Traveling through autumn foliage in Lapland 2022
Lapland is well-known for its intense seasons, and autumn is not an exception. People all over from Finland (and abroad) voyage to see the beautiful colors of foliage, which happens to be more intense in the north, than anywhere else. Additionally, the lofty nature of Lapland is an attraction itself, but when it all turns into the colors of yellow, red and orange – it’s pure magic.
What is foliage?
The nature’s own color carnival in the north usually starts within the first weeks of September, when the temperature and daylight length is decreasing. This is a clear sign for the nature to start getting ready for the winter. The exact timing of the foliage cannot be predicted, and it can last anywhere between couple of days to couple of weeks. The peak of foliage moves from north to south, so if you’re up for a grand adventure, your best bet is to start from the northernmost parts of Finland, such as Kilpisjärvi or Utsjoki, and slowly make your way down to southern Lapland. Eventually, the leaves will fall and colors fade, as the nature prepares itself for the winter and snow.
Fell hiking destinations in Lapland
Kilpisjärvi is a small town in the northwest, or in ‘’the arm’’ of the Maiden of Finland, and it’s located near the borders of Sweden and Norway. The most famous sight and hiking destination in Kilpisjärvi is the Saana fell (1029m). The hike is 8 kilometers return and will surely reward you with amazing 360 views without borders. There are lots of other hiking options in Kilpisjärvi, as well, my personal favorites being Tshahkajärvi and Salmivaara. As for accommodation and dining, Kilpisjärvi Retkeilykeskus has everything to offer from rooms, cabins, camping, restaurant, café, saunas, rental equipment, and the views. What else could you ask for?
Pallas-Yllästunturi national park consist of many fells, which are standing within the clearest air in the whole world. Pallastunturi in Muonio is exceptionally famous for its red maaruska, which represents the foliage in the bushes and plants on the ground. Pallas is known as a very calm and quiet destination, as there is just one small nature center and hotel in the heart of the park. There is also lots of parking space and starting points for several hiking trails. The restaurant at the hotel, as well as the food truck outside serves foods and drinks of many options to fuel you up post hike. And don’t be surprised to meet a bunch of reindeer hanging around the area 🙂
Ylläs, the other half of Pallas-Yllästunturi national park, is more populated and has more services to offer, including the most popular ski resort of Finland. During fall foliage, however, Yllästunturi has many gorgeous trails for different levels and desires. Some hikes worth mentioning being Kesänkitunturi, Aakenustunturi and Särkitunturi. Other famous spots in Ylläs include the Ylläs swing and Jounin kauppa (grocery store with a huge reindeer standing in front of it). Outside of hiking, there are so many autumn activities available in Lapland, such as biking, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, frisbee golf and so on. Don’t forget to experience (ice) swimming and sauna while in Finland! 🙂
Levi is one of the most popular winter destinations of Finland, but there is lots to see and do during other seasons, as well. One of the most wanted sights of Levi is the Santa’s cabin, which was used in a movie set of Joulutarina (Christmas story), which is a must-see film if you’re traveling to Lapland for Christmas season, or if you just want to get your Christmas spirit up! 🙂
Saariselkä is in the Eastern part of Lapland and is most well-known for the second largest national park of Finland, UKK (Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto), which is named after the former president of Finland, Urho Kaleva Kekkonen. This large national park has a ton of different hiking trails to be explored, many of them starting from different villages and roadsides. Kiilopää (546m) is one of the highest fells in Saariselkä, and only 2 kilometers from the parking lot. Saariselkä also has the very first and most famous glass igloo village, Kakslauttanen. By today, however, there is much more competition and many igloo villages to choose from – all with a price tag.
Pyhä-Luosto national park has the most southern fells of Lapland and is easily reachable for a day trip from Rovaniemi (1,5hr). However, there is nature, activities, and sights to be seen and experienced for several days, if you’re up for it. The most well-known trail of Pyhä-Luosto is Karhunjuomalampi, which is a 10 km trail, and it includes many famous sights of the national park. My personal favorite is Tunturiaapa, which is a 7 km loop trail, offering the best panoramic views of the national park.
In addition to the amazing autumn foliage colors, fells and wildlife, Lapland has even more to offer during this time of the year… It’s the time of the year when the sky starts to turn into different colors, as well, the colors of green, purple and blue – The aurora season. During my 7-day autumn trip, I was extremely lucky to see the northern lights almost every night. The sky was mostly clear without any clouds in sight, which resulted in me staring at the starry, dancing skies for hours during my trip altogether. That’s what a lot of people travel here for, and they can’t be blamed. It’s an extremely unique phenomena that simply can’t be explained in words or shown in photos – it has to be lived. And same goes for the autumn foliage. Can you imagine combining these two phenomena in one trip? Unforgettable.
⇐ By Erika Katainen / Visit Lapland ⇒
