When most travelers think of Lapland, they conjure images of snow-covered landscapes and winter adventures. Yet, nestled between the brightness of summer and the deep freeze of winter lies a secret season that savvy travelers are just beginning to discover. Autumn in Finnish Lapland offers a uniquely magical experience, particularly for those seeking authentic interactions with the region’s most beloved residents—our energetic husky dogs. As the tourist crowds thin and nature transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, our team at Polar Lights Tours witnesses a special kind of magic unfold across the Lappish wilderness—one that combines the thrill of husky experiences with the breathtaking beauty of autumn’s transformation.
Why autumn is Lapland’s best-kept secret for husky adventures
While winter deservedly claims fame for its snow-laden adventures, autumn in Lapland holds treasures that many travelers overlook. From late August through October, our region undergoes a stunning transformation that creates the perfect backdrop for husky experiences unlike any other time of year. The air carries a refreshing crispness without winter’s bite, with temperatures typically ranging between 0-15°C—ideal conditions for both humans and huskies to explore comfortably.
This “shoulder season” brings a remarkable tranquility to Lapland’s wilderness. With significantly fewer tourists than during the winter peak, autumn visitors enjoy a more intimate connection with both the landscape and our four-legged companions. Our huskies, naturally energetic and social creatures, thrive during autumn months when cooler temperatures invigorate them after summer’s heat, yet they aren’t yet busy with the intensive sledding routines of winter. This creates the perfect opportunity for meaningful interactions where visitors can truly connect with these magnificent animals.
Autumn also marks the beginning of the training season for our huskies. As professional mushers prepare their teams for winter competitions and tours, visitors gain unique insights into the working relationship between humans and dogs. During a husky safari in Lapland’s autumn landscape, you’ll witness the tangible excitement of dogs eager to run after their summer rest period. Unlike winter experiences where guests primarily sit in sleds, autumn activities often involve more direct engagement with the dogs—whether through hiking alongside them, participating in cart training, or learning the fundamentals of mushing.
The ecological advantages of autumn visits shouldn’t be overlooked either. With reduced tourist numbers, your environmental footprint naturally diminishes. The wilderness trails remain less traveled, allowing for more authentic experiences and greater chances of encountering wildlife preparing for winter. These factors combine to create what we at Polar Lights Tours consider the most authentic way to experience the true spirit of Lapland—through meaningful connections with our huskies against the backdrop of nature’s most colorful season.
What makes autumn husky experiences different from winter activities?
The contrast between autumn and winter husky experiences extends far beyond the obvious absence of snow. Winter husky safaris typically involve sitting in a sled while being pulled across snow-covered landscapes—undeniably magical, but somewhat passive in nature. Autumn activities, by contrast, offer more varied and interactive experiences that showcase different aspects of these remarkable animals’ capabilities and personalities.
In autumn, we offer husky hiking experiences where visitors walk alongside leashed huskies through forest trails ablaze with fall colors. This creates an intimate bonding experience impossible to achieve from a sled. The natural pace of walking allows for deeper connection with both the dogs and the surrounding wilderness. You’ll feel the gentle pull of your canine companion, hear their excited panting, and share in their joy of exploration—all while having meaningful conversations with your guide about husky behavior, training, and the rich traditions of dog sledding in Lapland.
For those seeking more excitement, our autumn cart training sessions provide a thrilling alternative to winter sledding. Using wheeled carts instead of sleds, these experiences maintain the exhilaration of being pulled by a team of enthusiastic huskies while offering distinct advantages. The reduced friction of wheels compared to snow means the dogs can maintain impressive speeds with less effort, resulting in longer routes and more diverse terrain exploration. Participants often report that the absence of bulky winter clothing allows for more freedom of movement and a more visceral connection to the experience.
The husky safari experience in Levi, Finland during autumn also provides unique educational opportunities. This is when we train young dogs and prepare experienced teams for the upcoming winter season. Visitors witness and sometimes participate in this training process, gaining insights into the sophisticated communication between mushers and their teams. You’ll learn how verbal commands, body language, and mutual trust combine to create the seamless partnership essential for successful sledding.
Perhaps most significantly, autumn’s milder temperatures mean the huskies display different aspects of their personalities. Without the extreme exertion required for winter sledding, they often appear more playful and interactive. Their natural sociability shines through as they eagerly greet visitors and demonstrate their intelligence and unique characters. This creates memorable encounters that showcase these animals not just as powerful working dogs, but as individuals with distinct personalities and an infectious zest for life.
Experience the magic of ruska: Lapland’s vibrant autumn transformation
Nowhere in Europe displays autumn’s glory quite like Finnish Lapland during ruska—the brief but spectacular season when the Arctic landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds. This natural phenomenon typically peaks in September, though exact timing varies slightly each year depending on temperature patterns and rainfall. What makes ruska particularly special is its intensity—the vivid colors appear almost surreal against the backdrop of Lapland’s crystal-clear lakes and vast skies.
