Epic autumn photos from Finland

3 minute read

Credits: Markus Rantala, @makerantala

Autumn – vibrant colours and season's first northern lights

Finnish autumn is a season of captivating transformation. As the warmth of summer gives way to cooler temperatures, the lush green landscapes begin to turn into a mesmerizing canvas of autumn colors. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold paint the trees and forests across the country. As the nights grow longer, the Finnish skies offer the possibility of witnessing the season's first northern lights. Autumn is also a great season to spot unique wildlife!

In this article, we've collected some of the most epic autumn photos from Finland from different photographers and our followers on social media. Enjoy!

Article published in September, 2023.

An autumn road trip is a wonderful way to see how the colours change throughout the country. Mari Konttajärvi took this captivating photo of the Saana fell in Lapland on her way north.
Credits: Mari Konttajärvi, @marikophotos

Northern lights can be seen anywhere in Finland

The northern lights season in Finland starts in September. Autumn is actually one of the best times to spot the auroras. The likeliest chance of seeing these magical lights is in Lapland but sometimes you'll be able to spot them also in the south, like the Helsinki region.

Markus Rantala captured this magical image near Helsinki in Kirkkonummi's Lake Humaljärvi on September 20, 2023. This is one of his favourite spots and seasons to take photographs as the lake is not frozen yet and there is little light pollution.
Credits: Markus Rantala, @makerantala
Aki Mikkola took this photo in Saariselkä's Kiilopää in Lapland in early September, 2023. The image captures the best parts of Finnish fall in one shot: the northern lights and the autumn foliage.
Credits: Aki Mikkola, @prince_of_lapland

Vibrant autumn hues from the forest floor to the treetops

When you think of autumn foliage, you'll often think about the leaves in trees changing colours. In northern Finland, you'll find another autumn phenomenon we like to call "maaruska" – the plants on the open ground turning into fields of bright red and yellow.

Jari Romppainen took this captivating autumn foliage photo in the beginning of September 2023 in one of the most iconic locations in Lapland near Kilpisjärvi and the Saana fell. Here you can see how the autumn foliage covers everything from the ground to the trees.
Credits: Jari Romppainen, @jarcce

Unforgettable season to go on a ruska hike

Autumn, especially September-October, is one of the most popular times to go on a hiking trip in Finland. Particularly the northern parts of the country and its many national parks will see plenty of visitors during this time. And what's not to love: fresh, crisp air, autumn foliage as far as the eye can see, and if – you're lucky – the auroras!

Maarit Vaahteranoksa took this photo when she was hiking Kilpisjärvi in mid-September 2023. She always wanted to see the autumn colors in the region, so she rented a camper van, packed her camera gear, and drove from Espoo to Kilpisjärvi – over 1200km – to see the fall colors.
Credits: Maarit Vaahteranoksa, @maaritvaahteranoksa

Unique time to spot wildlife before winter arrives

Autumn in Finland is a photographer's dream when it comes to wildlife spotting. It's the season when brown bears tirelessly forage in preparation for winter hibernation, and reindeer can be spotted in the midst of the changing colours in Lapland's fells. Birdwatchers are in for a treat too, with migratory birds making their way south, creating fantastic opportunities for birdwatching. For more information about guided bear watching trips, visit our product page.

This enchanting photo of a willow grouse was taken by Aki Mikkola in Lapland's Saariselkä in September 2023.
Credits : Aki Mikkola, @prince_of_lapland
Niko Laurila was able to catch this autumn image of a brown bear while in a wildlife hide in Lakeland's Kuhmo region, famous for its many bear-watching opportunities and tours.
Credits: Niko Laurila, @niko.laurila

Autumn foliage is unmissable also in cities

In addition to the wilderness, autumn in Finnish cities is also a time of breathtaking transformation as the vibrant summer greens give way to a rich palette of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Strolling through the urban landscapes, you'll be captivated by the sight of trees lining the streets, their canopies ablaze with autumn foliage. In Helsinki, visit places like Käpylä and the Töölönlahti Bay, for spectacular views. Elsewhere in Finland, locations like the old wooden towns and ironworks villages of the coastal region, are a must-see!

Old wooden cities, like Porvoo, provide the perfect backdrop to autumn foliage. Niko Laurila took this image in his hometown at one of his favourite places, Näsinmäki Hill.
Credits : Niko Laurila, @niko.laurila
Töölönlahti Bay in the centre of Helsinki is one of the best places to go ruska-spotting in October.
Credits: Ants Vahter

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