Ranua Wildlife Park

The basics

Set deep in the Arctic countryside about an hour north of Rovaniemi, this impressive zoo focuses mainly on Finnish animals, with a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) boardwalk trail running past the individual habitats, a petting zoo in summer, and a Husky Park in winter. In addition to the Arctic mammals, the zoo houses owls, eagles, Arctic geese, and other birds. Join a tour of the zoo from Rovaniemi that includes round-trip transportation and pre-purchased tickets, so you can skip the line at the entrance to this popular wildlife park.

Things to know before you go

• The trail around the park is around 1.5 miles (2.5 km) and cold in winter, so dress appropriately.
• Kids especially enjoy the horse rides, sleds, and petting zoo; the zoo offers sleds in winter and strollers in summer.
• The boardwalk trail is completely accessible to wheelchair users.
• Visitors can purchase Lapland souvenirs in the museum shop.
• There are open fire stops and lean-tos along the route to warm up, and a café and restaurant.

How to get there

Ranua Wildlife Park is located in Ranua, 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Rovaniemi, the main city in Lapland. You can reach the zoo by car or bus in about 1 hour from downtown Rovaniemi.

When to get there

Ranua Wildlife Park is open all year round, with different activities according to the season. In the winter, the Husky Park is open and the zoo offers sleds and mini snowmobiles for kids to get around. In the summertime, kids can visit the petting zoo, see feedings, and take a turn on a mini-car track.

Activities near the Ranua Wildlife Park

Located deep in the Arctic forest, the wildlife park offers a number of snowy activities in the immediate area. Take a reindeer sled or snowmobile ride, sleep in a glass igloo to view the Northern Lights, and admire the snow and ice sculptures inside the park. You can even stop for a drink or snack at the zoo’s wintertime Ice Restaurant, a structure built entirely of snow and ice along the walking trail.