The autumn months from September to early November offer earthy tastes and unforgettable sights from the first glimpses of northern lights to the colours of autumn foliage.

Autumn is one of the best times to see the aurora borealis in Finland. The first peak time starts around August when the Earth aligns well with the sun. As nights get longer, there’s a good chance you’ll see the dancing, shimmering lights covering the night sky. The top spot to view the Northern Lights is Lapland in the northern part of the country.

Would you like to admire the auroras from the comfort of your own private villa or vacation rental? we have a selection of some of the best places to sleep under the northern lights in Finland.

“Ruska” is a Finnish word for the colorful autumn foliage. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, plants and trees offer stunning display of red, orange, yellow and purple hues. With more than forty national parks spanning the country, you have many options to choose from when deciding where to go to witness the beauty of the autumn foliage season. If you’re looking for a more urban but historical setting, try one of the ironwork villages around the Helsinki region.

Ruska typically starts in Lapland in September and continues southward reaching southern Finland and the Helsinki region a couple of weeks later.

Visit Finland’s Autumn Foliage Live tool, powered by artificial intelligence, helps you to follow where the “ruska” season is currently happening.

In the autumn, Finland’s forests become abundant with mushrooms and berries waiting to be gathered. This privilege isn’t just for locals – even travellers are welcome to enjoy these forest treasures, thanks to the principle of Everyman’s Right. For instance, blueberries are ready for picking from July to early August, followed by lingonberries from early September to mid-October, and cranberries from late September until the first snowfall.

To make your foraging experience both rewarding and safe, consider joining a guided tour. A local guide will take you to the best spots and ensure everything is safe to eat.

If you prefer others do the work, wild food restaurants are a great option to explore.