Where to Travel in Finland in Autumn: Top 5 Destinations
Finland in autumn is my favourite time of the year and my favourite place to be: it is breathtaking year-round, but autumn offers a particularly magical experience. As the summer gives way to crisp, cooler days, the forests turn golden, lakes reflect vibrant hues, and the northern lights become more frequent. Whether you’re after colourful landscapes, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Finland in autumn is a dream. Here are my top places to visit during the season:
1. Turku Archipelago
The Turku Archipelago and its 20,000 islands stretches out into the Baltic Sea, towards the Åland Islands. Autumn transforms these islands into a sea of golden leaves and deep blue waters. Rent a bike or hike along the Archipelago Trail or the famous St. Olav Waterway pilgrimage trail, which allows you to hop from island to island via bridges and ferries. The peacefulness of the region, combined with cosy cafés and accommodations, makes it an idyllic spot for a fall retreat far away from daily life.
2. Koli National Park
Koli National Park in eastern Finland is a hiker’s paradise, offering some of the most iconic views in the country, particularly in autumn when the forests and hills are shining in all the colours! The Ukko-Koli Hill, one of Finland’s highest points and famous for the panoramic views over Lake Pielinen. It is Finland’s National Landscape for a reason: surrounded by forests in every shade of orange, yellow, and red, contrasting against the blue of the lake and sky. The iconic hilltop can be reached within 15 minutes from the Ukko Nature Centre below, if you are up for a longer and more demanding hike, look no further than the Mäkrän kierto Trail, 7.5 km Circle Trail. This was one of the most demanding hikes I have done so far, but worth every step for the views.
3. Nuuksio National Park
If you’re near Helsinki, no need to venture out further: Nuuksio National Park is a great place to escape the city and enjoy Finland’s autumn wilderness. Just a short drive from the capital or also reachable by public transport, offers a variety of hiking trails that take you through forests, around lakes and ponds, and across rocky cliffs. During autumn, Nuuksio is perfect for spotting wildlife like squirrels and birds. Pack a picnic for a lakeside campfire break, rent a canoe, and pick berries and mushrooms along the way. If you’re looking for an absolutely unique getaway: stay overnight at Nuuksio reindeer park igluhuts, and feed the reindeer from your bed.
4. Lakeland Saimaa
I might be biased because the Lakeland is my favourite part of Finland in any season, but hear me out. Located in southeastern Finland, Lake Saimaa is Finland’s largest lake, and the autumn scenery here is unmatched. Explore the lake by boat, kayak, or by hiking its surrounding forests, where the fall colours create stunning reflections in the water. This is also the perfect time for some quiet fishing or to simply relax in a lakeside cabin. If you’re lucky, you can even spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal Norppa, which lives in this lake only. My favourite places to stay are Punkaharju area near Savonlinna (for example Harjun Portti), and Oravi Village.
5. Oulanka National Park
One of the most stunning National Parks lies in Finland’s northeastern region, near Ruka-Kuusamo. Oulanka National Park is a top choice for adventure seekers. The park is famous for its dramatic landscapes, including wild rivers, rugged cliffs, and thick forests that turn into a patchwork of autumn colours already in August. The Karhunkierros Trail, or Bear’s Trail, is one of the most popular hiking routes in Finland and offers breathtaking views of autumn foliage. Shorter trails like the Pieni Karhunkierros are perfect for day hikes if you’re looking for something less demanding but equally rewarding in terms of scenery.
