Ranua Wildlife Park: A Must-Visit Winter Gem in Lapland

If you’re heading to Lapland this winter and love animals, you absolutely cannot miss a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park – a unique Arctic experience that brings you face-to-face with the creatures that call the snowy landscapes of Lapland home. Set against a stunning winter backdrop, this wildlife park offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness Arctic animals in their natural-like environments, all while enjoying the crisp, fresh air of the Finnish wilderness. In this article we tell you why we believe Ranua Wildlife Park is a must-visit winter gem in Lapland!

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Wildlife enthusiasts

Travelling from the southern hemisphere to the northernmost regions of Europe, we were keen to experience how a ‘zoo’ or wildlife park would differ in this extraordinary setting. Ranua Wildlife Park did not disappoint. The park is nestled just 80 kilometres from Rovaniemi, making it a perfect day trip or a stop during your Lapland adventure.

During the winter months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow blanketing the trees and the landscape, creating the perfect setting for a visit. The pathways are well-maintained, and as you walk through the park, the frosty air, snowy surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere make you feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life winter fairy tale.

A rare chance to see Arctic wildlife

One of the most unique aspects of Ranua Wildlife Park is the chance to see Arctic and Nordic animals in the winter months when they are fully immersed in their natural habitats. In winter, the animals are often more active, as they prepare for the colder months or enjoy the stillness of the snow-covered landscape. You’ll be able to observe them up close in a way that you simply can’t replicate in other parts of the world.

During our visit, we were able to stand for hours watching our favourite creatures, including:

• Wolves: The wolves at Ranua are mesmerising to watch. We were captivated by their powerful presence as they moved through their habitat.
• Arctic foxes: These adorable creatures, with their thick winter fur coats, looked even more magical against the snow. Watching them scamper and play in the white landscape was one of the highlights of our visit. We were lucky enough to see three running around together. You need to look carefully though because they camouflage against the white snow!
• Polar bears: The park’s most famous resident, the polar bear. Its thick white fur and huge, powerful frame, it looked right at home against the winter backdrop. Seeing a polar bear roam freely through the snow was a truly unforgettable experience.
• Snowy owls: These stunning birds are a symbol of the Arctic, and spotting them in their snowy domain is something special. The owls perched quietly on the branches and ground, their feathers blending with the winter scenery, making for an enchanting sight.

Why visit in winter?

While Ranua Wildlife Park is open year-round, visiting in winter adds a whole new layer of magic to the experience, especially for those of us from the southern hemisphere! The animals are often more active during the cold months, and the winter scenery makes everything feel even more serene and otherworldly. It is said that the park is quieter in winter compared to the summer months, offering visitors a peaceful, unhurried opportunity to connect with nature and the animals. This was certainly our experience.

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What to expect during your visit

As you explore Ranua Wildlife Park, you’ll encounter over 50 species of Arctic and Nordic animals, all housed in spacious, natural-like enclosures. The park is designed to make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the wilderness, surrounded by native Finnish forest and frozen landscapes. You can expect to see animals such as reindeer, bears, lynxes, and even moose, all in their wintery homes.

The park offers a range of family-friendly facilities, including a café where you can warm up with a hot drink and enjoy some local delicacies. There’s also a gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir to remember your visit by. Our kids also loved the novelty of the playground in the snow!

By staying across the road at the Ranua Wildlife Resort, you get yourself access to spend another day at the park, included in your accommodation package. We loved being able to take advantage of that opportunity! The beauty of the animals and the surroundings is something you’ll want to experience again if you can.

Getting there and the best time to visit

Ranua Wildlife Park is easily accessible by car from Rovaniemi, with the drive taking about an hour and a half. It’s open daily, so you can plan your visit at a time that suits you best. For those visiting during the winter months, the park is less crowded, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience with the animals.

You can also get to the Ranua Wildlife Park on a tour from nearby towns – Rovaniemi, Ruka, Kuusamo, Posio, Kemijarvi. Check them out below and compare prices!

Don’t forget to dress warmly in winter, and take your camera for those once-in-a-lifetime shots!

Hot tip: Stay at Ranua Wildlife Resort!

Over the highway from Ranua Wildlife Park you can stay in one of the very nice, cosy and comfortable apartments at Ranua Wildlife Resort. We spent three nights there and absolutely loved it. We enjoyed snowy walks outdoors, a visit onsite from the local reindeer farm, a snowmobiling adventure and multiple visits to the the Wildlife Park.

COMPARE PRICES AT RANUA RESORT!

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or someone looking for a meaningful experience in Lapland, Ranua Wildlife Park is a destination you can’t miss. It’s more than just a wildlife park; it’s a place that leaves you with a lasting sense of wonder and respect for the Arctic world.