I am obsessed with the autumn season in Finland due to the fact that I grew up in a place where it´s summer and green almost all year round 🙂 I heard it was particularly amazing in the northern part of Finland so I gave it a try!
This post is really about the visuals, sharing my pictures but there isn´t really that much to say in depth 😉 At least I will mention the places and some basic advice about this season. Otherwise, it´s all about nature!!
When to go
I learned the peak ruska season is very short in the north of Finland, I was monitoring when is the best time to go to maximize my chances to see the more colorful display (looks like a trend with me hehe.. but hey it has worked!), my only possible regret was not doing it before!
Middle of September is typically the best time, but even within Lapland it varies. The further north it happens before and just a couple of days can make all the difference.
Helsinki is also very very beautiful during the autumn and it lasts longer… but in Lapland there is nothing but nature so it´s breathtaking and beautiful. I´m planning to dedicate another post to my collection of Helsinki photos, this is fully about my Lapland experience 😉
Inari
I had a “take it easy” holiday staying in Inari, Finland for one week. Two purposes only: hiking nearby and chasing the northern lights if possible. One advice when you travel to Lapland regardless of the season is to rent a car! I was too innocent to think I could go to all nearby places by minibus or any local transportation, but reality proved I needed a car or nowadays I would say even an e-bike .
I still did a lot of walking and hikes, but I know I could have done more with a car. If you ever plan to do this, do consider renting a car to see more places!
Just every day hikes
Since my only plan was just to walk around and enjoy nature, I walked this path just 10 minutes away from my accomodation, almost every day! It is very peaceful and nice for the soul. During my first days everything was covered in yellow and it was super beautiful! I had more than enough time to enjoy it and take a million pictures with me on it, as well, why not? ;D
All along the path was a beautiful combination of green, yellow and red. There is not that much to add ;D
Hiking with a drone
The drone surely gives a different perspective of places, and this is no exception. I was still afraid to use it but still managed. This place was not exactly on the path but I noticed a little deviation was showing a lot of red color on the ground so I went there. Then I flew the drone and it was worth the view from the sky!
Approximately 8 Km from the start of the trail we find the Jäniskoski suspension bridge over the rapids of Juutuajoki river, a very picturesque place and perfect spot to appreciate the river rapids and nature all around it, with a traditional fireplace to grill your sausages or whatever you want, as in every Finnish park!
Hiking to Otsamo fell
Otsamo Fell is located to the west of the town of Inari, along the Inari-Riutula hiking trail. There is a 10 km trail stating from Siida, Inari to the highest point of fell, located 418 meters above sea level. The entire journey was full of color and the views from the top are definitely worth the hike. It is easy, except the last part where it gets very steep. While in Inari, this is a must!
The journey itself was beautiful all along. Repeating myself, there is not that much to describe here but sharing some of my pictures to show you why this is so beautiful hike. I bet it´s pretty in summer when it´s all green but it´s hard to think it can look prettier than this combination!
More photos on Instagram!
Panoramic views – Inari
Utsjoki
One of my nights was forecasted with clear skies and I noticed there was a mini bus going once a day to Utsjoki from Inari, so I went and visited the cottages at Aurora Holidays for one night only 😉
I paid my visit to “Steve”, the gazebo on the top of a fell having amazing views to the valley and Teno river. I had been there in winter See the winter version! and now I was aiming to see it in covered in yellow color! I also did the other mini hike 6 km away from the accomodation as I only had one day and I used it fully! This time of the year there is much more daylight that is possible to do more outdoor activities!
More from the drone!
Using the drone here was also a must to enhance my photography experience.
Last photos to share here. It is really difficult to choose but I´m confident I gave you a very good idea of how it can look like in the ruska peak!!!
Bonus: Reindeers!
Driving in Lapland is likely you find reindeers on the road! This was no exception!
Tilll the next time.. Cheers! Nat
