The best of autumn colours in Finnish Lapland
11th August 2012
An insider's guide to enjoying the riot of autumnal colours soon on show in Finnish Lapland
One of the most underrated seasons in Finland is Ruska; autumn time where the colours are vibrant and show off Finland’s dramatic scenery. The phenomenon is especially evident in Lapland, where landscapes virtually explode into spectacular displays of colour. The peak season lasts two to four weeks in September.
Henri Anundi of VisitFinland suggests the best places to enjoy the riot of colour that is Ruska in Finnish Lapland:
1. Kilpisjärvi
Kilpisjärvi is a tiny village located in the north of Finland on the Norwegian border. This peaceful village is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy the Northern Lights and Ruska simultaneously in an area of untamed natural beauty.
Kilpisjärvi is one of the best places in the world for Arctic treks as its secluded location and stunning scenery lend themselves perfectly to treks for adventurers, nature lovers and photographers.
Wilderness guide Martti Niskanen of The Lapland Connection offers a three hour ‘Autumn’s Nature Trip’, which takes in the natural surroundings. The group is accompanied by a Siberian husky dog throughout the trip and traditionally cooked hot snacks are provided.
If you're looking for somewhere special to stay try the Tundrea holiday centre and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in Finland at the foot of the iconic Saana fell. Taislos Cottage sleeps two and has a kitchen, sauna and terrace.
2. Ylläs, Kolar
Ylläs is one of Finland's most popular ski resorts during the winter months however in September, before the snowy winter season, the seven fells of the area offer great terrain for leaf peeping too. It's a terrific place to get active too. The ‘Trek Bike Park’ lets brave riders experience the rush of 3km downhill. Horse riding is a less hectic way to take in the countryside or simply rent a canoe or kayak, and borrow a map to discover the local Lappish nature on your own.
3. Levi, Kittilä
Like Ylläs, Levi is another of Finland’s ski holiday resorts and the area benefits from striking hills and valleys, perfect for enjoying the Ruska season. It's also home to Lapland’s largest spa water world, Spa Hotel Levitunturi, where you can enjoy 17 pools, saunas, outdoor jacuzzis and a children's play house for kids aged four to seven.
During September there will be some exciting events in Levi including marathons, a car rally and a theatre festival.
4. Harriniva, Muonio
Harriniva Holiday Centre in Muonio is located along the Swedish border of Finnish Lapland and offers activities for the adventurous Ruska traveller including river rafting and quad biking. Those who wish to enjoy Ruska at a more relaxed pace can take a self guided or escorted walk in the fells or a trip on a fishing boat (equipment and boats are available to rent), two ideal ways to observe nature's spectacle or try miniature or frisbee golf.
After a long day exploring the outdoors guests can relax at Aurora Wellness and Jeris Spa. The holiday centre is also known for having one of the largest husky farms in Finland, housing approximately 400 dogs.
Henri Anundi is from Lapland originally but he now lives in Helsinki. Henri is a huge fan of ice-hockey and when he’s not working for Visit Finland, he makes the most of all the cross country skiing opportunities close to Helsinki.
Want to learn more about Finnish Lapland and the aurora? Pick up a copy of Take Better Travel Photos for an eight-page feature on how to capture the northern lights on camera.
More like this
For more closely-guarded intell from travel industry professionals read our Insider Secrets blog
The world's biggest wilderness, Finland
Finland’s Bear’s Ring Trail is the perfect introduction to the vast Arctic taiga forest – and in autumn it’s ablaze with colour More
Bear watching in Finland
Sitting up all night in a log cabin waiting for wild bears might not sound much fun but, equipped with a pack of cold beer, Paul Morrison gives it a go More
Snow business in Lapland
A hop, skip and reindeer pee through Finland's snow sports More
View all posts from
this blogger
Previous
Next
-
Finland travel guide, including map of Finland, attractions, weather, food & drink, health and safety and general facts on Finland
- More Experiences
-
How do you capture the magic of the aurora borealis on camera? Amateur snapper Nick Boulos learned from the pros on a sub-zero photo safari in Finland
-
Finland’s Bear’s Ring Trail is the perfect introduction to the vast Arctic taiga forest – and in autumn it’s ablaze with colour
- More Destinations
-
Adventure film-maker Tom Allen offers five practical tips that will improve your shooting when you’re actually on the road
-
Kiss FM DJ Justin Wilkes opens his little black book to reveal five cool places you must visit in Ibiza... and that David Cameron didn't!
-
Rolling hills, towering cliffs, crashing rivers and mile upon mile of lush vineyards: not what first springs to mind when imagining a trip to Greece...
- More Blogs