Things to do during your Autumn Holiday in Lapland
Planning an autumn getaway to Lapland?
Original Lapland in the Tornio River Valley, Western Lapland, welcomes you with vibrant autumn colours, crisp mornings, forests bursting with wild berries and mushrooms, and plenty of activities to enjoy. Clear autumn days are perfect for hiking, while the season’s first Northern Lights begin to dance across the darkening evening skies.
Whether you dream of mountain biking, visiting a reindeer farm, exploring scenic nature trails or relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna, you can create an autumn holiday that suits you perfectly in the Tornio River Valley.
Hike through the colours of the Autumn Foliage
Autumn is one of the best seasons for hiking in Lapland. The fellsides, forests and riverbanks glow in brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red, while the cool, fresh air makes every walk a pleasure. The Tornio Valley offers everything from long-distance hiking routes in Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park to short and easily accessible nature trails suitable for all ages.
Many trails reward hikers with spectacular viewpoints overlooking forests, lakes and the winding Tornio River, which is especially beautiful on bright autumn days. Did you know that Lake Miekojärvi in Pello and Ylitornio has even been recognised as worthy of national park status?
Don’t miss the iconic landscapes of Aavasaksa in Ylitornio or Eero’s Trail in Pello, named after legendary Finnish cross-country skier Eero Mäntyranta. In the northernmost part of the Tornio Valley, the trails around Saana Fell lead through some of Finland’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Across the border in Sweden, near Pajala, Jupukka Hill forms part of the UNESCO-listed Struve Geodetic Arc. Haukkavaara in Ylitornio and Pieskänjupukka in Pello reward hikers with magnificent views over forests and lakes, while the Orhinselkä Nature Trail leads to the shores of Lake Miekojärvi, home to one of Finland’s most beautiful natural sandy beaches.
Many trails feature well-maintained signposts, campfire sites and shelters where you can enjoy a break surrounded by nature. Keep an eye out for signs along the roads—you may discover a hidden trail that turns into the highlight of your day.
Watch for the First Northern Lights of the Season
Many visitors are surprised to learn that the Northern Lights often return as early as late August. As the nights grow darker, autumn offers an excellent opportunity to witness the first displays of the aurora without the freezing temperatures of winter.
The best places to admire the lights are open landscapes and elevated viewpoints. In the Tornio Valley, Aavasaksa Hill in Ylitornio is easily accessible even by car. On calm autumn evenings, the Northern Lights may also reflect beautifully on the dark, ice-free surfaces of the region’s large lakes, creating an unforgettable double display.
Several local companies in the Tornio Valley organise guided Northern Lights tours led by experienced local guides, helping you find the best viewing locations while sharing stories about this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Relax in a Traditional Finnish Sauna
After a day spent exploring the outdoors, there’s no better way to unwind than in a traditional Finnish sauna. The gentle warmth, the crisp autumn air and the peaceful evening atmosphere often become some of the most cherished memories of a holiday in the Tornio Valley.
Wherever you stay, a sauna is never far away. Choose from lakeside saunas with outdoor hot tubs, traditional smoke saunas, cosy barrel saunas, or saunas overlooking open fields, rivers or scenic hilltops—each offering its own unique way to experience this essential part of Finnish culture.
For a private lakeside sauna experience, visit Sauna Borealis. You can enjoy an authentic smoke sauna at Napapiirin Järvilomat, while Kaamos Lodge offers a relaxing spa-style sauna experience. Browse the accommodation options below to discover even more places where sauna is part of your stay.
Explore the Landscape by Bike
Cool temperatures and often sunny autumn days make this one of the best times of the year for cycling. Quiet village roads, riverside routes and forest trails invite you to explore at your own pace, taking in ever-changing scenery, charming villages and the authentic rhythm of life in the Tornio River Valley.
Why not join a guided cycling tour? Riding with a local guide offers a deeper insight into the region’s nature, culture and way of life while leading you to hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
If you prefer to explore independently, several local companies rent mountain bikes and fat bikes. You can hire bikes from Pohjolan Safarit – Nordic Safaris in Tornio or Eräkalle in the Ylitornio and Aavasaksa area, among others.
Discover the Flavours of the Tornio Valley’s Fish Traditions
The Tornio River Valley is renowned for its fish and long-standing fishing traditions. While the Tornio River is famous for its salmon season in summer, fishing continues throughout autumn and winter, bringing a variety of delicious local fish to the table.
