Do you dream of hiking under skies that suddenly erupt in ribbons of green and violet? In Finnish Lapland, autumn brings both the fiery glow of ruska colors and nights dark enough for the aurora to shine. This Northern Lights Hiking Adventure takes you deep into the untouched Arctic tundra, where silence and wilderness rule.
During these days, you’ll trek off-trail through birch forests, across open tundra, and past crystal-clear lakes, carrying your own backpack and setting camp in wild solitude. The route is flexible, chosen by the guide each day to follow nature’s rhythm. Along the way you can drink straight from mountain streams, taste wild berries, collect mushrooms, and, with some luck, meet reindeer wandering through the fells. Evenings are spent in tents under star-filled skies, waiting for the aurora to dance overhead.
The adventure is fully and carefully organized: quality tents, sleeping bags, meals, and even nights in comfortable accommodation before and after the trek. Daily distances are perfect for hikers with good fitness who want more than just a walk (moderate, 5–15 km) — a full immersion in Lapland’s raw beauty. Join us, step off the map, and let the wilderness and the northern lights guide your way!
Dates: End of August & September are the best times, ask for exact dates suitable for you!
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic
Midscale
Group size
4-10 tourists,
over 18 y.o.
over 18 y.o.
Only in the Hiking Trekking Club
- Local prices – no extra feesBook tours directly from local tour providers
- Verified tour providersAll guides confirm their qualifications
- Reviews from travelersWe monitor the feedback from our travelers after each tour
Joona K. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, Finnish
My name is Joona Kivinen. I am a co-founder of our adventure company and a professional wilderness guide. I lead multi-day hiking and ski trekking tours year-round in the remote wilderness of Finnish Lapland. With a background both in business and outdoor education.
Tour highlights
Colors of Ruska
September turns Lapland gold, red, and orange — the most magical season to hike
Two Worlds in One Trek
Daytime for hiking, nighttime for chasing the magic of the aurora borealis
Ropi Summit
Climb the fell for sweeping views — even Norway and Sweden may appear on the horizon
Route details
Day 1
Welcome to Ylläs
Arrival in Ylläs (nearest airport Kittilä 35 km, nearest train station Kolari 38 km). Settle into your hotel or B&B, enjoy dinner together, and join a safety briefing.
Day 2
First Steps into the Wilderness
Day 3
Through Untamed Landscapes
Day 4
Reindeer Trails and Aurora Nights
Day 5
Summit of Ropi Fell
Day 6
Farewell to the Wilds
Day 7
Goodbye Lapland
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments
Fairly easy hiking distances (5–15 km/day).
Accommodation
Comfort
Basic
Midscale
Hotel
2 nights
Tent
3 nights
2 nights
Hotel in Ylläsjärvi
The adventure starts at a nice hotel in Ylläsjärvi, where we all meet up for dinner and briefing. On the final day we will come back and you can enjoy the spa and restaurant facilities.
3 nights
Tent
Conditions
Included
- sleeping equipment: tents, sleeping bags, mattresses;
- accommodation before and after the hike;
- dinner & breakfast at accommodation upon arrival and after the hike;
- breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for each day on trail;
- gear list;
- professional wilderness guide;
- safety briefing.
Extras
- flights/train/bus to Finnish Lapland (nearest airport Kittilä);
- transportation to the accommodation;
- backpacks;
- outdoor clothing (gear list will be provided);
- camera and tripod;
- own travel and accident insurance (mandatory on this trek).
It's important to know
Key points
- Excellent chances to see the Northern Lights
- Off-trail hiking in remote wilderness
- Sleeping in tents, carrying your own backpack
- No other people, no cell phone connection
- Ruska: the most colourful time of year in Lapland
- Pristine nature, wild berries, crystal-clear waters
- Fairly easy hiking distances (5–15 km/day)
- Chance to learn bushcraft skills
- Meeting point at hotel Saaga in Ylläsjärvi (35km from Kittilä airport)
- 5 days in the wild, 7 days in total
What is Ruska?
How can I get to Ylläs?
Cancellation of booking
Reviews
- MTMarkus T.about provider18 Mar, 2025Our 4-day ski touring adventure in the Kilpisjärvi region was absolutely fantastic. The landscapes were surreal - a winter wonderland at its finest. Joona and Minttu were our guides, and their calm, confident leadership made the whole journey feel both safe and exciting. There were challenging routes for the adventurous and easier ones for those wanting to enjoy the scenery. At the end of each day, we could either stay in cozy wilderness cabins or brave the elements and sleep in tents - a true Arctic experience! If you’re looking for a meaningful, nature-based adventure - this is the one. Can’t recommend it enough!
- EEmmaabout provider25 Feb, 2025Joona and Minttu truly turned our trip into something magical. Their professionalism, deep knowledge, and ability to support everyone in a mixed-level group really stood out. You can tell how much they care - they shared their best tips, made sure everyone was safe and happy, and did it all with so much heart and humour. They’re not just great guides - they’re genuinely amazing people! My 4-day ski expedition was an experience I’ll never forget. Highly recommended with all my heart ❤️
- LLiamabout provider6 Jan, 2025Exploring the Arctic winter in Lapland with snowshoes was something I’ll never forget. The conditions were intense, but that’s exactly what made it such an adventure. Our guides, Minttu and Joona, were absolute legends - knowledgeable, prepared, and incredibly supportive. What made it even more special was the bond we formed - we began the trip as clients and guides, and ended it as friends. Thank you both for creating a truly standout experience. I’ll be recommending this trip to every fellow adventurer I know!
