10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Fall Trip to Finland
Are you planning the perfect fall trip to Finland? Planning a trip during this short yet stunning season takes a little know-how.
That’s why I’ve put together my top 10 tips to help you make the most of a fall getaway in Finland, whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to soak in the autumn magic.
Autumn in Finland doesn’t last long, so timing, planning, and knowing where to go really make a difference. From vibrant forests and peaceful lakes to cozy cafés and seasonal treats, there’s so much to see and experience, but it’s easy to miss the little details that make a trip truly magical. In this guide, I’ll share practical tips, insider knowledge, and a few hidden gems to help you enjoy the perfect fall getaway, whether you’re exploring the cities, the countryside, or somewhere in between.
If you want a full autumn guide with tips on when to visit, where to go and what to wear, check out my ultimate fall guide to Finland.
1. Time your fall trip for peak colors
Timing is everything if you want to see the most colorful autumn in Finland. It would be such a disappointment to arrive and find the leaves have already faded or haven’t turned yet.
The tricky part? There isn’t a fixed date I can give you. The peak colors depend on the weather: how warm or cold it’s been, when the nights start getting chilly, and even how much rain or sun the region has had.
Another thing to consider is where in Finland you’re planning to go. Autumn doesn’t hit the whole country at once: Lapland usually gets the colors first, and then they slowly move south. So this is a key factor when planning your fall trip to Finland.
While it’s never an exact science, here’s a general idea of when autumn reaches different parts of Finland:
- Lapland: Late August to early September, this is when the northernmost forests start turning.
- Northern Finland (Oulu region, Kuusamo): Mid to late September.
- Central Finland (Jyväskylä, Tampere area): Late September to early October.
- Southern Finland (Helsinki, Turku, Porvoo): Early to mid-October. Usually when the fall colors are at their absolute peak here.
2. Pack layers and Finnish wool
Finnish autumn weather can be unpredictable. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while midday can feel surprisingly warm if the sun comes out. That’s why layering is key. Start with a good base layer, add a cozy sweater or fleece, and top it off with a waterproof jacket.
If you really want to travel like a local, bring Finnish wool or merino pieces. They’re warm, breathable, and dry quickly if you get caught in rain or morning dew. A wool scarf, socks, or even a hat can make a huge difference, especially when exploring lakes, forests, or walking around charming towns in the crisp autumn air.
Comfortable, weather-ready layers will let you enjoy everything from forest hikes to café stops without constantly shivering or overheating.
3. Book accommodations early
Fall isn’t high season in Finland, but it’s still worth booking your stays a little in advance, especially if you’re dreaming of a cozy lakeside cottage or a unique cabin surrounded by autumn colors.
In southern Finland and the bigger cities (like Helsinki, Turku, or Tampere), you’ll usually find plenty of availability, and prices are often lower than in summer. You can easily book a week or two ahead and still find great options.
But if you’re heading north to Lapland, it’s a different story! The short but magical ruska season (when the leaves turn golden and red) draws in both locals and travelers, so accommodation can fill up quickly. In that case, it’s smart to book at least a few weeks in advance to get the place you really want.
After mid-October, things quiet down again before the winter season begins, so if you’re traveling then, you might even find some good deals.
4. Plan a Ruskaretki (Autumn Hike)
If there’s one thing you have to experience in Finland in the fall, it’s a ruskaretki, which basically means an “autumn trip” to see the colorful leaves. When September rolls in, the forests explode in shades of red, orange, and gold, and Finns head out to the trails to soak it all in.
You don’t need to be an expert hiker to join in. A ruskaretki can be anything from a relaxed day walk around Nuuksio or Repovesi National Park, to a multi-day adventure in Lapland’s fells (like Pyhä-Luosto, Pallas-Yllästunturi, or Urho Kekkonen National Park). Even just a short trail near a lake will give you that peaceful, crisp-air, golden-light kind of magic.
Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, pack some cinnamon buns, and make a little picnic part of it, that’s the Finnish way to do it. And don’t forget your camera, because ruska season disappears almost as quickly as it arrives!
5. Check autumn opening hours
One thing to keep in mind when traveling around Finland in the fall: not everything stays open year-round. Many summer cafés, outdoor attractions, and smaller museums start to shorten their hours — or close completely — once the main tourist season ends in late August.
In cities like Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere, most places stay open as usual, but in smaller towns or nature destinations, things can get a bit quieter. It’s always worth double-checking opening hours before you go, especially if you’re planning to visit a cozy café on an island or a lakeside sauna.
