Drought causes early leaf changes in Lapland’s ruska season despite tourist enthusiasm

Typically, the autumn foliage season, or “ruska,” in Lapland begins in late August or early September. However, this year, drought has caused the leaves to change color much earlier than usual. Despite the lackluster display of colors, tourists visiting Lapland are not discouraged. Aimo Massinen, an experienced ruska tourist from Mikkeli, commented, “The leaves appear a bit dirty, but that doesn’t matter; nature is what is essential.”

Some tourists are somewhat disappointed by the subdued hues, but there are still pockets of color provided by various berries. “If we start to experience colder nights, we might still see a beautiful variety of colors,” noted Päivi Kurki.

According to Professor Anne Tolvanen of the Natural Resources Institute, not every year’s ruska is equally vibrant. The excessive drought this summer has yellowed the leaves prematurely, particularly in trees that may have already suffered leaf loss. Additionally, birch rust, a fungal disease, has contributed to the yellowing of birch trees across parts of Lapland.

Despite the muted colors, the ruska tourism season remains strong. My Manner, manager of the Tunturihotelli in Saariselkä, reported no cancellations due to the lack of vibrant colors, indicating a robust demand for bookings.

For many, ruska offers more than just visual beauty; it’s also an opportunity for togetherness and outdoor activities. Lotta Jordberg-Hietanen, on a trip from Salo, stated that despite the color disappointment, the warmth and sunshine of the experience more than compensate. Ultimately, she believes that the perception of ruska is a matter of attitude, as there is much to appreciate beyond the colors.