Experience Finnish autumn with a rental car: top destinations & tips

In this article, you will find the best tips for autumn travel in Finland with a rental car, as well as the best travel destinations and tips for the journey. We have had a warm and pleasant Finnish summer, but fortunately, there is no need for sad goodbyes, as one of Finland’s most beautiful travel seasons is just around the corner – autumn. A rental car is the perfect travel companion for enjoying the magnificent colors of the autumn foliage. With 24Rent, you don’t need your own car: you have access to nearly 1,000 shared cars in 37 cities, and you can quickly reserve a car online or with our mobile app whenever you need one. Autumn foliage tourism couldn’t be easier!

When should you set off?

In Lapland, the foliage (ruska) typically starts in early September and then sweeps rapidly south. In southern Finland, colors are usually at their best around late September to early October. The season is short—only a few weeks—which is why a rental adds welcome flexibility to your plans.

If you’re heading to northernmost Lapland, hit the road at the beginning of September. For southern Lapland, plan your trip from mid-September through the end of the month.

Top destinations

• • Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park draws plenty of travelers during ruska for it’s gorgeous views.

     

  • Urho Kekkonen National Park spans the municipalities of Savukoski, Sodankylä, and Inari. It’s a must for anyone who wants to see a magnificent wilderness.

     

  • Lemmenjoki National Park in Inari and Kittilä is Finland’s largest national park—something everyone should witness at least once in their life.

     

  • Levi (Levitunturi) is a beloved destination and home to Finland’s second-largest winter sports center. Beyond ski trips, Levi is a popular ruska getaway. Fun fact: Levi’s summit sits 530.3 meters above sea level.

     

  Käsivarsi region is your pick if you want the northernmost Finland experience. You’ll find Halti, Finland’s highest fell, and the vast Käsivarsi Wilderness Area.

Perfect view for an autumn journey.

Pick the right vehicle

Destination aside, choosing the right ride matters. For two people, a compact car is more than enough. Traveling with the family? Book at least a station wagon. For rougher northern routes while hunting for the autumn colors, a sturdier choice is an SUV. Our many station wagons will also be a great alternative for an SUV. 

If you’ll be driving in demanding terrain, check out our all-wheel-drive options that make driving easier and safer—like the AWD Suzuki Vitara, which turns the experience into pure comfort. Explore our newest vehicles here.

The Finnish weather can be dark and cold, but all of our rental cars are new, shiny and well maintained. No matter if it’s day or night, our 24/7 road service will help you should you need it. 

Oneway makes trips flexible

Our Oneway rental makes a ruska road trip especially easy: pick up your car in one city and return it in another—no mandatory backtracking. Plan your route to match your needs. For example, start in Tampere and drop the car in Rovaniemi, then hop on a train home. Learn more about the flexible Oneway options for passenger cars here.

A rental car makes your autumn journey easy and carefree.

Combining train travel with a rental car is easy

You don’t have to start your Lapland journey behind the wheel. Beginning your trip on a comfortable train is a delight, with sweeping autumn views as a preview of the Lapland colors to come. Once you arrive, renting a car is a convenient way to get around without relying on public transport or taxis. 24Rent has plenty of shared cars near Rovaniemi railway station, so you can head into Lapland straight from the train.

Flying is another great option if you want to kick off your foliage trip quickly, conveniently, and comfortably. Fly to Oulu or Kittilä (Levi) and continue straight toward Lapland’s colors in a 24Rent shared car of your choice.

What to pack with you?

What goes in the trunk depends on your destination and trip length. On 24Rent’s site you can reserve exactly the size of car your route and timing require—and choose your return day and location with plenty of flexibility.

At minimum, pack warm, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, a thermos filled with coffee or tea, some bandages, and possibly a flashlight after sundown. Other handy items include a camera to capture the season’s magical colors.

On 24Rent’s homepage, it’s easy to filter cars by luggage space so your bigger backpacks and hiking gear fit without any awkward Tetris.

Your luggage will fit nicely in the station wagon’s trunk. 

24Leasing lets you stay longer

Fell in love with Lapland during your foliage trip and want to stay well into winter? 24Leasing makes it possible. Our affordable, flexible leasing service gets you a car in Oulu or Rovaniemi for 2–12 months—quickly, easily, and with no commitments or hidden fees. You pay only the monthly price and fuel.

Read more about our leasing service here.

Quick traveler’s checklist

• A reliable vehicle suited to your trip
  
• Weatherproof clothing, comfortable shoes, and enough spare layers
  
• Plenty of snacks for the whole crew
  
• Plan well—and take advantage of 24Rent’s Oneway service
  
• Respect nature and fellow travelers
  
• Don’t forget your smile and good spirits

Experience beautiful things with a rental car.

This is how easy it is  – book a car for your journey 

1. Our service offers a wide range of car models for all your everyday and holiday needs.
2. Download our mobile app to book a car anywhere any time. 
3. Choose a vehicle near you – almost 1000 vehicles in 37 cities.
4. Experience wonderful moments at an affordable price with a rental car.
5. Book your car on our website.