Autumn and ruska at Pyhä Ski Resort

Autumn at Pyhä Ski Resort offers endless tranquility and opportunities for outdoor activities. In the ancient landscapes of Finland's oldest national park, you can enjoy hiking, downhill and mountain biking, yoga, and rock climbing. The mystical nature of Pyhä and its diverse services ensure that everyone finds their own way to experience the fell covered with autumn colors. Here are seven recommendations for enjoying autumn at Pyhä.

"Ruska" is a Finnish word that refers to the vibrant autumn foliage, particularly the phenomenon where the leaves of trees and plants turn various shades of red, yellow, and orange during the fall season.

1. Ride the scenic lift to the summit and art trail

Take the scenic lift to the summit of Pyhä and explore the delightful Huttu-Ukko art trail. Along the way, you can sit on a swing or have a picnic at a stone table while being watched by the gnomes. On the other side of the fell's summit, you can enjoy a fire at the scenic cabin, which offers breathtaking views. The lift ride itself is an experience, especially when descending!

Tip! Walk around the mast at the summit to the starting point of the trail leading into the national park. From here, you can see stunning views directly towards Ukonhattu and Noitatunturi.

On the Huttu-Ukon art trail, you can swing at the summit of the fell.

2. Hike the boardwalks of the aapa mire

Immerse yourself in Pyhä's autumn on the boardwalks of the aapa mire along the Tunturiaapa nature trail. You’ll be able to admire the rugged fell range surrounded by the fresh scent of the mire. At Tiaislaavu, the friendly Siberian jays often delight hikers.

Tip! Take the route via Porolaavu and stroll through the lesser-known boardwalks. Here, you'll have plenty of personal space—encounters with others are few and far between, if at all.

Walking along the boardwalks of aapa mire, you can admire the fell range.

3. From the depths of Isokuru gorge to the summit of Uhriharju

In the same area, a visit to the bottom of Isokuru, Finland's deepest gorge, where the Pyhänkaste waterfall also flows, is a must. From the bottom of the gorge, steep stairs lead up to the magnificent views of Uhriharju. This trail is a must-experience when visiting Pyhä.

Tip! Take the scenic lift to the summit of the fell with a one-way ticket, and then descend towards Uhriharju, saving the Isokuru gorge for last. This way, you cut off a couple of kilometers from the “more ordinary” part of the trail.

Isokuru gorge makes you feel small. Along the way, information boards tell the history of the place.

4. Electric mountain biking to a neighboring fell

There are about 40 kilometers of mountain biking trails in the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. On an electric bike rented from the Kultakero rental, the journey is effortless, allowing you to focus on the essentials: the ruska-covered fells. From Pyhä, it's definitely worth taking a trip to the top of the neighboring Soutaja fell or further to the Luosto Amethyst Mine.

Tip! The Kultakero rental also has electric bikes suitable for younger riders.

The trails range from smooth paths to rockier routes, catering to all levels of cyclists.

5. Unwind with Yoga and Adventure in the Heights

Relax and tune into autumn with a yoga class. Valo Wellbeing offers Yin, Flow, and Hatha classes weekly in the hotel’s gym. Spaces are limited, so it’s recommended to book in advance.

In Finland's only Pyhäkuru Rock Adventure Park, you can climb and zipline over the gorge above Tajukangas. Set aside about 1.5 hours for this incredible adventure.

Tip! Pyhä offers activities for all tastes. Check out the pyha.fi events and activities calendar for the most appealing options.

Pyhäkuru is Finland's only cliff adventure park. This adventure is also suitable for beginners!

6. Pyhä Flow – the most scenic downhill biking trail in Finland

Pyhä's downhill biking trail Pyhä Flow, completed in the summer of 2024, offers just the right amount of excitement for downhill bikers of all levels. The upper part of the trail is rated green, while the middle and lower sections are blue. Experienced riders can get more out of the trail by easing off the brakes.

Tip! Beginners can first get a feel for the trail on the free Mini Flow trail next to the Magic Carpet lift.

You can ride Pyhä Flow with a regular mountain bike, though a full-face helmet, other protective gear, and a downhill bike are recommended.

7. Savor Culinary Delights

Pyhä's restaurant offerings are surprisingly diverse. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch or a cozy dinner, Pyhä offers culinary experiences that will satisfy your palate. The warm service and stunning settings make dining an integral part of the unique mountain experience. Check out these options:

Tip! Enjoy coffee and pastries at the lobby tables of Hotel Pyhätunturi. You can also grab snacks for your hike from the R-kioski minimarket. For the tastiest veggie burgers, head to the Carlsberg House.

Book your fell home for autumn from Pyhä Ski Resort's Ski-Inn accommodation selection:

You might be thrilled to hear that:

The autumn night sky is the stage for the Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis can be seen in the sky from mid-August to mid-April. The dark evenings and nights of autumn are the perfect time to witness the Northern Lights at Pyhä. There is no light pollution here, and the best viewing spots are marked on the map.

Disc golf is played at the top of Pyhä

The easier Peak course, built by Pyhä's disc golf club in the summer of 2024, starts from the top of Pyhä. Have you ever played in such stunning scenery?

Relax in a hot tub in your apartment after a day of adventures

Pyhä's newest Ski-Inn Hotel, Kultakero, stands in the best location on the fell slope. Some of the apartments feature a balcony with a hot tub, inviting you to unwind after a day of adventures.