The upside? Fewer crowds, calmer vibes, and a chance to experience Finland at a slower, more local pace. You’ll often have trails, viewpoints, and cute cafés almost to yourself, which honestly makes it even more magical.
6. Check the daylight hours
As the season moves from early autumn to late October, the days in Finland start getting noticeably shorter, especially the further north you go. In September, you’ll still have plenty of daylight (around 12–14 hours in the south and a bit less in Lapland), but by November, the sun can set as early as 3–4 PM up north.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip, just plan your days around the light! Go for hikes, scenic drives, or outdoor adventures during the brighter hours, and save slower moments like sauna time, dinner, or cozy café stops for the evening.
If you’re visiting Lapland, those early sunsets actually make for stunning golden hours that seem to last forever. Bring a warm jacket, a headlamp if you’re exploring outdoors, and lean into the slower rhythm, it’s all part of the Finnish autumn charm.
7. Try seasonal Finnish food
Autumn in Finland isn’t just about the colors, it’s also harvest season, which means some seriously good food. This time of year, local markets are full of fresh mushrooms, berries and root vegetables. If you spot a restaurant with a seasonal “syksy menu” (autumn menu), definitely go for it!
You’ll often find dishes made with chanterelle mushrooms, reindeer, salmon, and local potatoes, plus plenty of warm soups and homemade bread. And don’t skip dessert, autumn is cloudberry and apple pie season, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or thick cream on top.
If you’re traveling through smaller towns, check out farm cafés or market halls (like Helsinki’s Old Market Hall or Turku Market Hall) they’re the best spots to taste authentic Finnish flavors and support local producers.
And if you want to go full local? Take a walk in the forest and pick your own mushrooms or lingonberries, every Finn does it this time of year, and yes, it’s 100% allowed thanks to Everyone’s Rights.
8. Go berry or mushroom picking
There’s something so peaceful about wandering into a quiet forest on a crisp autumn morning, basket in hand, and coming back with your own little harvest. In Finland, this isn’t just a cute activity, it’s part of the culture. Thanks to Everyman’s Rights, everyone is free to roam the forests and pick berries or mushrooms, as long as you respect nature and private property.
Autumn is peak season for lingonberries, cranberries, and mushrooms like chanterelles and porcini. You’ll find them almost everywhere, from national parks to the edges of hiking trails (sometimes even right next to parking areas if you know where to look!).
If you’re new to foraging, start with easy-to-recognize finds like chanterelles or blueberries earlier in the season. You can also join a guided foraging tour, which is a great way to learn and make sure what you’re picking is safe to eat.
And even if you don’t find much, the forest walk itself is pure magic, the smell of pine, the sound of crunchy leaves under your boots, and that calm feeling you only get in Finnish nature.
9. Embrace early nights and cozy moments
As the days get shorter, Finland naturally slows down and you should too. Instead of trying to fight the early sunsets, lean into them. Light some candles, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy how quiet and calm everything feels once the sun goes down.
Autumn evenings are made for saunas, slow dinners, and warm drinks by the fire. Many hotels and cottages have their own saunas, so take advantage of it, it’s the Finnish version of self-care.
This season is all about cozy moments and simple pleasures, so don’t rush from one attraction to another. Let yourself rest, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy Finland’s calm rhythm, that’s when you really start to feel what makes this country so special.
10. Visit Pumpkin Patches and autumn festivals
Even though Finland isn’t known for huge fall festivals like some other countries, the autumn spirit is definitely alive here. Around September and October, you’ll start to see pumpkin farms, harvest markets, and small autumn events pop up across the country and they’re such a cute way to spend a crisp weekend day.
You can find pumpkin patches where you can buy your own (like the Pumpkin Park in Salo), grab a hot chocolate and take those perfect cozy fall photos. If you’re visiting cities like Turku, Helsinki, or Tampere, keep an eye out for harvest markets and food festivals in September and October. They’re filled with seasonal produce, Finnish pastries, crafts, and live music, all with that cozy community vibe.
Are you ready to trade summer crowds for golden forests and cozy Finnish vibes?
Finland in the fall has this magical way of slowing you down, making even simple moments feel cozy and memorable. It’s the perfect season to explore without the summer crowds, enjoy local flavors, and fully embrace the peaceful rhythm of Finnish life. So pack a warm jacket, your curiosity, and a sense of adventure and let yourself fall in love with Finland all over again.
Keep planning your trip to Finland:
- 10 best things to do in Finland in the fall
- Your ultimate guide for Finnish fall
- What It’s Really Like to Visit Finland in October, November & December
