Ranua Wildlife Park, opened in 1983, is a zoo devoted to the animals of the Arctic and the northern forests. It sits in pine woods on the edge of the small town of Ranua, about 80 kilometres south of Rovaniemi, and is open every day of the year.
Around 50 species and some 200 animals live here, in enclosures that are large, wooded and — in winter — deep in snow. For most visitors the main attraction is the polar bears, the only ones in Finland. It is an easy, low-effort half-day that works for every age, and tours with transport and tickets leave Rovaniemi daily in season.
What to see and do: Ranua Wildlife Park
See the polar bears
The bears have a large enclosure with a pool at the far end of the trail. In winter they are in their element, rolling and digging in the snow. A cub was born here in 2011 and again in 2016, to much national excitement.
Predators of the north
Brown bears (which hibernate through the winter), wolves, lynx and wolverines — the four large carnivores of Finland — are all here, along with Arctic and red foxes, otters and pine martens. Lynx and wolverine are almost impossible to see in the wild, so this is your chance.
Deer, moose and musk oxen
The hoofed animals include moose, forest reindeer — the wild cousin of the herded reindeer you meet on farms — roe deer and shaggy musk oxen.
Owls and birds of prey
The first part of the trail passes aviaries of northern owls, from the tiny pygmy owl to the great grey owl and the snowy owl, as well as golden eagles.
Extras for families
By the entrance are a children’s domestic-animal park, a sweet-factory shop, restaurants and, in winter, short husky, reindeer and snowmobile rides. In the Christmas season parts of the trail are lit with thousands of lanterns.
How to get to Ranua Wildlife Park
- By car it is about an hour south of Rovaniemi on road 78. Parking is free.
- A scheduled bus runs between Rovaniemi and Ranua, but services are few; check times carefully if you plan to rely on it.
- Most visitors come on a half-day tour with hotel pickup, entrance ticket and around two and a half hours at the park.
Insider tips
- The trail is a wooden boardwalk of nearly three kilometres, almost all outdoors. Dress as warmly as you would for a safari.
- Sledges for pulling small children are available at the entrance in winter.
- Animals are most active in the morning and in cold weather; brown bears are asleep from roughly November to March.
- Holiday villas and glass-roofed igloos beside the park make Ranua a possible overnight stop — see where to stay.
Best tours & tickets for Ranua Wildlife Park
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park:
Day trip with entry ticket from €99 Rovaniemi: Ranua Wildlife Park Ticket with Transportation
An easy half-day to the Arctic zoo at Ranua, about an hour south. A boardwalk winds through the forest past some 50 northern species kept in large, natural enclosures. Animals are generally livelier in the cold, so winter is a good time to go.
- Finland’s only polar bears
- Lynx, wolverine, moose and owls
- Return transport and ticket included
Reindeer farm visit from €87 Rovaniemi: Reindeer Experience with Sleigh Ride
The best-value reindeer outing and one of the most reviewed. You are driven to a farm, meet the herd and ride in a sleigh at a reindeer’s unhurried walking pace — a calm contrast to the huskies. Ride length varies with the option you choose.
- Sleigh ride through the forest
- Feed the reindeer
- Learn about herding from the farmers
Full-day combo tour from €188 Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village
The classic first day in Rovaniemi rolled into one booking, and the most reviewed combination tour in town. You visit a husky kennel and a reindeer farm for short rides, then have free time at Santa Claus Village to cross the Arctic Circle, post a card and meet Santa. The rides are tasters rather than long safaris.
- Short husky sled ride and reindeer sleigh ride
- Time at Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle
- Transport and winter clothing included
