The optimal time for berry picking in Lapland is from mid-July through September, with each berry variety having its specific peak season. Cloudberries typically ripen first in mid-July, followed by bilberries (wild blueberries) in late July to August, and lingonberries from late August through September. The exact timing varies slightly each year depending on weather conditions, with northern areas ripening later than southern Lapland. This natural harvest calendar allows visitors to experience the Finnish tradition of “everyman’s right” whilst enjoying the pristine wilderness under the midnight sun or early autumn colours.
When is the best time to go berry picking in Lapland?
The prime berry picking season in Lapland spans from mid-July to late September, with each berry type having its own specific harvest window. This natural schedule creates a wonderful progression of foraging opportunities throughout the summer months and into early autumn.
The berry season begins with the highly prized cloudberries (hilla or lakka in Finnish), which typically ripen around mid-July. These golden treasures of the northern bogs are often the most sought-after berries in Lapland, with locals eagerly anticipating their brief season. Weather conditions significantly impact cloudberry yields, making some years more abundant than others.
By late July and throughout August, the forests become carpeted with bilberries (wild blueberries), creating a forager’s paradise. These small, intensely flavoured berries grow in abundance across the forest floor and offer reliable harvests nearly every year.
September brings the lingonberry season, with these bright red berries remaining available well into the autumn in many areas. Their tartness and long shelf-life make them a traditional staple in Finnish cuisine.
Other varieties like crowberries and arctic bramble have overlapping seasons, primarily in August, adding to the diversity of what can be gathered during a summer visit to Lapland.
The ripening progression also follows geographical patterns across Lapland:
- Southern Lapland: Berries typically ripen 1-2 weeks earlier than in northern regions
- Central areas: Prime season from late July through early September
- Northern Lapland: Season extends slightly later, with some varieties available into early October in good years
At Polar Lights Tours, we schedule our guided berry picking excursions to coincide with optimal ripeness, adjusting our locations throughout the summer to ensure visitors experience the most abundant harvests regardless of when they visit during the season.
What types of berries can you pick in Lapland during summer?
Lapland’s pristine wilderness offers an impressive variety of wild berries during summer, with five main types dominating the landscape. Each variety brings its own distinctive flavour, nutritional profile, and growing habitat to discover during your foraging adventures.
Cloudberries (Hilla/Lakka) are the undisputed treasures of the north. These amber-coloured berries resemble raspberries in structure but offer a unique honey-like yet tangy flavour profile that’s impossible to find in cultivated fruits. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they grow in boggy wetlands and are highly prized by locals and visitors alike. Their short season and specific habitat requirements make them a special find during mid-July to early August.
Bilberries (Finnish wild blueberries) carpet forest floors with their abundance. Smaller and more intensely flavoured than their commercial counterparts, these dark purple berries stain fingers and tongues with their rich pigments – a testament to their exceptional antioxidant content. They prefer pine and spruce forests with acidic soil and provide reliable harvests from late July through August.
Lingonberries are the hardy red gems of the forest. Their bright colour and distinctive tart flavour make them perfect for preserves and accompaniments to Finnish game dishes. Extremely rich in vitamins and natural preservatives, lingonberries have been a staple of northern diets for centuries. They thrive in drier forest areas, particularly among heather and pine, and reach peak ripeness from late August through September.
Crowberries often grow alongside bilberries and lingonberries but are sometimes overlooked by inexperienced foragers. These glossy black berries have a milder, slightly earthy flavour and grow on low evergreen shrubs throughout Lapland’s forests. Their season extends from August through September, offering an additional harvest option alongside lingonberries.
Arctic bramble is perhaps the most elusive of Lapland’s berries. Similar in appearance to raspberries but with a more intense aroma and flavour, these berries grow sparsely in woodland edges and clearings. Their rarity makes finding a patch a special occasion, typically occurring in August.
During our guided excursions at Polar Lights Tours, our expert guides help you identify these varieties safely, sharing traditional knowledge about their uses in Finnish cuisine and culture. We also emphasize sustainable harvesting practices, ensuring these natural treasures remain abundant for future generations to enjoy the authentic Finnish nature experience.
What accommodation options complement a berry picking adventure in Lapland?
The ideal accommodations for a berry picking adventure in Lapland combine authentic wilderness immersion with practical amenities that enhance your foraging experience. At Polar Lights Tours, we offer three distinct Finnish wilderness accommodation options that perfectly complement berry picking excursions.
Aurora Wilderness Cabin
Our Aurora cabins, nestled in the serene wilderness of Levi, Finnish Lapland, offer a peaceful retreat. Our guide will escort you through the woods to ensure a comfortable arrival. From late May to late July, you can enjoy the Midnight Sun, while from late August to early April, you might witness a sky full of stars or the Northern Lights. The cabins feature large windows, including a roof window, for stunning views. Inside, you’ll find an eco-toilet for convenience. This overnight experience includes a light evening meal and breakfast featuring Finnish specialties.
