Rovaniemi: Ranua Zoo Entry Ticket with BBQ Picnic

The Rovaniemi: Ranua Zoo Entry Ticket with BBQ Picnic offers an engaging mix of wildlife encounters and authentic Finnish cuisine. Priced at $249 per person, this 5-hour tour takes you into the only Arctic Wildlife Zoo, where you can see polar bears, moose, wolves, and over 50 arctic animal species. The tour includes a guided tour in English, a visit to Ranua Zoo, and a Lappish campfire BBQ picnic featuring wood fire-grilled pork sausage and blueberry juice. It departs from Rovaniemi with hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 km of the city center, making it convenient for visitors staying locally.

This tour is especially suitable for those interested in arctic animals and eager to learn about local wildlife in a park-like setting. Keep in mind that children under 12 must be accompanied by paying adults, and the tour may require a minimum group size to operate—2 people on weekdays and Saturdays, 4 on Sundays and holidays. It’s a well-rounded experience for those wanting a mix of animals, nature, and Finnish culture, though wheelchair users should note that the tour is not suitable for them.

Key Points

• Visit the only Arctic Wildlife Zoo in the region, home to over 50 arctic animal species.
• See polar bears, moose, wolves, and owls in a naturalistic setting.
• Enjoy a guided tour led by knowledgeable guides in English.
• Experience a traditional Lappish campfire BBQ with pork sausage and blueberry juice.
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 km of Rovaniemi center.
• Tour duration of 5 hours, with flexible start times based on availability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Ranua Zoo: The Arctic’s Only Wildlife Park

The Ranua Wildlife Park is the key highlight of this tour, offering a chance to get close to arctic animals that are difficult to see in the wild. It is the only zoo in the Arctic region, making it a unique place to observe animals such as polar bears in an environment designed to mimic their natural habitat. The zoo displays more than 200 local animals, including forest reindeer, wolves, and arctic foxes.

The zoo’s setup has a park-like feel, allowing visitors to wander comfortably between exhibits. Guided by a professional guide in English, visitors learn about each species, their behaviors, and their roles in the local ecosystem. The feeding times—notably for wolves and polar bears—are especially popular, providing a rare opportunity to observe animals during meal times, which many find particularly engaging.

Encountering Polar Bears and Other Arctic Animals

Among the zoo’s residents, polar bears attract the most attention**. Watching these majestic creatures enjoying their meals offers a memorable sight. You also encounter moose, forest reindeer, and a variety of owls, some of which are notoriously hard to spot in the wild.

The zoo emphasizes showing animals in conditions that resemble their natural environment, giving visitors a sense of how these creatures live in the Arctic. The feeding sessions lend an educational aspect, helping visitors understand animal diets and behaviors better. Since the zoo features animals native to the Arctic, it provides an authentic experience that’s both fun and informative.

The Guided Tour Experience in Rovaniemi

The guides leading the tour are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach. They share insights about each animal and answer questions, making the experience accessible for all ages. The tour is conducted in English, with other language options available upon request such as Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese.

The group size is kept manageable, and the guides’ storytelling style adds warmth and clarity. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly, especially since some parts of the zoo are outdoors or in open-air enclosures. The tour duration of five hours includes both the zoo visit and the campfire barbecue, balancing sightseeing with relaxation.

The Lappish Campfire BBQ: A Taste of Finnish Tradition

After exploring the zoo, the tour continues with a campfire BBQ in the forest park area. The wood fire-grilled pork sausage is a highlight, prepared in a traditional Lappish style. Alongside the sausage, guests enjoy marshmallows and hot blueberry juice—a perfect way to warm up and relax in the natural surroundings.

Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available upon request, ensuring options for different dietary preferences. The outdoor setting enhances the authentic Finnish experience, allowing visitors to unwind while savoring classic local flavors.

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Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected accommodations within 10 km of Rovaniemi city center, typically from the Nordic Unique Travels Office. Participants are advised to be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

A minimum of 2 people on weekdays and Saturdays, and 4 people on Sundays and public holidays, are required for the tour to proceed. Cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for travelers. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult paying full price, ensuring safety and appropriate supervision.

Value and Overall Experience

At $249 per person, this tour combines wildlife exploration and cultural cuisine in a compact, well-organized package. The reviews highlight the expertise of the guides, the beautiful setup, and the value of seeing Arctic animals up close. The park-like environment and the opportunity to watch animals during feeding times are often praised as highlights.

While the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, it offers an authentic Arctic experience that appeals to those interested in nature, animals, and Finnish traditions. The length and content make it a good choice for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to learn more about the region’s native species.

Rovaniemi: Ranua Zoo with BBQ Picnic — Is It Right for You?

This tour delivers a rich combination of wildlife viewing and cultural experience. The guided tour and informative feeding sessions set it apart from self-guided visits, providing education and entertainment in equal measure. The Lappish campfire BBQ adds a warm, social element that rounds out the day beautifully.

It’s especially suited for visitors who want a convenient, guided experience with hotel pickup included. If you’re eager to see polar bears in an Arctic setting and enjoy a traditional Finnish meal outdoors, this tour ticks all those boxes.

The downsides include the minimum group size requirements and limited accessibility for wheelchair users. However, for most visitors, the combination of wildlife, scenery, and food makes this a memorable, worthwhile outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from pickup to drop-off, including the visit to Ranua Zoo and the BBQ picnic.

What animals can I expect to see?
You will see polar bears, moose, wolves, reindeer, and various owls, plus over 50 arctic animal species.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children under 12 must be accompanied by paying adults. The experience is engaging for families but not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is included in the price?
The admission to Ranua Zoo, a guided tour in English, hotel pickup and drop-off, and the campfire BBQ with pork sausage, marshmallows, and blueberry juice.

Can I request dietary alternatives?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request for the BBQ.

What should I wear?
Wear warm clothing, especially since parts of the tour involve outdoor walking and exposure to the elements.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance.

Is transportation provided outside the hotel pickup?
No, transportation is limited to hotel pickup and drop-off within a 10 km radius of Rovaniemi.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, guides in Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese are available upon request.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

This Ranua Zoo tour with BBQ picnic combines Arctic wildlife, local culture, and outdoor dining to create a well-rounded experience in Rovaniemi. With knowledgeable guides, a scenic setting, and authentic Finnish flavors, it offers a memorable way to explore the region’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby