Ranua Wildlife Park
The northernmost zoo in the world - a boardwalk through the forest past polar bears, wolverines, lynx and the other animals of the Arctic.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Ranua is the northernmost zoo in Finland, a long boardwalk winding through genuine Lapland forest past enclosures of Arctic and northern animals: polar bears, brown bears, wolverines, lynx, musk oxen and reindeer, kept in the climate they belong to. Seeing a polar bear in falling snow is its signature.
What you actually see
- The polar bears - the zoo's stars, in a large forest enclosure.
- Wolverines and lynx - the elusive predators of the north.
- Musk oxen and reindeer - the large grazers of the Arctic.
- The forest boardwalk - the long raised path linking the enclosures.
When to go
Winter for the Arctic animals in their element and the snowy atmosphere; summer for active animals and easier walking. It works year-round given the northern species.
Honest expectations
It is a real zoo with the questions that raises, though it focuses on cold-climate species suited to the place. The long boardwalk means a fair walk in whatever weather, so dress for it. It is out in the countryside, an hour from Rovaniemi.
Nearby
Rovaniemi and the Santa village are about an hour north; the Lapland forests spread around.
What to pack for Ranua Wildlife Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
