Metsähallitus customer service recommends peaceful autumn colour hikes

The hiking season often continues into October, but the autumn colours are at their best from mid-September onwards. Autumn is not just an end – it is also a new beginning. As nature settles into rest, you too can slow down and recharge for the winter ahead.

In autumn everything quiets down: leaves change colour, animals prepare for winter, and nature retreats into rest. Nature undergoes a vast transformation from the greenery of summer to the peace of autumn. While summer is full of life, sound, and growth, autumn is a time of slowing down and preparing for winter.

Autumn colours emerge as the amount of daylight decreases and temperatures drop, signalling to plants that the growing season is over. As photosynthesis ceases, chlorophyll breaks down, revealing other pigments such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, and xanthophylls. The amount of these pigments varies between species – for example, birches shine yellow thanks to their high xanthophyll content. At the same time, plants transfer energy-rich compounds such as sugars from their leaves into storage for the winter.

“The intensity of the autumn colours is influenced by weather conditions. Many factors regulate their brilliance. A dry or rainy summer may weaken the colours: drought causes leaves to yellow prematurely, while moisture makes them susceptible to fungal diseases. Autumn storms may also cut the season short by tearing leaves from the trees. At its best, the autumn colours last a couple of weeks, and their beauty is highlighted especially in the afternoon light. In Lapland, the colours begin as ground-level vegetation at the turn of August–September and advance south at a rate of about 250 kilometres per week, sometimes lasting on the southern coast until November thanks to the warming effect of the sea”, explains Eerikki Rundgren, Senior Specialist in Nature Conservation at Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife.

Although sunshine itself has no effect on the formation of autumn colours, the light of the sun brings them out in an entirely different way.

“We have compiled tips for family-friendly day trails that are slightly less known. On these routes, you can enjoy the beautiful colours of autumn and the tranquillity of nature”, says Leena Leppälä, Recreation Specialist at Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife.

“It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the trails in advance on Luontoon.fi. This way you can ensure you choose a trail that suits your fitness and schedule, avoid getting lost, and know the rest areas, the terrain’s difficulty, and possible special features such as the amount of duckboards or accessibility. This increases safety, improves the hiking experience, and helps you prepare for weather conditions and equipment needs”, Leena Leppälä adds.

• Utsjoki Geological Trail (in Finnish), 3 km, winds along the slopes of Dorggannjunni Fell west of the village centre.

• Tankavaara Geological Trail presents the origins of the ancient bedrock, mountain folding and its consequences, and the formation of fells and mires. Length 6.6 km.

• On the Salla side of Oulanka National Park, the highlight of the Canyon View Trail (6 km) is the narrow rocky canyon where the Oulankajoki river rushes.

• On the Rytivaara Circular Route in Syöte National Park (6.5 km), hikers walk on duckboards, experience the openness of mires and the quiet of old forests, and learn about life in the old days.

• On the Rykimäkuru Trail in Pyhä-Luosto National Park, you hike through beautiful old-growth forests and rolling pine heaths.

• In the Saariselkä–Kiilopää area, the Ahopää Trail is a scenic route with traces of the Ice Age along the way.

• Viiankiaapa Nature Trail in Sodankylä (6.3 km) is a peaceful and easy route following duckboards. It forms a diverse circular and extension trail network in one of Europe’s largest aapa mires.

Autumn nature offers wonderful experiences, but the weather can change quickly. The right clothing makes an autumn hike enjoyable – whether you are on a fell, a mire, or a forest path.

Layered clothing is essential. Autumn weather can shift from sunshine to sleet in the same day. With layers and weatherproof gear, you can focus on the colours of autumn and the peace of nature.

Autumn is also hunting season, so wear brightly coloured clothes and headgear.

Bring a headlamp just in case.

The rutting season is at its most active from mid-September to mid-October. During this time, bull reindeer may behave unpredictably and defend their harems even against humans. Avoid approaching a herd, keep your distance, and move calmly – if you encounter a threatening bull, leave the area without sudden movements. Keep your pet on a leash as well.

• Rytivaara in Syöte National Park is a treasure, (video in Finnish)
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• Seasonal cycle of hiking conditions in Northern Finland