In autumn foliage season, Muonio is like a work of art painted by nature. The fells, rivers, and forests ignite in golden, red, and copper tones – and there’s hardly a better place to enjoy nature’s color therapy. Here are the best tips for experiencing the autumn colors in Muonio!
Best Hiking/Outdoor Trails
Särkitunturi
The trail leading to the top of Särkitunturi is one of the most popular in Muonio, and for good reason: from the summit, the view opens directly towards the Pallastunturi fells. The approximately 6 km hike is suitable for the whole family and rewards you with breathtaking scenery. About halfway along the route, there is a lean-to shelter, perfect for enjoying packed snacks while admiring the autumn colors.
- Trail length: approx. 6 km round trip
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Campfire site available
Pyhäjoki Nature Trail
The Pyhäjoki Nature Trail offers a unique view into a lush spruce forest and its wildlife. Majestic rocky shores and old-growth forest create an atmospheric environment. The trail runs through easy but varied terrain. Along the way, you can admire Lommoltunturi and the nearby Pallastunturi fells.
- Length: 3.6 km (circular route)
- Difficulty level: Easy
Taivaskero Trail
The Taivaskero Trail is one of the classic routes in the Muonio and Pallas area, and it is especially breathtaking during the autumn foliage season. The trail leads you to one of the highest peaks of the Pallas fells (809 m). The route runs across open fell terrain, where vast views open up over the Lapland wilderness – in autumn, the scenery is truly unmatched.
- Route length: 8.2 km (circular route)
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Keimiötunturi
Keimiötunturi is one of Muonio’s hidden gems – a small but impressive fell that offers stunning views and an easily accessible hiking destination. From the top, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, filled with majestic fells and deep-blue lakes.
- Trail length: approx. 5 km round trip
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Other Places to Visit
Keimiöniemi Fishing huts
The fishing huts located in Keimiöniemi are considered one of the Seven Wonders of Finland, making the area a culturally significant attraction. The original huts date back to the 16th century, while the oldest of the existing ones are from the 18th century. The huts are privately owned, so it is not possible to visit their interiors, but a trip to the lakeshore is well worth it. On-site you can sense the presence of generations past – and you might even hear some of today’s Jerisjärvi locals sharing their fishing tales.
Äijäkoski rapids
Äijäkoski is one of the most impressive and memorable sights along the Muonio River – and an especially beautiful place to visit in autumn during the ruska season. On the riverbank, there is a stunning viewpoint that is easy to reach. Nearby, along a path leading south from the viewpoint, you will also find a campfire spot.
Pakasaivo
Pakasaivo is one of Muonio’s most fascinating and mysterious natural attractions – a place that combines stunning scenery, geological uniqueness and the sacredness associated with Sámi culture. Pakasaivo is a gorge lake, or so-called “saivojärvi”, sometimes also called the Hell of Lapland. It was formed after the Ice Age, when meltwater eroded a deep gorge. The lake is about 60 meters deep and is surrounded by steep rock walls, which make the landscape unique.
Other activities
Arctic Sauna World
After a day of exploring the fells and nature, your journey of discovery continues naturally in the sauna world at Jeris Lakeside Resort. Arctic Sauna World is a unique place where the four elements – earth, water, air, and fire – combine to form a fifth element: the steamy spirit of the sauna. The different saunas in the sauna world offer a diverse sauna experience even for the most demanding sauna-goers. Enjoy the heat of Vellamo, Tapio, Ukko, and Repo, relax in the lounge, and refresh yourself in the cool waters of Lake Jerisjärvi.
Biking
Muonio is also a great destination for mountain biking enthusiasts, especially during the fall when the trails run through glowing forests and open fells. The beautiful scenery, varied terrain, and roads leading from village to village are perfect for road and mountain biking. There are several trails suitable for mountain biking in Muonio. The easiest trails are the Ratsutie cycling trail, which leads from the center of Muonio along an old road to Lake Särkijärvi, and the 12-kilometer loop at the foot of Olostunturi. More varied terrain can be found on the old road crossing Sammaltunturi in the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. You can read more about fishing here.
- Bicycles are available for hire from: Lapland Hotels Pallas, Wildmaker Lapland
Fishing
Fishing in Muonio is a wonderful experience in the fall, when nature is dressed in autumn colors and the rivers and lakes calm down. Fishing in Muonio’s long rivers and numerous small lakes is a passion for many anglers. This small area boasts fell lakes, streams, long rivers, and hundreds of lakes. The most common fish in the lakes are traditionally pike, whitefish, vendace, perch, burbot, and ruffe. Please note that in autumn, closed seasons begin in many places and fishing is not permitted in many areas. You can read more about fishing here.
- Fishing programs are offered by: Keimiön koukkaus, Visanto Lodge
Canoeing
The numerous rivers and lakes of Muonio offer the perfect setting for canoeing in the fall. During the autumn colors season, the rivers and lakes glow yellow, orange, and red, and the colors of the fells reflected on the water’s surface create an almost magical atmosphere. You can find out more about Muonio’s diverse canoeing routes here.
- For more information about canoeing programs, please contact: PuroPuro
Restaurants
- Lapland Hotels Pallas
The restaurant at Lapland Hotels Pallas serves guests returning to the fells year after year with a generous breakfast buffet featuring northern flavors and a high-quality à la carte menu. After a day of hiking or trekking, you can enjoy sure-fire favorites from the menu, from salmon soup to reindeer stew. - Jeris Lakeside Resort
The restaurant at Jeris Lakeside Resort offers a delightful culinary experience with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. - Restaurant Kammari
Kammari is a cozy and welcoming restaurant in Olostunturi, Muonio. The food is delicious, the portions are generous, and the service is attentive. - Tunturiporo
We are a restaurant in Muonio offering delicious food with reindeer as the main ingredient. Come and enjoy the Lapland atmosphere and taste our unique dishes. - Lapland Hotels Olos
There are three restaurants in the Lapland Hotels Olos area. In addition to the Takka restaurant in the main building, there is a traditional log restaurant and the Polar Kota at the Olos Polar Center. Polar Kota serves ski slope food during the ski season and movie snacks during movie times. The traditional Hirsiravintola restaurant serves a northern-style breakfast and, during the high season, a lunch and dinner buffet. - Swiss Café Konditoria
Swiss Café Konditoria is a local patisserie and Finland’s northernmost chocolate workshop, located right in the center of Muonio. All Swiss Café’s cakes and pastries are made on site using only the finest ingredients.
