Ranua Wildlife Park
Ranua Eläinpuisto
The world's northernmost zoo. A 2.8-km snowy boardwalk through the forest lets you see polar bears, muskoxen, reindeer, wolverines, lynx and about 50 Arctic species.
Ranua Wildlife Park lies in coniferous forest 80 km south of Rovaniemi. It opened in 1983 and is the world's northernmost zoo. The park focuses on Arctic and native Nordic species. Its star attraction is the polar bear (the only one in Finland), alongside muskoxen, reindeer, moose, brown bears (not visible while hibernating), wolves, wolverines, lynx, Arctic foxes, snowy owls and more than 50 species, around 200 animals in total. They all live in large natural enclosures, and a roughly 2.8 km wooden boardwalk winds through the forest. In winter, thick snow and hoarfrost line the path, creating a strong Lapland atmosphere. Polar bear feeding takes place around 14:30. Adult tickets cost about €25–30 (more in winter), children about €20, and online purchases are slightly cheaper. The park has a Fazer chocolate shop, restaurants and the Gulo Gulo holiday cabins next door. In winter, huskies and reindeer sleigh rides are also available. Getting there: long-distance buses toward Ranua run from Rovaniemi about 1 hour 15 minutes (several a day, with direct zoo services in winter), and driving takes 1 hour. Most visitors take a half-day tour organized by their hotel, about €80–100 round trip. Note: in winter, wear non-slip shoes on the snowy paths. The whole visit is outdoors and takes 2–3 hours, and the restaurant offers a place to warm up midway. Children can ride in sleds pulled through the park.
Opening hours
10:00–16:00 (09:00–19:00 in summer), open year-round
Nearby sights
- Arctic Circle Hiking Area & Vikaköngäs
- Auttiköngäs
- Husky Safari Farms (e.g. Bearhill Husky)
- Santa Claus Reindeer
- Santa Claus Village
- Arctic Circle Line
- Ounasvaara
- SantaPark