At the historic Kukkolankoski Rapids, the centuries-old tradition of dipnet fishing lives on. One of its culinary highlights is the famous spit-roasted whitefish, a local delicacy prepared over an open fire. Meanwhile, Lake Miekojärvi, stretching across the Arctic Circle, is known as the world’s northernmost natural spawning habitat for pike-perch (zander).
If you’d like to take home the flavours of the region, you can buy fresh fish and locally produced fish delicacies directly from professional fishermen such as Lapland Wildfish and JK-tuotanto. In Muonio, Hunter of the North offers locally sourced meat, fish and wild mushrooms in its farm shop.
Fill Your Basket with Nature’s Harvest
Autumn transforms the forests of the Tornio Valley into a natural pantry. Berries ripened under the Midnight Sun and an abundance of wild mushrooms await foragers, while Finland’s Everyman’s Right allows everyone to pick wild berries and mushrooms in most natural areas.
Blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries and a wide variety of edible mushrooms are among the seasonal treasures waiting to be discovered. Even if your basket isn’t overflowing, a walk through the colourful autumn forest is an experience in itself.
You can also enjoy the region’s local flavours without heading into the woods yourself. Sunnyhill Farm offers fresh garlic, speciality potatoes and preserves made from its own harvest. Professional fishermen Lapland Wild Fish and JK-tuotanto sell fresh fish and locally produced fish delicacies, while Hunter of the North in Muonio offers locally sourced meat, fish and wild mushrooms in its farm shop. At Pörröporo in Juoksenki, you’ll find a wide selection of local products, reindeer meat and fish, and Kaira Outdoors in Pello stocks outdoor meals and provisions for your next adventure in the wilderness.
Meet the Animals of the North
One of the highlights of an autumn holiday in the Tornio River Valley is meeting the region’s friendly animals. Authentic reindeer farms, family-run visitor farms, horse stables and husky kennels offer memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.
A visit to a reindeer farm is an essential part of any trip to Lapland. You can meet reindeer at Reindeer Lake Resort in Pello, Vuolo Reindeer Farm in Ylitornio and Polar Lights Tours in Kittilä, where you’ll also have the chance to see huskies and horses. The Tornio Valley is home to several husky farms, each offering a glimpse into the life of these energetic Arctic dogs.
If you’re interested in traditional Finnish farm life, visit Heidin Mummola, where you can meet native Finnish cattle and other farm animals. Horse lovers can enjoy pony rides and equestrian activities at Takapalo Pony Farm in Pello or Eräratsut in Simo. You can even meet alpacas at Villa Arctic Alpaca.
Looking for something a little different? In Tornio, Farm Escape combines the fun of an escape room with the authentic surroundings of a working farm, where the animals are very much part of the experience.
Play Disc Golf Surrounded by Autumn Colours
What could be better than throwing a disc through spectacular autumn scenery? As the forests glow in vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, a round of disc golf becomes an experience in itself.
The Tornio Valley is home to several disc golf courses, ranging from full-length courses to smaller practice layouts found at local visitor attractions. Try the championship-length course at Naamivaara in Pello or head to the course on top of Ainiovaara in Ylitornio, where you can enjoy sweeping views across the Tornio River all the way to neighbouring Sweden as you play.
Discover Local Culture and Seasonal Events
There’s plenty more to experience in the Tornio Valley beyond the great outdoors. If the weather turns rainy, take the opportunity to explore the region’s cultural attractions and local services. Visit museums, libraries, bowling alleys, swimming pools or catch a film at a local cinema.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss Oranki Art, a unique environmental art park hidden deep in the forest near the village of Oranki in Pello. Here, contemporary artworks blend seamlessly into the surrounding nature, creating an unforgettable experience unlike any traditional gallery.
Throughout the Tornio Valley you’ll also find small shops selling locally made handicrafts, wild food products and other regional specialities. While you’re here, why not cross the border into Sweden? The neighbouring villages are just a short drive away, and Swedish grocery stores offer an interesting selection of treats and souvenirs that you won’t easily find in Finland.
Before your trip, be sure to check the local events calendar to see what’s happening during your stay. From village celebrations and markets to cultural events and seasonal festivals, there’s always something going on in the Tornio Valley.
Once you’ve discovered the magic of the Tornio River Valley, you may never want to leave. Welcome to Original Lapland!
