Autumn in Finland: 10 best things to do in Finland in the fall
Autumn in Finland is a magical season, full of crisp air, colorful forests, and cozy vibes. If you
’re planning a visit during this time but aren’t sure what to do, here’s a bucket list of activities to make the most of your fall trip.
From gorgeous fall foliage and cozy sauna evenings to chasing the northern lights in Lapland, autumn is one of the most magical times to visit Finland. In this guide, I’ll share the 10 best things to do in Finland in the fall, from nature adventures to cultural experiences so you know exactly where to go and what to see during your autumn trip.
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Autumn in Finland is seriously underrated! Since it’s the off-season, traveling here during fall means fewer crowds, peaceful moments, and quiet adventures. It’s the perfect season to explore nature, try new activities, and make unforgettable memories.
Get ready to wander through vibrant Finnish forests painted in autumn colors, discover cozy hidden corners in towns and cities, and enjoy unique seasonal events. If you’re building your Finland fall bucket list, you’re in the right place.
Here are 10 fun things to do in Finland in the autumn, from colorful landscapes to spooky adventures. These are experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime. Let’s dive in!
Want to plan the perfect Finnish fall trip? Check out this Ultimate Guide to Finnish Fall and discover the best time to visit, where to go, and what to wear.
1. Attend a ghost tour
This is such a fun activity, if you’re brave enough, of course. Ghost tours are a great way to hear local legends, creepy stories, and explore historic streets after dark. Some tours even take you into old buildings or cemeteries, making the whole experience extra thrilling.
Here are a few ghost tours worth checking out:
- Old Rauma ghost tour. Walk through one of Finland’s oldest medieval towns and hear eerie tales of haunted houses, fires, and tragic destinies.
- Rovaniemi’s Arctic Ghost Walk. This takes you on a spooky 400-meter trail through the forest, complete with haunted houses, eerie ghosts, and the chance to spot the Northern Lights while sipping hot drinks by the fire.
- Louhisaari Manor. This ghost tours dive into the mansion’s dark past, from tragic love stories to haunted chambers, with eerie legends brought to life on atmospheric autumn nights.
2. Learn to cook a traditional Finnish dish
If you want a hands-on cultural experience, try a cooking class where you can learn to make a Finnish specialty like salmon soup. In Rovaniemi, for example, there are classes where you get to prepare the dish yourself, hear stories about Finnish ingredients and traditions, and then enjoy your creation right away. It’s a delicious way to connect with Finnish culture, warm up on a chilly day, and take home a recipe to impress friends!
If you’re curious, you can check out the class here, I promise it’s worth it!
3. Visit a pumpkin patch in Salo
Halloween in Finland hasn’t always been a huge thing, but it’s definitely growing and now we even have pumpkin patches! One of the best ones is the pumpkin patch in Salo, and I was so surprised the first time I visited. The decorations are amazing, with skeletons, pumpkins for sale, and all sorts of spooky touches.
It’s a very local spot and free for everyone to visit, so if you’re into Halloween, it’s definitely worth a stop.
4. Stay in a forest cabin or lakeside cottage and soak up the cozy vibes
Autumn is the perfect time to embrace Finland’s cozy accommodation options. Whether it’s a forest cabin, a lakeside cottage, or a unique nature hotel, these stays let you soak up the autumn vibes in style. Think crackling fireplaces, misty mornings over the lake, and colorful forests just outside your window. Many places also have saunas, which are perfect after a crisp hike or a day exploring. Light some candles, grab a warm drink, and enjoy the slower pace. It’s the ultimate way to feel like a local.
If you’re looking to rent a cottage, check out Lomarengas or Nettimökki, both let you rent cottages and holiday homes.
5. Visit local harvest festivals & events
Autumn in Finland is all about celebrating the harvest season, and you’ll find cozy little markets and events happening across the country. Think farmers’ markets filled with fresh apples, root veggies, berries, mushrooms, and homemade treats, plus warm cups of cider or glögi to keep your hands toasty. Many towns also host autumn fairs or themed events where you can pick up local crafts, taste seasonal dishes, and enjoy live music or folk traditions. It’s such a nice way to experience Finnish culture in a very authentic (and super tasty) way.
6. Ruskaretki – Autumn Foliage Hike
A ruskaretki is basically an autumn foliage hike, a walk or trek through Finland’s forests during the peak of fall colors. Ruska refers to the season when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, and retki means a trip or excursion.
During a ruskaretki, people often:
- Wander forest trails or national parks
- Enjoy the peacefulness of nature in autumn
- Take photos of the colorful landscapes
- Sip a warm drink and soak in the crisp air
It’s a Finnish tradition that combines outdoor adventure with the simple joy of experiencing seasonal beauty. Think of it as a mix between a nature walk, a photography trip, and a cozy autumn outing, all rolled into one.
7. Mushroom courses or guided foraging tours
Autumn is prime for mushrooms, berries, and wild herbs, and taking a guided foraging tour is a fun way to learn from locals. You’ll get tips on how to identify edible mushrooms, find hidden spots in the forest, and pick safely without damaging nature. Some tours even include a cooking element, where you get to prepare what you’ve collected. It’s educational, hands-on, and a unique way to experience Finnish forests like a local.
8. Treat yourself with cinnamon buns
Nothing says cozy Finnish autumn like a warm korvapuusti straight from the oven. And they pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee. You’ll find them in pretty much every café and bakery in Finland, and September–October is peak “coffee + bun” season because of all the rainy, chilly days. Honestly, sitting by a window with a steaming mug and a cinnamon bun while watching the leaves fall outside = the ultimate Finnish hygge moment.
9. Hike and berry pick like a local in the Finnish forests
Autumn is the perfect time to explore Finland’s forests, not just for the colors but also for all the goodies nature has to offer. Grab a basket and join locals in picking wild berries, mushrooms, or even cranberries depending on the region. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, so there’s something for everyone. It’s a simple but authentic way to connect with Finnish nature, get some fresh air, and maybe even enjoy a snack straight from the forest!
10. Chase the Northern Lights
Did you know that autumn is actually one of the best times to spot the Northern Lights in Finland?
As the nights start getting longer and the skies turn crisp, the aurora borealis begins to make its first appearances of the season. Head a little outside city lights—Lapland, Oulu, or even smaller northern towns are perfect spots. Wrap up warm, bring a hot drink, and give yourself some patience; the aurora can be shy, but when it appears, it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Which autumn activity would you do first?
These 10 activities make Finland in fall unforgettable, but the country is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Keep planning your trip to Finland