Cozy Kammi Experience
Spend a night in our round and cozy kammi building, where you can experience the intimacy of the wilderness while sleeping warmly in sleeping bags. Located on our horse and husky farm, the kammi offers an opportunity to meet and learn about our animals in the evening. Enjoy a dinner made with Finnish ingredients inside the kammi, and then relax in a hammock outside, gazing at the night sky and possibly seeing stars or the Northern Lights. In the morning, wake up to find a breakfast basket waiting outside.
Wilderness Caravan Adventure
Stay in a motorhome, caravan, private tent, or hammock. Our farm is located along Muonio Road, about a 10-minute drive from Levi towards Muonio. Enjoy nature, take a dip in the river, or rent a barrel sauna. We have 5 electric caravan pitches, unlimited tent and hammock spots, and offer all necessary services: Kammi atmospheric cooking and an open fire in the chamber, toilets and indoor WC, water point, electrical outlets (5 pcs), and drainage of chemical toilets and grey water. Guided tours to get to know our horses and dogs are available!
What other summer activities can be combined with berry picking in Lapland?
Berry picking in Lapland integrates beautifully with numerous other summer activities, creating a comprehensive wilderness experience that showcases the best of the Arctic summer. At Polar Lights Tours, we’ve designed complementary excursions that pair naturally with foraging adventures, allowing you to experience the diverse beauty of Finnish Lapland.
Guided nature walks extend your wilderness immersion beyond berry patches. Our expert guides lead explorations through diverse ecosystems, identifying medicinal plants, fungi, and wildlife tracks while sharing insights into Lapland’s ecology. These walks often include stops at prime photography locations, with guides offering tips for capturing the unique light of the northern summer.
Horseback riding provides a traditional way to explore Lapland’s landscapes, following ancient trails through forests and across open fell areas. These excursions offer a different perspective on the wilderness and access to more remote areas where wild berries often grow undisturbed. Even beginners can participate, as our patient horses and experienced guides ensure a comfortable experience for all skill levels.
For those visiting during July, midnight sun experiences create magical memories alongside berry picking adventures. These excursions take advantage of Lapland’s 24-hour daylight, with evening canoe trips on golden-lit waters or midnight hikes to scenic viewpoints. The extended daylight hours also mean more time for berry picking, with the midnight sun casting a special glow over the landscape.
Key takeaways for planning your Lapland berry picking adventure
Planning a successful berry picking adventure in Lapland requires attention to several key factors that will significantly enhance your experience of this quintessential Finnish tradition. Here are the essential elements to consider when organizing your trip.
Timing is crucial for a rewarding berry harvest. For the widest variety of berries, plan your visit for early to mid-August when bilberries are abundant and lingonberries are beginning to ripen. If cloudberries are your priority, aim for late July, understanding that their season is brief and highly dependent on that year’s growing conditions. September offers excellent lingonberry picking with the added bonus of autumn colours beginning to transform the landscape.
Proper preparation ensures comfort and success in the field. Pack layers of clothing as Lapland’s weather can change quickly even in summer. Waterproof footwear is essential for accessing boggy areas where cloudberries thrive. We recommend bringing:
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for protection from insects and scratches)
- Waterproof layer (jacket and trousers)
- Comfortable hiking boots or rubber boots
- Insect repellent (particularly important in July)
- Small backpack for water and snacks
Sustainable foraging practices protect Lapland’s delicate ecosystems for future generations. Always follow these principles:
- Take only what you can use
- Leave some berries in each patch for wildlife and regrowth
- Minimize disturbance to surrounding vegetation
- Pack out all litter, leaving no trace of your visit
For accommodation, booking well in advance is essential, especially for the prime berry season of July through August. Our most popular wilderness cabins and cottages often sell out months ahead for this peak period, so early planning is highly recommended.
At Polar Lights Tours, we provide comprehensive support for your berry picking adventure, from specialized equipment to local knowledge. Our guided excursions include traditional berry pickers that allow efficient harvesting without damaging plants, containers for collection, and transportation to productive locations that would be difficult to find independently.
Beyond the practical aspects, we help you connect with the deeper cultural significance of berry picking in Finnish tradition. Our guides share stories of how these wild harvests have sustained northern communities for generations, forming an integral part of the relationship between Finns and their natural environment.
The authentic Finnish nature experience of berry picking creates lasting memories and a genuine connection to Lapland’s wilderness. Whether you’re gathering ingredients for traditional Finnish desserts or simply enjoying the meditative quality of foraging in pristine nature, berry picking encapsulates the essence of summer in the Arctic – abundant, life-affirming, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the natural world.
