Finland is magical in all seasons, but the colorful autumn (ruska in Finnish) is special, especially in the north, in Lapland. The leaves of trees and blueberry bushes turn to the different shades of yellow and red, while the coniferous spruce and pine are still green. The nights are getting longer, and lady aurora starts dancing across the sky again. Are you ready to explore the best spots to photograph fall in Finland and Lapland?
Check this list of the most Instagrammable places in Finland in autumn!
Ruka Tunturi, Kuusamo
Ruka Tunturi is a 490 meters high fell and in wintertime a popular ski resort next to Kuusamo, but worth exploring during the autumn as well. It is the starting point of the famous Karhunkierros (Bear Trail) hiking trail too.
Valtavaara, Ruka, Kuusamo
From the top of the 491 meters high Valtavaara, the landscape is always stunning. It worth a hike in autumn too.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
If you want to spot reindeer, the fells of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park are the right choice. It’s almost guaranteed that you will meet with these cute creatures while trekking across the park.
Rovaniemi‘s surrounding
You don’t need to go far into Lapland, to see hills and lakes and forests everywhere till the horizon.
Oulanka National Park
Oulanka National Park is famous for its rivers, gorges, and waterfalls. And for the lookouts like this!
Myllykoski Watermill and Bridge
The most photogenic location in Oulanka. An easy to approach spot. It’s about 1 km away from the nearest parking lot, and you can take tons of Iinstagrammable photos very quickly.
Saariselkä and reindeer
This photo could have been taken almost anywhere in Lapland, but the more you explore, the easier to bump into reindeer crossing the national road.
Helsinki
Finland’s capital is full of patches of forests and little squirrels. And how friendly are they!
Kolari
Cloudberries, blueberries, crowberries, lingonberries, bog whortleberries, and cranberries. You can pick them from the forests all across Finland. Tasty and healthy treats.
The Thorne Valley
Don’t forget to look up at the sky frequently! The northern lights are visible from early autumn on the night sky. The best place to observe this beauty is Lapland.
Ranua
Ranua is famous for its Arctic Zoo, but how about just peaceful canoeing?
Koli National Park, Lieksa
Some of the most iconic landscapes in Finland are in Koli National Park. This is where Eero Järnefelt painted his famous painting called Metsälampi (Forest pond). In case it is overcast, you will still find the views exceptional.
Urho Kekkonen National Park
The park is famous Finland-wise among nature lovers and hikers. The Finnish Outdoors Association Headquarters is located there too.
Kilopää, Urho Kekkonen National Park
Kilopää is the western fell in the Urho Kekkonen National Park and gives a home to the above mentioned headquarter. And of course, the Aurora Borealis is visible here too.
Turku Archipelago
The Turku Archipelago consists of about 20,000 islands and skerries, scattered between Turku and the Åland Islands on the Baltic Sea. The sunsets are never dull there.
Pyhätunturi, Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Treeless fells, gorges, and an amethyst mine make famous this young national park. The autumn season turns all these locations colorful.
Levi, Kittilä
If you mention Levi to a Finnish person, he will immediately think about downhill skiing. These two photos may bring a new meaning to it 😉
Check Lapland out in different seasons!
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Are you looking for other Finnish content?
- Check the best cities in Finland!
- Read about the free accommodation options
- Learn how to dress for winter
- Rovaniemi winter guide & the best hotels
Beautiful photos! I know it’s cold in Finland, but it’s gorgeous! Thanks for sharing these pictures.
Absolutely stunning. Finland isn’t somwehere I’d think of as a classic fall destination, but it really should be. Looks breathtaking – and I had no idea there were so many national parks.