Why Visit Lapland in Autumn?

The highlight of autumn in Rovaniemi is without a doubt the autumn foliage, known in Finnish as ruska. The forests explode into fiery shades of gold, red, and orange. Walking through trails surrounded by these colors, or looking out across a hillside painted in bright tones, is a breathtaking experience you’ll never forget.

If the nights are cold enough, you may also catch the first frost of the season. Imagine sipping your morning tea on a porch while leaves glitter with tiny icicles in the crisp Arctic air. It’s simple, it’s quiet, and it’s pure Lapland magic.

Pro tip: pack warm layers (beanies, sweaters) and don’t forget waterproof clothing. Autumn can be rainy, but puddles and muddy forest trails just add to the adventure—like being a kid again.

 

Autumn Nights: The Return of the Northern Lights

After the endless light of the Arctic summer, autumn brings the return of dark evenings—and with them, the first chances to see the Northern Lights. You’ll need to stay up a little later, but it’s worth it when the aurora begins to dance across the night sky.

 

Autumn at the Husky Kennel

Autumn isn’t just a special time for travelers—it’s also an important season for our huskies. After a restful summer, we begin training the dogs for the upcoming winter sledding season.

Because it’s not cold enough yet for snow, the dogs train with ATVs or wheeled carts, slowly rebuilding their strength and endurance. It’s exciting to see their energy build back up and their eagerness to run return. If you’d like a deeper look at how we train, we’ve shared more in a separate blog post about our autumn routines.

 

Husky Tours in Rovaniemi During Autumn

Autumn is also the start of our husky tours in Rovaniemi. All of our autumn tours take place at our main kennel in the small village of Sinettä, just outside Rovaniemi. Depending on the time of your visit and the weather, you can choose from three different experiences:

1. The Life of the Husky – September

Perfect for early autumn, this tour includes a short 800 m husky ride—safe even in warmer weather—plus a behind-the-scenes look at our ethical, no-kill kennel. It’s a wonderful introduction to the life of a sled dog.

2. Running with the Pack – September

As mornings start to cool, we extend the husky ride to 3 km. Early birds will love this chance to feel the energy of the dogs while enjoying a crisp autumn morning in Lapland.

3. Born to Run – Mid-October

For those who dream of being a musher, this is the ultimate experience. You’ll drive your own team of huskies on a wheeled cart through forest trails. Because we need colder temperatures for the dogs’ safety, this tour only starts in mid-October.