Ranua is one of those places where you can really get close to the Arctic’s iconic animals without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The Ranua Wildlife Park stands out for its focus on arctic and northern species—home to Finland’s only polar bear—making it a must-visit for families and wildlife lovers alike. What makes these tours so appealing is their variety: from straightforward tickets to immersive, small-group excursions that bring you face-to-face with wolves and Arctic foxes. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to learn while exploring, several options on this list will satisfy that craving. We particularly like the small-group Family Friendly Visit for its personalized approach and the chance to see over 50 species with a knowledgeable guide. And for something more exclusive, the Into the Woods… private tour offers a walk into the wilderness with wolfdogs that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of tours in Ranua, from simple entrance tickets to guided family outings, and private experiences with Wolfdogs. Whether you’re looking for an affordable day out, a guided educational tour, or a personalized wilderness adventure, there’s an option here that suits your style. Each tour offers unique highlights, such as seeing Finland’s only polar bear, exploring winter landscapes, or walking among Wolfdogs in their natural environment.
1. Ranua: Wildlife Park Entrance Ticket
For just around $30, the Ranua Wildlife Park Entrance Ticket grants you access to one of Finland’s most popular family destinations. This ticket offers the freedom to explore the park at your own pace during its open hours, which are available every day of the year. The park specializes in arctic animals, including Finland’s only polar bear, along with wolves, lynxes, owls, and reindeer. The enclosures are notably large and designed to mimic natural habitats, which is a big plus for animal welfare and your viewing experience.
What makes this option stand out is its flexibility and value for money. Visitors praise the well-maintained environment and the variety of species, with one reviewer calling it an “excellent value for money” and noting the stunning walk through the enclosures. The park also features a buffet inside the Ranua Resort, where you can enjoy a hearty meal for just €16, making it a well-rounded day trip. Since it’s a self-guided visit, it’s perfect for travelers who prefer to set their own pace and focus on their favorite animals.
Bottom line: If you want a straightforward, affordable way to see Arctic wildlife and enjoy a scenic walk in winter or summer, this ticket is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for families and wildlife enthusiasts who want a complete day of exploration.
2. Rovaniemi: trip to the Ranua Zoo (transportation, tickets)
For about $108, this full-day trip from Rovaniemi makes it easy to visit Ranua Zoo without the hassle of planning transportation. The tour includes comfortable transfer and tickets, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the Arctic animals and winter scenery. It’s a great choice if you prefer a guided experience with logistical details handled for you.
This tour is unique because it’s the northernmost zoo in the world, housing over 50 Arctic species in a natural setting. During the roughly 5-hour excursion, you’ll have time to wander the park, admire the snow-blanketed landscape, and learn about Arctic wildlife from your guide. The reviews are glowing, with one describing it as an “unforgettable adventure,” and praising the ease of the tour. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with some educational insights, especially if visiting Rovaniemi is part of a larger Arctic itinerary.
Bottom line: If you’re after a hassle-free day with transportation included and want to see as many Arctic species as possible, this tour offers excellent value and a rich experience.
3. From Rovaniemi: Family Friendly Visit to Ranua Wildlife Park
At around $112, this small-group guided tour is tailored for families seeking an engaging and educational outing. Departing from Rovaniemi, it offers a more personalized experience with a maximum of 8 people, ensuring you get plenty of attention from your guide. The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is rare in this price range, making logistics easy.
The highlight here is the guided tour of the park, where you can see polar bears, arctic foxes, and other iconic species. The guide, with their extensive knowledge, shares insights about Lapland’s wildlife, making it an ideal tour for kids and parents alike. Recent reviews mention the helpfulness and kindness of the guides, with one traveler praising the “knowledgeable” guide and the chance to sample homemade blueberry juice from a native cup. The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, including sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and walking along winding paths.
Bottom line: Best suited for families who want a small-group, guided experience with a focus on education and interaction, this tour offers excellent value for a memorable day.
4. Ranua: Wildlife Park Experience with Buffet Lunch
Priced at $153, this immersive experience combines a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park with a buffet lunch inside the park. The tour lasts about 4.5 hours and is perfect for those wanting a fuller day out. It features a guided tour of the arctic animals and takes you through the winter wonderland, emphasizing 200 animal specimens across five wild arctic species.
What sets this tour apart is the inclusion of the buffet lunch, which provides a convenient meal option without leaving the park. It’s ideal for families or travelers who prefer a structured experience with plenty of time to explore and learn. The reviews are mixed, with some noting the value of the buffet and the chance to see the Arctic animals in a winter setting. It’s well suited for visitors who want a comprehensive, all-in-one experience and don’t mind paying a bit more for added comfort.
Bottom line: If you want a guided, educational experience combined with a hearty lunch, this tour offers a well-rounded Arctic adventure that’s engaging for families and wildlife lovers.
$153 per person
5. Into the Woods… – Private Tour
At $346 per person, the Into the Woods… private tour is a premium, personalized experience. It lasts about 2.5 hours and offers a rare chance to spend time with Arctic Wolfdogs both inside their enclosures and during a walk into the woods. Led by the owners of the sanctuary, this tour provides deep insights into the importance of wolves and domesticated dogs in Lapland.
What makes this tour stand out is its exclusivity. You won’t be part of a large group but instead will enjoy a custom experience with knowledgeable owners who share their expertise on wolfdogs, wolves, and their conservation. The walk into the wilderness offers a more intimate connection with nature than a regular zoo visit. Reviewers appreciate the personal attention and the chance to “spend special moments” with these majestic animals, making it a highlight for animal enthusiasts.
Bottom line: This is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a private, educational, and emotional encounter with wolfdogs and wilderness.
$346 per person
How to Choose
When selecting your Ranua tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you have. If you’re traveling with family and want a self-guided day, the Wildlife Park Entrance Ticket offers great value. For a hassle-free experience, the Rovaniemi day trip provides transportation and guided insights. If you desire a more personalized touch, the Family Friendly Guided Tour is perfect for small groups. Wildlife enthusiasts craving an exclusive experience should consider the Wolfdog walk, which blends wilderness with education.
Think about timing too—if you want to combine the visit with winter activities, tours that include meals or private walks can enrich your experience. Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons like winter or summer.
Final Thoughts
Ranua offers a variety of tours to fit different tastes and budgets, from simple entrance tickets to intimate wolfdog encounters. For a straightforward, budget-friendly visit, the Wildlife Park Entrance Ticket is ideal. Families and those wanting a guided, educational experience will find the Family Friendly Tour a great choice. For travelers seeking a special, private experience, the Into the Woods walk into the wilderness is hard to beat.
No matter which tour you pick, Ranua’s Arctic animals and winter landscapes provide a memorable glimpse into the region’s natural beauty. Book your preferred experience early and prepare for a rewarding adventure in Finnish Lapland.