Want to Experience a Natural Wonder? Autumn Colors Trip is the Answer
During September and October, Finland transforms into a colorful land that invites nature lovers to explore the different shades of autumn. Finland’s autumn colors are unparalleled in the world, and this colorful phenomenon lasts an average of eight weeks. What is this “ruska” (autumn colors), and why does it make Finland so unique? Step into an adventure that showcases Finland’s natural beauty and the magical color display of autumn.
Autumn Brings Major Changes to Nature
Autumn is a time of major changes in nature. The amount of solar radiation decreases and temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere drop. After the autumn equinox, night lasts longer than day for six months.
The decrease in light and cooler nights trigger a process where plants and trees prepare for the coming winter. Autumn colors begin when deciduous trees stop photosynthesis, leading to the breakdown of chlorophyll and its retreat deeper into the trees’ structures. When the chlorophyll disappears, the colors beneath it—red, orange, and yellow—emerge.
The Leaf Colors Are Real
It’s interesting to know that the different colors of autumn foliage are the true colors of the leaves, and summer’s green acts as the leaf’s “cover color.” Autumn colors hide beneath the chlorophyll during summer, waiting for the right moment to emerge when light decreases and temperatures drop.
Summer Weather Affects the Intensity of Autumn Colors
In Finland, we can proudly enjoy four seasons and our magnificent autumn colors, which are not taken for granted elsewhere in the world. Autumn colors are a feature of high latitudes: you don’t need to go further than the Mediterranean to find that autumn colors may no longer be noticeable.
How is it determined how spectacular or long the autumn colors will be? Finland’s autumn colors depend greatly on the previous summer’s weather. During warm summers, plants and trees store abundant sugar, which makes the autumn colors brighter.
Dry summers can cause plants to yellow early. On the other hand, a rainy summer can reduce the colorful brilliance of autumn colors and shorten the autumn color season.
Autumn colors occur mainly at mid-latitudes and high latitudes, where deciduous trees thrive. In southern Europe, around the Mediterranean, vegetation is so sparse in places that autumn colors don’t occur. In the tropics, many evergreen tree species don’t shed their leaves in winter.
Autumn Colors Peak in Northern Lapland in Early September
Autumn colors have won many hearts, and many have headed by night train to Northern Lapland in early September. The car has conveniently traveled along on the car train, and the railway extends northernmost from Kolari to the fells of Enontekiö, where autumn colors can be admired as early as the beginning of September.
Autumn colors therefore begin to appear in Northern Lapland. The first night frosts trigger the autumn color season at the turn of August-September. Autumn colors come to Lapland in two batches: first the ground colors and about a week later the leaf colors. For example, in the areas of Utsjoki, Ivalo, and Kilpisjärvi, the best autumn color week usually falls on the second week of September.
In Lapland, autumn colors last about two weeks, and a strong autumn storm can drop the leaves of mountain birches in a single night. You can follow the autumn color situation in real-time from Fintraffic’s weather cameras.
Autumn Colors Progress Southward
Autumn colors move southward at an average of 250 kilometers per week. In the Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi areas, autumn colors usually peak in the third week of September, and at Oulu’s latitude by the end of September. Large bodies of water can slow the progression of autumn colors, so differences can occur especially near lakes and the sea.
In Central Finland, such as in Jyväskylä and Vaasa, autumn colors reach their peak in early October.
In Southern Finland, nature usually doesn’t start to turn colors before early October. Here, however, autumn colors last longer than elsewhere in the country. Southern Finland has several different deciduous tree species, and their color clocks tick at different rates. For this reason, the autumn color season can last up to a month, especially on the southern and southwestern coast. The warm Baltic Sea prolongs autumn colors, for example in Hanko and Turku’s Ruissalo, and there you can immerse yourself in autumn colors even in October.
Experience Southern Finland’s Unique Autumn Colors
Although many love Lapland’s nature and an autumn color trip to Northern Lapland, schedules and distances don’t always allow it. Fortunately, Finland has many wonderful destinations in Southern Finland as well, where you can enjoy autumn colors. Domestic travel has gained great popularity, and it’s great that Finland has comprehensive and functional transport connections.
If you’re planning an autumn color trip to the south, here are a few recommendations for colorful destinations. The western part of Uusimaa and Southwest Finland are the warmest and rainiest areas of mainland Finland, which is reflected in the region’s nature and tree species. Southwest Finland has several tree species, such as maple, oak, and ash, which originate from the Baltic region and Central Europe.
In Karjaa, Tammisaari, and Hanko, you can find rare groves by Finnish standards that showcase a new side of Finland, which is otherwise birch and pine-dominated. On the southern coast and in Southwest Finland, autumn colors last relatively long—you can enjoy autumn colors throughout October.
Early September
Northern Lapland reaches peak autumn colors. Mountain fells display stunning red and golden hues.
Late September
Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi, and Oulu regions showcase vibrant autumn colors. Perfect time for photography.
Early October
Central Finland (Jyväskylä, Vaasa) reaches peak colors. Great balance of weather and scenery.
Throughout October
Southern Finland displays extended autumn color season. Coastal areas offer unique variety.
Tips for Autumn Color Trips to the Coast and Lapland
An autumn color trip is at its best when you’re prepared and have the right equipment. Autumn color trips can also be enjoyed in the rain, as nature smells different and nature trails usually have fewer people. The opportunities offered by morning and evening light are also excellent for photography.
Rain is part of every season, and actively monitoring rain is recommended. You can use real-time rain radar to track the movements of rain areas and showers.
Coastal & Archipelago Tips
- The warm Baltic Sea can intensify rainfall
- The sea can create isolated showers on the coast whose exact timing may be difficult to predict
- Wind is strongest at sea and near it, especially after low pressure
- Air humidity is usually higher on the coast than inland, so choose your clothing accordingly
Lapland Tips
- Wind is strongest and temperatures are lower at the tops of fells
- High fells, such as Saana, can be in clouds, especially on rainy days
- Clouds can gather on fells due to moist air currents
- On clear, calm evenings, valleys can cool quickly, so remember to bring warm clothing
Weather forecasts and rain radar will help you plan your autumn color trip. Enjoy our unique autumn, whether the weather is sunny or rainy!
Essential Items for Your Autumn Color Trip
Layered Clothing
Pack layers for changing weather conditions
Camera
Capture the stunning autumn colors
Good Footwear
Waterproof hiking boots are essential
Thermos
Hot drinks make the trip more enjoyable
Rain Gear
Be prepared for autumn showers
Trail Map
Know your route and stay safe