Visiting The Amazing Ranua Zoo? Everything You Need To Know

You’re planning a trip to Lapland—or maybe you’re already there—and have come across Ranua Zoo or you’ve seen ads for it. But you’re unsure. Is it just a tourist trap? Is Ranua Zoo actually worth the visit?

You’re in the right place! In this in-depth guide, we’ll share exactly what to expect, how to get there and what animals you’ll see, so you can decide for yourself. But our personal opinion? Yes—Ranua Zoo is definitely worth visiting, even if you’re not the biggest animal lover!

What is Ranua Zoo?

Ranua Zoo, officially called Ranua Wildlife Park, is tucked away in the serene, snow-covered forests of Finnish Lapland.

What makes Ranua unique is that it’s not your typical city zoo. It’s a walk-through wildlife park designed to showcase northern species in a setting that feels more like a tranquil forest trail than an animal exhibit. It’s actually home to Finland’s only polar bears, which in itself is reason enough to visit if you ask us. But beyond the polar bears, you’ll find over 50 species of Arctic and subarctic animals, including lynxes, wolves, arctic foxes, and a whole 8 species of owls.

We visited in late November, and although it wasn’t yet the coldest part of winter, the entire zoo was already blanketed in a soft layer of snow. It felt like we had stepped into a fairytale forest. The animals looked right at home, framed by snow-laden trees and frozen ponds. It’s worth noting that the brown bear was already hibernating, as it usually does in the colder months—something to be aware of if you have your heart set on seeing one.

How to Get to Ranua Zoo?

Ranua Zoo is about 80 kilometers (roughly 50 miles) south of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and a popular base for many travellers. Getting there is surprisingly straightforward, and you have a few solid options depending on your travel style and budget.

By car:

• The easiest and most flexible option
• About 1 hour from Rovaniemi
• Very little traffic and a scenic drive

If you’re renting a car during your stay in Lapland, driving to Ranua is definitely the easiest and most flexible option. The drive from Rovaniemi takes just over an hour, and it’s honestly a lovely experience. The road winds through peaceful forests and frozen landscapes, and on the day we went, there was barely another car in sight. It felt like we were driving into the heart of the Arctic wilderness, yet the roads were in excellent condition.

❄️ For practical tips about driving, we’ve put together a must-read guide before you set out. How to Drive in Lapland in Winter

By bus:

• Regular connections from Rovaniemi
• Stops right in front of the zoo
• Takes a little over an hour
• Tickets start at €16
• For more info and to book your ticket, check the provider’s official website.

If you don’t have a car, don’t worry—you can still reach Ranua easily. There’s a regular bus service from Rovaniemi that runs up to four times a day, and conveniently, it drops you off right in front of the zoo entrance. The journey also takes just a little over an hour, and tickets start at €16, which is great value.

By transfer:

• Many hotels and resorts offer excursions including transport
• Most convenient, but also pricier
• Great if you prefer not to worry about logistics

For those looking for maximum ease (or perhaps traveling with kids or seniors), another option is booking a transfer through your hotel or a local safari company. Most resorts in Lapland offer excursions to Ranua that include transportation. Of course, this is the pricier option, but it does take all the stress out of planning. You’ll be picked up and dropped off directly from your accommodation and won’t need to worry about navigating icy roads or public transport schedules.

👉 A Couple of Winter Travel Tips

If you’re visiting during the winter months (which most people do), there are a couple of important things to keep in mind. Firstly, the days are incredibly short—we’re talking just a few hours of daylight in mid-winter. This means you’ll want to plan your departure and return times carefully to make the most of the light.

Secondly, even though the roads are well-maintained, driving in Lapland can be a very different experience if you’re used to warmer climates. Snow tires are mandatory (your rental car will have them, no worries), and you should take it slow and steady.

What Animals Can You See at Ranua Zoo?

Ranua Zoo is home to around 150 animals representing roughly 50 northern species, and the focus here is clearly on creatures that thrive in Arctic and subarctic climates. This makes for a fascinating and unique experience compared to a traditional zoo.

Among the stars of the show are, of course, Finland’s only polar bears. Watching these magnificent creatures lumber through snow-covered terrain is an unforgettable sight. But the list of remarkable residents doesn’t end there. You’ll also see arctic foxes, whose coats change with the seasons, giving them a ghost-like appearance against the snow in winter. Lynxes roam gracefully through wooded enclosures, and wolverines—one of the Arctic’s most elusive animals—make their home here too.

You’ll also spot moose, reindeer, wolves, and an impressive variety of owls—eight different species, in fact. There’s something really magical about seeing owls silently glide from one snow-covered branch to another.

What really stood out to us was the layout and design of the park itself. The enclosures are enormous and designed to mimic the animals’ natural environments as closely as possible. You walk along a wooden boardwalk for nearly the entire route, winding through forest paths that feel immersive and peaceful. For many of the carnivores—like wolves, lynxes, and the polar bears—the boardwalk actually goes above their enclosures, offering elevated views that are unique.

