Ruska: The Season of Relaxation and Wellness

Unwind with Island Yoga in the middle of Lake Saimaa

Finnish Lakeland is a labyrinth of lakes, islands, rivers and canals that is the perfect complement to the rich, warm tones of ruska. Located just a short boat trip away from Savonlinna in the Saimaa archipelago, travellers can experience a meditative yoga session this autumn. While admiring the surrounding autumnal colours, visitors can enjoy a peaceful yoga session on the beautiful rocks on one of the thousand islands of Lake Saimaa. On the island, guests may calm down and gather energy with gentle Vinyasa or relax with Yin yoga when the body and mind need rest. After the soothing session, a picnic lunch can be enjoyed in the middle of the peaceful lake nature filled with autumn colours.

Whilst lakeside retreats are a popular summer pastime for Finns, during the Autumn months there is a stillness and calm to Lakeland that draws in visitors wishing to switch off and reconnect with nature. There are plenty of outdoor activities to fill crisp fall days on one of Finland’s 188,000 lakes. Lake Saimaa is the country’s largest - visitors can enjoy water activities including boating, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding before relaxing in beautiful lakeside accommodations.

HOW: Travellers can enjoy Island Yoga with Yoga Saimaa for around €183 per person.

Chase the Northern Lights this Autumn

Many people associate the Northern Lights with a cold and snowy winter, however, autumn is one of the most active times of year for the Aurora Borealis. Lapland’s breathtaking natural landscape offers irresistible beauty and the perfect backdrop to see the dramatic Northern Lights. During autumn, the Arctic sky darkens and the natural phenomenon lights up the night of Finnish Lapland, allowing visitors to experience the rare sight surrounded by peaceful wilderness.

For an ultra-luxurious experience, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel located on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi offers a unique blend of luxury comfort, local traditions and modern Scandinavian design. Guests can enjoy the cosy and stylish nest-like Arctic Treehouse Suites with underfloor heating, rain showers and panoramic views over the majestic treetops that will have turned vibrant yellow, red, and orange during the Ruska season. The Arctic GlassHouses also offer incredible sweeping views of the Arctic skies and in addition, come equipped with their own private sauna. Visitors will become one with nature as they gaze into the night through the transparent wall, in search of the mesmerising Northern Lights.

The hotel’s Scandinavian restaurant, Rakas Restaurant, focuses on local ingredients including reindeer, game, fish and other fresh and local flavours, inspired by Lapland’s unique climate. For those who want to explore the Arctic wilderness, there is heli-skiing, ice swimming and reindeer and husky safaris. The SantaPark, Santa’s own home cavern, and the Santa Claus Village are all within walking distance of the hotel.

HOW: Stay in a double room at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel from €343 per night for two guests including a full buffet breakfast.

Hike Lapland’s colourful wilderness

Lapland is Europe’s last wilderness - the striking natural landscape has an irresistible charm year-round. Though often associated with Winter, Autumn is the perfect time for hiking trips as the region’s vast open spaces explode with the colours of ruska. Lapland’s Urho Kekkonen National Park is the ultimate destination for full immersion in the season. Finland’s second largest national park covers 2,550 square kilometres and is home to a number of trails to suit beginners to more advanced hikers looking to explore the mighty fells and forests.

HOW: Wild Hikes Finland offers a Gold Rush Autumn guided hike through Lemmenjoki National Park (the northernmost National Park in Finland) for €1,250 per person for a week. All camping gear, three meals a day and transportation to and from Ivalo airport is included.

Wildlife spotting and husky adventures in Lapland

Finland's vast green forests and windswept arctic fells create amazing opportunities for wildlife and animal watching. The pristine and picturesque landscapes of Finland provide the perfect habitats for magnificent wild animals and birds. Lapland is home to various furry friends including reindeer, Finnish horses, and huskies. Autumn is an important season for the iconic working dogs, as they begin their winter training following a tranquil summer. Nordic Unique Travels offers the opportunity to deep dive into the husky lifestyle with its Autumn Husky Safari Adventure. Take a ride with a team of sleigh dogs on a trek through the Finnish forest trails and find out all about the training, breeding and racing of the magnificent huskies!

HOW: To meet the majestic Arctic animals of Lapland, enjoy a ride with a team of sleigh dogs from €159 with Nordic Travels. All transfers from accommodation that are within a 15km radius of Rovaniemi city centre are included.

For more information on visiting Finland, visit www.visitfinland.com/en/