling, or eating well with a view, Lapland in autumn has room for it all. Sleep in a glass igloo and wake up among the colours, watch the rapids, or look for wildlife where they live. Book your trip to Lapland's ruska season.
Finnair flies to multiple Lapland destinations via Helsinki several times a week.