🍂 Enjoying Autumn Across the Nordics
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, the Nordic region offers a tapestry of landscapes that shine brightest in autumn. From fiery forests and fjords to volcanic plains and Arctic tundra, here are our handpicked destinations for savoring the season—country by country.
🇩🇰 Denmark: Castles, Forests, and Coastal Light
Dyrehaven, north of Copenhagen – Just outside the capital, this deer park becomes a fairytale scene in October, with red and gold leaves framing herds of wild deer.
Mols Bjerge National Park, Jutland – Rolling hills, heathlands, and ancient burial mounds offer misty walks and panoramic views in autumn’s softer light.
Frederiksborg Castle Gardens, Hillerød – The Renaissance palace mirrored in a lake surrounded by blazing foliage is Denmark at its most romantic.
🇸🇪 Sweden: Forest Kingdoms and Lake Reflections
Dalarna – Traditional red cottages set against forests of birch and pine that blaze yellow and orange—a postcard autumn in central Sweden.
Lake Vänern – Sweden’s largest lake offers tranquil reflections of autumn colors, best enjoyed from cozy lakeside villages.
Abisko National Park, Lapland – The birch forests here turn golden in early autumn before giving way to Arctic landscapes and the first northern lights.
🇳🇴 Norway: Fjords and Mountains in Fire
Hardangerfjord – Famous for fruit orchards, autumn brings apple harvests and red-gold forests cascading down to the fjord.
Rondane National Park – One of Norway’s oldest parks, its mountains and valleys glow in amber and rust, ideal for hiking.
Lofoten Islands – Dramatic peaks and fishing villages under crisp autumn skies, with a chance of early aurora sightings.
🇫🇮 Finland: Quiet Lakes and Ruska Season
Lapland’s Ruska – A short but spectacular window (late September) when birches, aspens, and ground cover explode into yellow, orange, and crimson.
Koli National Park, North Karelia – Sweeping views over Lake Pielinen framed by fiery hillsides, inspiring countless Finnish painters.
Nuuksio National Park, near Helsinki – Easily reached from the capital, Nuuksio’s trails lead through colorful forests and peaceful lakes.
🇮🇸 Iceland: Autumn on the Edge of Fire and Ice
Þingvellir National Park – Golden mosses and birch trees line the rift valley where two continents meet.
Landmannalaugar – Autumn tints the rhyolite mountains with added depth, best admired during a hike before snow closes the trails.
Vatnajökull Region – Contrast fiery autumn tones with looming glaciers and early winter frost.
🇫🇴 Faroe Islands: Rugged Autumn Calm
Saksun – A tiny village framed by mountains and a tidal lagoon, cloaked in soft autumn mist.
Gjógv – Famous for its natural gorge and turf-roof houses, autumn adds a layer of quiet charm to this northern village.
🇬🇱 Greenland: Arctic Autumn Light
Ilulissat Icefjord – Watch the golden Arctic sun set behind massive icebergs, surrounded by tundra in autumn reds.
Kangerlussuaq – Accessible and ideal for autumn hikes, where dwarf birch and willow paint the tundra in deep colors under vast skies.
✨ How to Travel
Autumn in the Nordics is about slow journeys: train rides through forests, fjord ferries under low light, cozy cabins by lakes, and warm cafés after long hikes. Pack layers, bring a thermos of hot coffee or berry juice, and let the season guide you.
🍁 Wherever you go, autumn here is fleeting but unforgettable
Thank you for being a valued reader of the All Things Nordic Newsletter! Hyggeligt regards,
Frank Land
ATN Newsletter Editor