The biological magic behind ruska deserves appreciation. As daylight hours diminish and temperatures drop, deciduous trees and ground vegetation prepare for winter by withdrawing chlorophyll from their leaves. This reveals previously hidden pigments—carotenoids creating vibrant yellows and oranges in birch trees, and anthocyanins producing the striking reds in blueberry bushes that carpet the forest floor. The region’s dwarf birch, mountain ash, and northern heather create a multi-layered color palette impossible to fully capture in photographs.
Our husky ride experiences through Lapland’s autumn landscapes are thoughtfully designed to showcase the most magnificent ruska viewing locations. Unlike winter expeditions that necessarily follow established snow trails, autumn routes can explore more diverse terrain, including elevated ridges and lakeside paths that offer panoramic views of the colorful wilderness. The experience of traveling through these vibrant landscapes alongside equally energetic huskies creates a harmony between animal and environment that many guests describe as profoundly moving.
For photography enthusiasts, this season offers unparalleled opportunities. The low-angled autumn sunlight bathes the landscape in a warm glow that enhances the already vibrant colors. During our husky safari in Kittilä and surrounding areas, we make strategic stops at photography vantage points where the interplay of light, color, and landscape creates perfect composition opportunities. Many guests find that including our photogenic huskies in these autumn landscapes creates truly memorable images that capture the essence of Lapland’s natural beauty.
The multi-sensory nature of ruska extends beyond the visual feast. The crisp air carries the earthy scent of autumn foliage and wild mushrooms. The forest floor, cushioned with colorful leaves, creates a satisfying crunch underfoot during husky hiking adventures. In the background, you might hear the calls of birds preparing for migration or the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. These sensory elements combine with the visual spectacle to create a fully immersive experience of Lapland’s autumn that remains vivid in memory long after photographs fade.
Accommodation and husky experiences: Creating your perfect autumn package
At Polar Lights Tours, we offer three distinct accommodation options that perfectly complement your authentic husky experiences in Lapland. Each option provides a unique way to immerse yourself in the wilderness while maintaining comfort and enhancing your connection to the natural surroundings.
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 included in the price!
How to prepare for your autumn husky adventure in Lapland
Preparing appropriately for an autumn husky safari in Lapland ensures you’ll fully enjoy this unique season without distraction. Unlike winter’s extreme cold or summer’s persistent daylight, autumn requires more nuanced preparation due to its variable conditions. Temperatures typically range between 0-15°C, but can fluctuate significantly throughout the day, making layering essential to your comfort.
Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer that draws perspiration away from your skin—particularly important during active experiences like husky hiking. Add a warm mid-layer of wool or fleece that retains heat even when damp. Finally, pack a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect against autumn showers and gusty days. Remember that autumn in Lapland often means misty mornings that burn off to reveal sunny afternoons, so versatility in your clothing is key. Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are indispensable for traversing the sometimes muddy autumn trails.
Beyond clothing, consider bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting and a good quality camera with extra batteries—the cooler temperatures can deplete battery life more quickly than you might expect. A headlamp becomes increasingly useful as September progresses and evenings darken earlier. For northern lights viewing, a compact tripod will help capture clear aurora photographs. Don’t forget personal toiletries suitable for sensitive skin, as the combination of cool air and wind can cause dryness.
“The right preparation allows you to focus completely on the experience—the excitement of the huskies, the brilliance of ruska colors, and the possibility of the northern lights—rather than on physical discomfort.”
Understanding what to expect regarding our husky interactions will also enhance your experience. Our huskies are working dogs with boundless enthusiasm, not cuddly pets. They express their excitement vocally—the chorus of barking as they prepare for an adventure is part of the authentic experience. We prioritize their welfare in all activities, following structured routines that keep them healthy and happy. This includes limiting running times based on temperature, ensuring adequate rest periods, and maintaining proper nutrition tailored to each dog’s needs.
This commitment to animal welfare extends to all aspects of our operations. We practice sustainable tourism principles that minimize environmental impact while maximizing positive contributions to local communities. Our trails are carefully selected to avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging sensitive habitats. We work with local suppliers wherever possible, supporting traditional livelihoods and ensuring authenticity in our offerings. By choosing a husky safari in Levi, Finland with our team, you’re participating in responsible tourism that helps preserve Lapland’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
With thoughtful preparation and an understanding of our approach, you’ll be ready to fully embrace the unique magic of autumn in Lapland—where energetic huskies, vibrant ruska colors, and the possibility of early-season auroras combine to create an experience that will remain vivid in your memory long after you return home.
