Ranua Wildlife Park: A Must-Visit for Nature Lovers Visiting Rovaniemi

Visiting the Ranua Wildlife Park is an absolute must for people who are visiting the beautiful city of Rovaniemi. Located just 45 kilometers south of Rovaniemi in the village of Ranua, the Wildlife Park offers amazing up-close-and-personal encounters with native and exotic animals—all set against the backdrop of stunning Lapland scenery. Whether you’re looking to be awed by nature or seek a thrilling theme park adventure, the Ranua Wildlife Park has something for everyone.

About Ranua Wildlife Park

In the late 1960s, the original Ranua Wildlife Reserve was established to preserve and facilitate research into the wild arctic species that call the region home. In 1999, the reserve was upgraded and transformed into one of Europe’s largest and most popular wildlife parks.

Spanning over 200 hectares (494 acres), the Ranua Wildlife Park’s landscape is truly breathtaking. Home to many exotic species, such as tigers and leopards, as well as native species like moose, elk, brown bears and wolves, the park offers wonderful opportunities to observe and learn about each of these animals. The national symbols of Finland—the Saimaa ringed seal and the white-throated dipper—are also present in the park.

A Variety of Activities

The Ranua Wildlife Park offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors to enjoy. From live performances and encounters with park ambassadors to fantastic playgrounds, there is no shortage of entertainment options available. Motorized hop-on bus routes guest through the vast park, giving visitors a unique and comfortable way to explore its attractions. There are also several snack and eateries situated throughout the park.

For animal lovers, the park offers a range of unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. Guests can participate in a range of interactive activities, from feeding and cuddling cute creatures to wearing traditional Lappish garments and even taking part in husky trials. Park guides are also available for guests who want to learn more about the animals in the park.

Must-See Attractions

The Ranua Wildlife Park is home to many incredible species and attractions, all of which are worth a visit. Here are a few must-sees that you won’t want to miss.

Ranua Zoo

This indoor zoo is home to a large variety of animals and birds, including Amur leopards, African lions and giraffes. During feeding time, visitors can get up close and personal with the animals as they feast on special diets prepared by the park’s expert zookeepers.

Wolves

The wolf area of the park is home to these majestic creatures in a unique habitat—one of the only places in all of Europe where wolves still roam free. Here, you’ll find a range of wolves in their natural habitat, as well as stunning sculptures and even an observation tower, allowing visitors to get an unforgettable view of these wild animals in action.

Saimaa Ringed Seal

The Saimaa ringed seal is one of Finland’s national symbols, so no visit to Ranua would be complete without taking a peek at these cute creatures. You can get up close to them in their purpose-built pool or even take part in special dive shows with professional scuba divers and experienced trainers—a great way to get even closer to animals without disturbing them in their natural habitat.

Make it a Whole Day Out

With so many activities and attractions available, it’s easy to make your visit to Ranua Wildlife Park into an all-day affair. From morning animal interactions, husky sledding and snowmobiling experiences in winter or summertime, swimming and diving activities, an educational Archers’ Path through the wildlife park’s forest trails to fun rides on the hop-on park bus—and don’t forget to enjoy some delicious snacks and meals available throughout Ranua Wildlife Park— makes for a great day out for both adults and children alike.

Planning Your Trip to Ranua Wildlife Park

If you are looking to include a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park as part of your trip to Rovaniemi, I highly recommend making plans to explore this amazing place. A perfect way to make sure that you don’t miss out on anything offered at the park is by booking a tour or an activity through one of the many platforms available online. For example, GetYourGuide (https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t388860?partner_id=UWJ1LS2) offers many high-quality tours and activities throughout Rovaniemi that will make your visit unforgettable and ensure that you get the most out of it.

Visiting Ranua Wildlife Park allows travelers to experience a unique aspect of Finnish culture and explore dozens of fascinating species in their natural habitats. For me personally, as a nature lover and someone who has visited Rovaniemi multiple times, exploring this beautiful place was an absolutely unforgettable experience!