A holiday in the magic of autumn colors

Every year, around the second week of September, the glowing red foliage and golden-orange fell birches transform the landscapes of Kilpisjärvi into something incredibly beautiful. At its peak, the autumn colors at Kilpisjärvi are the most vibrant in Finland.

The area around Kilpisjärvi offers plenty of excellent hiking trails for admiring the autumn colors. Summit the magnificent Saana, hike in Malla Nature Reserve, or conquer the border point of the three nations. The expansive heath-like areas at the foot of the great fells provide a delightful hiking experience. After a day of trekking, the lakeside sauna at Lapland Hotels Kilpis offers relaxing steam and a refreshing dip in the clear waters of Kilpisjärvi amidst the autumn hues.

Fat biking offers a unique way to experience the thrill of speed amidst the vibrant autumn colors. Lapland destinations provide a wide variety of mountain biking trails at different difficulty levels, so there’s plenty to choose from.

For those seeking a challenge, Saariselkä is the place to experience the wonder of open fell biking on marked trails in Urho Kekkonen National Park, where you can admire the endless chain of open fells. If you're looking for a more relaxed cycling experience, you can head to Luosto and the Ukko-Luosto circular route, where you can marvel at forests that are over 400 years old and stop by the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine. Ylläs, surrounded by seven fells, offers as many as 190 kilometers of trails suitable for mountain biking, allowing both beginners and more experienced riders to find routes that match their skill levels.

During your autumn adventure, be sure to stop and enjoy some culinary delights! Located in Rovaniemi, Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara's Sky Kitchen & View has been voted among Finland's best restaurants for several years. In this restaurant, you can admire the expansive nature of Ounasvaara through the panoramic windows while enjoying breakfast or dinner.

What makes autumn in Lapland special is the deep red colors of the heather glowing on the slopes of the fells and wilderness trails. The shining leaves of the alpine bearberry are a spectacular sight, drawing admirers from afar!

You can experience this autumn beauty along Finland's legendary Hetta-Pallas hiking trail in Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. This approximately 50-kilometer route traverses the rugged peaks of the fells, descending into ravines and pine forest terrain. The trail is well-marked and features several wilderness huts along the way. South of the village of Hetta, the Ounasjärvi must be crossed by boat transport.

In addition to the colors of the heather and the trees, it’s worth looking up at the sky on autumn evenings, as this is one of the best times for spotting the northern lights. During autumn, the Earth's magnetic field is in a favorable position relative to solar winds, allowing the energy from these winds to efficiently transfer to the Earth's magnetosphere.

The northern lights can appear even brighter in autumn than in winter, partly because the contrast between the glowing auroras and the dark, snowless ground enhances their visibility. Many also head to the lakes of Lapland to admire stunning double northern lights, which occur when the auroras reflect off the surface of the dark water. It's truly magical!

In Lapland, there's plenty of space to enjoy silence and the wild. Adventure seekers find peace in the wilderness huts along hiking trails, while those seeking comfort can choose a cabin or a wilderness hotel. The historic Lapland Hotels Pallas stands alone at the foot of Pallastunturi amidst the endless natural landscapes of Pallas-Yllästunturi. Lapland Hotels Hetta is located in Hetta, in the Enontekiö parish, at a viewpoint by the beautiful Ounasjärvi, surrounded by vast wilderness areas. At Lapland Hotels Olos, the scenery is adorned with numerous lakes, rivers, and of course, fells.

Lapland's numerous water bodies, from lakes to wilderness ponds, enhance the natural color display as the hues of autumn reflect on the water's surface. For active travelers, these waterways provide excellent opportunities for kayaking or canoeing trips, as well as fishing excursions. Leisure seekers can enjoy the glowing autumn colors right from their bed, as in the fall, Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna offers accommodation options that include a glass igloo floating on the idyllic Iiskonlompolon pond, about a kilometer from the hotel. What could be more wonderful than waking up surrounded by the colors of autumn!

A trip into nature doesn’t require you to own all the necessary equipment; by renting, you can enjoy high-quality gear without making significant purchases. Renting is also an eco-friendly option that helps conserve nature by reducing the abundance of goods. Lapland Safaris offers equipment rental for day trips and longer hikes in several destinations across Lapland.

Did you know that the golf season in Levi continues until the end of September? Golfing in the glow of autumn hues near the fells is an unforgettable experience. Lapland Hotels Sirkantähti offers golf vacations during the autumn season, including accommodation, breakfast, and one green fee per person per day.

For those craving the mystique of Lapland, the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine in Pyhä-Luosto is a top destination, even during the autumn season. At this sustainably operated mine, you’ll take home ancient legends and your own lucky amethyst! Along the way, enjoy comfortable accommodation in a hotel or cabin surrounded by nature. Pyhä-Luosto National Park is known for its impressive fells, where you can marvel at the stunning autumn colors. The landscapes range from rugged gorges and fell peaks to lush streamsides and aapa mires, offering an array of breathtaking scenery. In Luosto, you can savor the tranquility of nature without sacrificing modern conveniences.