Arctic Animals Adventure with Lunch Buffet

The Arctic Animals Adventure with Lunch Buffet in Rovaniemi, Finland, offers a well-rounded exploration of the region’s iconic Arctic wildlife and culture in a single day. Priced at $285.45 per person, this 7.5-hour tour is designed for those seeking a mix of thrilling activities, scenic nature walks, and authentic local encounters. With pickup included and mobile tickets provided, it’s a convenient way to experience the best of Finnish Lapland. The tour has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from 9 reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction, especially regarding the knowledgeable guides and engaging stops.

This experience is most suitable for travelers interested in Arctic animals, reindeer and husky rides, and wildlife parks. The tour departs from Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus at 9:00 am, making it ideal for those wanting a full day of adventure. While the tour offers a balanced schedule, it involves some travel to the Ranua Wildlife Park, about 80 km away from Rovaniemi, which takes roughly an hour. The trip is also suited for those comfortable with outdoor winter conditions, as it includes winter clothing and walks inside the Arctic forest.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Arctic Experience: Combines reindeer and husky sleigh rides, wildlife park visits, and a delicious lunch buffet.
• Authentic Encounters: Meets reindeers and huskies at a local farm, with opportunities to learn about Lappish culture.
• Wildlife Park Visit: Visits Ranua Wildlife Park to see polar bears, wolves, and wolverines in naturalistic habitats.
• Expert Guides: Guided by friendly and knowledgeable professionals like David, Lea, and Giuseppe.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Includes transport, winter clothing, admission, and refreshments—dinner is not included.
• Flexible and Well-Reviewed: Consistently praised for its pacing, clarity of information, and the quality of guides.

Starting the Arctic Adventure in Rovaniemi

The tour begins at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi at 9:00 am. From the start, travelers are welcomed with Fazer chocolates and are comfortably transported in Mercedes-Benz or Volkswagen vehicles, with a maximum of 8 participants per car. This small-group setting fosters a more personalized experience, and the professional English-speaking driver and guide lead the way through the day’s activities.

The initial part of the day revolves around interacting with Arctic animals at a local farm. Here, visitors enjoy reindeer and husky sleigh rides, with reindeer rides lasting about 500 meters and husky rides covering roughly 800 meters. Guides share stories about the animals and the traditions of the Lappish people, enriching the experience. After the rides, everyone gathers in a traditional Kota where local cookies and blueberry juice are served, adding a cultural touch.

Reindeer and Husky Rides at the Arctic Farm

The highlight for many is the reindeer and husky sleigh rides at a local farm in the Arctic forest. The reindeer ride offers a peaceful 500-meter journey, allowing guests to experience the gentle pace of these animals, central to Sami culture. The husky ride is an adrenaline-pumping 800-meter adventure, giving an authentic taste of Arctic wilderness in a fun, fast-paced manner.

The guides provide detailed stories about the importance of these animals to Lapland’s history and present-day life. The rides are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all ages, making them ideal for families or anyone wanting a taste of traditional Arctic transport.

Arctic Forest Walks and Animal Sightings at the Zoo

After the farm visit, the group departs for a lunch buffet at Ranua Wildlife Park, located about 80 km from Rovaniemi. The drive lasts around one hour, giving time to enjoy the scenic winter landscape. The lunch in the zoo features local dishes, providing a warm and hearty meal in the midst of this Arctic adventure.

Post-lunch, visitors are free to explore the Ranua Wildlife Park at their own pace from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This park showcases Arctic animals such as polar bears, wolves, and wolverines in environments that resemble their natural habitats. The park’s design allows for good visibility of the animals, even in winter weather, and offers ample opportunities for photos and wildlife observation.

Guided Tours and Animal Encounters at Ranua

Guides like Giuseppe and Lea are praised for their kindness and helpfulness, sharing interesting facts about the animals and their ecosystems. Visitors often comment on how the guides’ storytelling enhances their understanding of Arctic wildlife and the challenges faced by these species.

The Ranua Wildlife Park visit is a highlight for families and wildlife enthusiasts, providing a chance to see polar bears close-up, as well as wolves and owls. The park’s layout ensures that guests can enjoy the sights comfortably, even in cold weather, thanks to the winter clothing provided.

Exploring the Arctic Forest and Wildlife After the Park

Returning to Rovaniemi by 5:00 pm, the tour concludes with a relaxed walk in the Arctic forest. This optional walk allows visitors to appreciate the wild Lappish nature and see local Arctic animals in their environment, as described by guides. The experience emphasizes the region’s natural beauty and the animals’ adaptations to winter conditions.

The tour finishes back at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus, providing a convenient end point and reflection on a day packed with Arctic discoveries. Participants often remark on the well-paced schedule and the variety of activities that keep the day engaging from start to finish.

The Value of All-Inclusive Comfort and Expert Guidance

The tour’s inclusions make it a stress-free experience: winter clothing, hotel transfers, and entrance tickets are all covered. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the guides’ friendly approach makes even the most cold-sensitive visitors comfortable. The lunch buffet at Ranua Zoo offers a satisfying meal, with the only expense not covered being dinner.

The transportation between stops is smooth and comfortable, with most travelers reporting positive experiences with the drivers and guides. The full-day schedule ensures travelers get a comprehensive view of Arctic wildlife and culture without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While the tour balances activities well, travelers should be prepared for cold weather, especially during outdoor walks and animal encounters. The winter clothing provided helps, but layering appropriate gear is advisable. The drive to Ranua Wildlife Park takes about an hour, so be prepared for some travel time. The dinner is not included in the tour price, so plan accordingly if dining after the tour.

Given the limited group size—max 8 participants per vehicle—the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, but bookings should be made around 145 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Final Thoughts on the Arctic Animals Adventure with Lunch Buffet

This tour offers a balanced mix of cultural activities, wildlife encounters, and scenic walks in Finnish Lapland. It stands out by combining reindeer and husky rides, a visit to a wildlife park, and local cuisine, all guided by friendly experts. The high reviews highlight guide quality and stunning animal sightings as key strengths.

While it does involve some traveling outside Rovaniemi, the schedule feels thoughtfully organized, making the experience accessible and enjoyable. The all-in-one nature of this tour makes it a compelling option for those wanting an authentic Arctic day with minimal hassle.

The Arctic Animals Adventure with Lunch Buffet provides a rich, well-rounded glimpse into Lapland’s wildlife and culture, ideal for families, wildlife lovers, or anyone eager for Arctic adventure in a comfortable setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers transportation, winter clothing, admission tickets to the zoo, reindeer and husky rides, and a lunch buffet at Ranua Wildlife Park. Dinner is not included.

How long is the drive to Ranua Wildlife Park?
The drive from Rovaniemi to the zoo takes about one hour each way, covering roughly 80 km.

What activities are part of the morning schedule?
Guests enjoy reindeer and husky sleigh rides at a local Arctic farm, along with stories about the animals and tasting local cookies and blueberry juice.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the activities are family-friendly, and the wildlife park features animals like polar bears and wolves that children find fascinating.

What should I wear for this tour?
While winter clothing is provided, dressing in warm layers is advisable due to outdoor walks and cold weather conditions.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.