ZOO TRIPS · FINLAND ZOOS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 zoos worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend a full day at Ranua Wildlife Park, where a 3-kilometer forest route leads past Finland’s only polar bear and about 150 animals from 50 Arctic and northern species. Plan for 1.5 to 2 hours of walking, dress warmly, and collect your wristband at the ticket office.
“Recomended to see the local wildlife, we especially liked the owls section”
Travel from Rovaniemi by minibus to Ranua Wildlife Park, the world’s northernmost zoo. You’ll have about three hours to see polar bears, wolves, lynx, elk, Arctic foxes, and owls, then return to your accommodation. Drivers speak English, Ukrainian, and Russian.
“Got to see so many birds and animals, special highlights were the polar bear, arctic fox and the wolves”
From Rovaniemi, you’ll ride about an hour to Ranua Wildlife Park, where an English-speaking guide introduces you to more than 50 Arctic species. You’ll have a guided visit plus free time for lunch and shopping. Winter clothing, transport, and admission are included.
“Very interesting, fun trip, very unique place for animal lovers since you don’t see a snow covered wildlife park everywhere.”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Zoo with an English-speaking driver such as Uncle Alex, Alex, or Ariel. Your ticket and round-trip ride are covered, leaving about two to three hours to see lynxes, wolves, moose, birds of prey, and the zoo’s rare white bear at your own pace.
“pick up was on time by the very welcoming and warm Alex. only 4 people in out group so we had plenty of room in the van. the drive was very smooth and comfortable and he even slowed down when we passed some reindeer so we could get a good look! very much appreciated. 🩷”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Zoo in a small group of up to eight. Your English-speaking driver handles the transfer and tickets, then you explore the Arctic animal park for about 1.5 hours before lunch. Guides such as Giuseppe, David, and Allen are praised for timing and local tips.
“Our guide Allen was punctual and very engaged. It's obvious that he enjoys his work, so we also had good fun as well! We're glad that we booked this activity.”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Wildlife Park by comfortable minibus, with hotel pickup, entry included, and time to walk the snowy forest paths. An English or Russian speaking guide helps you find polar bears, Arctic foxes, lynx, wolverines, and other northern species.
“- Alex was right on time - Drove very safely - Attentive to give a great experience”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Wildlife Park for polar bears and more than 50 Arctic species, with a forest buffet lunch and short sleigh rides pulled by huskies and reindeer. Guides such as Simona and David have led recent departures, though rides depend on snow conditions.
“Great day out.. even though had a fall in the snow (my fault missed the footing .) they couldn’t help me enough. Both guides are awesome well spoken.”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Wildlife Park in a small group, with entry, transport, buffet lunch, and a local guide included. See polar bears, wolves, lynxes, owls, foxes, and other Arctic species. Guides such as Alex and Tania have been praised for their animal and Finnish culture insights, though the guiding style can vary.
“This is not a guided tour. You get a map and you have to do it yourself. The guide person is no visible most of the time. The experience is in fact a little disappointing. But a lot of snow covered the park making the sights look very nice.”
Travel by small bus or minibus from Rovaniemi to Ranua Wildlife Park, where an English-speaking guide such as Brandon or Mattia leads you past polar bears, lynx, brown bears, foxes, and musk ox. Allow for 2.5 kilometers of walking, a café break, and time for the Fazer sweets shop.
“Our guide was really helpful, we enjoyed the trip very much.”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Zoo with NortsaV Tours, meet Arctic animals along a 2.5-kilometer forest path, and enjoy free time for food and shopping. Guides such as Normund and Eero add local insight, while winter conditions may limit animal sightings.
“We had a very comfortable ride and nice guide who came to pick us up from our accommodation. Felt safe and relaxed. Thank you!”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Wildlife Park with an English-speaking guide, meet polar bears and northern species, and finish with wood-fired pork sausage, marshmallows, and hot blueberry juice. Guide Laura has received special praise, though the BBQ setup and guiding may vary.
“Le pique nique prévu avec BBQ , c’est une vulgaire cantine self ! Et vous faites la visite sans guide,!! Pour 338€ c’est du vol”
Paul or another guide from Refreshing North collects you within 10 km of central Rovaniemi and drives you privately to Ranua Wildlife Park. Walk a forest trail past polar bears, Arctic foxes, wolves, moose, lynxes, and owls, with park admission, guide help, and lunch included.
“Paul is an amazing tour guide! Smooth communication and well organised, Woukd recommended to anyone who's interested in visiting ☺️”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Zoo with an English or Russian-speaking guide, admission included. Allow about five hours, including roughly an hour each way, then walk the wooded trail at your own pace for polar bears, snowy owls, and other Arctic animals.
“Most animals/birds were in their natural habitat; no cramped cages. A delightful walk through the zoo along a wooden "trail." Nice eateries for afterward, plus a sinful chocolate store to enjoy during the ride home. Worth the 1-hour drive each way.”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Wildlife Park with an English-speaking guide, entry included. Walk the 2.5-kilometer forest trail past polar bears, lynxes, moose, wolves, and reindeer, then warm up with a fire and hot BBQ lunch. The small group is limited to 16 people.
“Wonderful must do experience... our guide was attentive and supportive to all our needs and questions... the below 25 degrees was a bit harsh to stay that long outside.... lunch was great and the fire made the experience wonderful”
Travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua Wildlife Park in a group of up to eight. An English-speaking guide such as Michael or Aurora leads you through forested animal enclosures, then you finish with a buffet lunch. Expect Arctic wildlife, icy roads, and plenty of walking.
“This was nothing short of amazing tour... In general people in Finland are lovely host and our tour Guide cum tour Manger Mr. Michael was amazing amazing.... He left no stone unturned to make this tour so memorable... He is extremely hospitable, communicative, wonderful person. Our teenage daughter asked him so many questions which he answered so patiently ... She bonded with him very very well... The zoo is awesome and you shouldn't miss when you are in Rovaniemi especially if you are travelling with kids.... The lunch followed by the tour was also very good... Overall a fantastic Tour... Thankyou so much Michael for a memorable tour.”
Pick a kind of park, a ticket, or an animal.
