This is ruska. (n the Finnish language, this stunning phenomenon that paints northern landscapes in deep and soft tones is called ‘ruska’.
What is ruska?
Ruska comes from the Sami word “ruškat”, and close to the Finnish word ruskea which means brown. This refers to the time of the year when the spectacular natural phenomena of the autumn foliage happen, or when leaves change colors and the trees get ready for winter.
There are two different types of ruska; puuruska and maaruska. In Finnish language, puu means tree, therefore puuruska refers to the leaves of the trees changing to different colors. Maa means land, ground, or soil; so maaruska, when translated to English, means bushes and plants of the ground changing their colors. The maaruska is especially beautiful to see in blueberry bushes at the forest. The colors are very bright and intense, creating the perfect spot for that perfect shot, or most of the time, simply an immeasurable and breathtaking view that a photo can’t even justify.
Typically, ruska starts in the north of Finland in early September and gradually moves southward. By late September to early October, the southern parts of the country, including Helsinki, will be in the full throes of this colorful season.
Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, offers some of the most stunning ruska views. The fells and vast wilderness areas, interspersed with crystal-clear lakes and rivers, provide a perfect backdrop for the red and gold leaves.
I took these last weekend, and since then, this week the colors have intensified spectacularly. Hopefully, the rain and winds of the autumn storm pass swiftly, allowing the beauty of nature to remain mainly undisturbed. I hope for a chance to photograph the stunning fall leaves again in the coming days, capturing the fleeting beauty of the season.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
I have kitchen stoneware from Finland called Ruska. It is brown. Now I know what it means. Gorgeous photographs.
Darlene, it is a classic, I have always liked the cups and plates. Timeless
Gorgeous photos
How beautiful Ritva. I hope you do get to photograph the area again before winter sets in.
What lovely images, Ritva! I do hope you are able to return again soon
What a sight to see! I bet the reflections must be just as stunning as what you showed us here.
So lovely, wonderful photos. Thanks for the language lesson too
It’s worth waiting for, Ritva.
Wonderful photos! It’s also wonderful to learn something new – ruska.
Beautiful.
Gotta say that top photo or header is a stunner Ritva.
Stunning, peaceful views.
I like the way the colors are blended in the reflections.
❤️
Breathtaking captures of a mesmerizing season! Make me want to be right there in the middle of it! A beautiful, inspiring post with an interesting language lesson on top…🤎
Thanks, it is so beautiful at the moment. One word covers a lot.
True. Enjoy to the fullest!
Finland looks amazing!