One of our personal highlights was seeing the wolf pack—there were about 6 or 7 of them. It’s rare to see wolves in such an open and dynamic setting, and watching them interact as a group was absolutely phenomenal. The lynxes were also a favorite—mysterious and elegant, they have an almost mythical presence.

💡 Do keep in mind that if you visit in winter, the brown bear will be hibernating and won’t be visible. In the summer months, you’ll also find a petting zoo with domestic animals like goats and turkeys, which is especially great for young kids.

Is Ranua Zoo Child-Friendly?

In a word—yes, absolutely.

We visited with our 10-month-old baby, and while he naturally didn’t take in too much (thanks in part to a two-hour nap!), we were pleasantly surprised at how stroller-friendly the entire park was. There wasn’t a single path or enclosure we couldn’t access, and everything was well-maintained and clearly marked.

If you don’t bring your own stroller but think you might need one, the zoo rents them out for just €1, which is such a thoughtful touch.

During the summer months, there’s a playground and a petting zoo, which makes Ranua even more appealing for kids. Another bonus is the chance to witness live animal feedings. While these aren’t on a fixed daily schedule, you can always ask at the reception when you arrive or check their social media for updates. The feeding sessions are a real treat and give you a chance to see the animals more active and up close.

We also appreciated the educational signage throughout the park—each enclosure had well-written and engaging information, which added depth to the experience and helped us learn more about the animals we were seeing.

Facilities and Restaurants at Ranua Zoo

Dinning Options:

If you’re spending a few hours at the zoo, chances are you’ll want to stop for a bite to eat—and luckily, you have some solid options.

Wild Arctic Restaurant (inside the zoo):

• Near the entrance
• Lunch buffet: €15 per person
• Kids under 3 eat free
• The best part? You can re-enter the park after eating

Bistro Bubo (outside the zoo):

• Also offers a buffet, plus pizza and burgers
• ❗ Currently closed for renovations, we expect it to reopen for the next winter season

Shopping:

Before you leave, make sure to check out the gift shop, where you can pick up a souvenir to remember your visit. And if you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss the Fazer shop just outside the zoo gates. Fazer is Finland’s most beloved chocolate brand, and the green jelly-filled chocolate is especially unique—give it a try if it’s available!

How Much Do Tickets for Ranua Zoo Cost?

Here are the current ticket prices for Ranua Zoo, valid through March 31, 2026:

• Adults: €26.50/ €24.50 Online
• Children (4–14): €22.00/ €20.00 Online
• Children under 4: Free
• Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €80.00/ €74.00 online
• Discounted online tickets: Save around €2 per person by booking online instead of buying at the gate
• For more information or to book your tickets, visit their website.

You can also book a guided tour through the official website. These start at around €75 per person and include some really unique experiences, like feeding the animals and getting closer views with a knowledgeable guide. Private tours can also be arranged via their contact form and are perfect if you’re looking for something extra special.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Ranua Zoo? Winter vs. Summer

Both seasons offer something different, and it really depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

Winter at Ranua is truly magical. The snow transforms the entire park into a fairy-tale setting, and cold-loving animals like polar bears and wolves are at their most active. However, the trade-off is that daylight is limited, and some animals (like the brown bear) won’t be visible.

In summer, the days are long and bright, giving you all the time in the world to explore. You’ll also get to see animals that hibernate in winter, and kids will love the petting zoo and playground.

👉 If you’re visiting in winter, dressing in layers is crucial. The temperatures can drop well below freezing, and you’ll want to stay warm and dry.

❄️ We’ve put together a detailed post on how to dress for winter in Lapland, which will help you prepare.

How Much Time Do You Need for Ranua Zoo?

We recommend giving yourself anywhere between 2 and 5 hours for your visit, depending on your pace and how much you want to see. The walking path through the zoo is about 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles), but you’ll likely spend more time than expected simply taking in the surroundings.

We arrived shortly after opening at 10:00 AM and didn’t leave until 3:30 PM—and we weren’t rushing. That included time for lunch, browsing the gift shop, and just soaking up the peaceful forest atmosphere. Especially in winter, when the day ends early, time really does fly by.

Conclusion: Should You Visit Ranua Zoo?

Yes—absolutely.
Whether you’re traveling with kids, a fan of wildlife, or simply curious about Lapland’s natural world, Ranua offers an authentic, serene, and unforgettable Arctic experience.

It’s most enjoyable in winter if you want those snowy, postcard-perfect scenes and a quieter atmosphere, but summer visits offer more daylight and the full line up of animals.

The only time we’d say it might not be worth it is if you have a very tight itinerary and won’t be able to spend at least 2–3 hours there. But if you can carve out half a day, it’s one of the most rewarding and relaxing excursions you can take in Lapland.

FAQs about Ranua Zoo