Eurasian lynx at Ranua zoo

Ranua is a town in Finnish Lapland. The wildlife park Ranua Zoo is by far the biggest attraction in Ranua. In fact many travel packages from overseas to the Santa Claus attractions in Rovaniemi also include a day trip to the zoo.

Get in

By car

Ranua is situated 80 km (1 hour) south of Rovaniemi and 160 km (2 hours) northeast of Oulu, and is thus a possible day or half day trip destination from these cities. It is very likely that you will see reindeer crossing or walking next to the highway so you need to be vigilant not to crash into one, especially in the winter when the roads are slippery.

By bus

Ranua is connected to Rovaniemi by public bus.

See

• 1 Ranua Zoo, Rovaniementie 29, ranuan.zoo@ranua.fi. The Wildlife Park offers the possibility to observe arctic animals throughout the year. Other activities such as husky safari's, snowmobile and kayaking are offered by Wildlife Safaris. 

Eat

• 1 Lounaspitseria Vaaka, Keskustie 1, ☏ +358 400 177 120. A pizza and lunch joint in the centre of Ranua. 

• 2 Zoo Restaurant Jussanpirtti, Rovaniementie 29, ☏ +358 16 3551 844, fax: +358 16 3551 950, postmaster@pitopalvelusimontaival.fi. 

Sleep

• 1 Hotel Ilveslinna, Keskustie 10, ☏ +358 400 177 130, fax: +358 16 3551 284, info@hotelliilveslinna.fi. The hotel Ilveslinna is situated in the middle of the wide Lappish wilderness with only an hour away from Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. The arctic nature offers you excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting or even bird watching.