Rovaniemi: Ranua Zoo Entry Ticket with BBQ Picnic

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi and looking for a way to connect with Arctic wildlife without venturing too far into the wilderness yourself, the Ranua Zoo tour with BBQ picnic might catch your eye. This experience promises a walk through the only Arctic wildlife zoo, plus the chance to see polar bears and over 50 other northern animals, topped with a traditional Lappish campfire meal. It’s a package that blends wildlife, culture, and the beautiful Finnish landscape in a manageable five-hour tour.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides who seem genuinely passionate about the animals and the region. Also, the idea of ending the day with a cozy campfire, enjoying local flavors like wood-grilled pork sausage and blueberry juice, sounds like an authentic touch that adds to the overall experience.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that the tour has some considerations. For example, the transportation aspect, as noted by some reviewers, might not be the most comfortable depending on the vehicle. Plus, the tour requires a minimum group size of 2 to 4 people, which could mean cancellations if your travel dates don’t align with others’ plans.

All in all, this experience is well-suited for those who are interested in Arctic wildlife, appreciate guided tours, and want a taste of local cuisine—all in a compact, family-friendly package. If you’re after a deep wilderness expedition, you might want to look elsewhere, but for a well-rounded, informative outing, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Exclusive Arctic Wildlife: The only zoo of its kind in the Arctic, offering a chance to see polar bears and other native animals.
• Educational Guides: Well-reviewed guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and enthusiasm.
• Local Culture & Cuisine: Enjoy a traditional Lappish campfire meal with pork sausage and blueberry juice.
• Convenient & Comfortable: Hotel pick-up and drop-off included within 10 km, making logistics simple.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for most travelers, with vegetarian/vegan options available upon request.
• Limited Availability & Group Size: Minimum group sizes on certain days might mean planning ahead.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Visiting the Only Arctic Wildlife Zoo

The core of this tour is the visit to Ranua Zoo, which holds the title of being the only zoo in the Arctic. It’s not just a collection of animals; it’s an educational journey into the ecosystems of the north. The zoo features over 200 native species, with highlights like the polar bears and moose—big draws that everyone seems to love.

Walking around, you’ll notice the park-like setup, which makes for a relaxing stroll rather than a hurried zoo visit. It’s a chance to see animals like forest reindeer, wolves, arctic foxes, and many owl species, some of which are elusive in the wild.

Animal Encounters & Feeding Shows

One of the notable aspects is the zoo’s focus on feeding times, which are listed in the brochure. Watching the wolves and polar bears enjoy their meals adds a fascinating layer to your visit. As one reviewer put it, “The best way to appreciate the animals is while they are eating,” and you’ll gain a better understanding of their behaviors and natural diets.

Guided Tour & Expert Insights

Your experience is enriched by a guided tour led by English-speaking guides, with other languages available on request. These guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness. They help you navigate the zoo and share interesting facts, making the visit more engaging. Several reviews mention that the guides are “fantastic, very knowledgeable,” and help turn a simple zoo visit into a memorable educational experience.

The Campfire & BBQ Picnic

After the zoo exploration, you’ll head to a forest park for a traditional Lappish campfire. This is where the tour feels more authentic—sitting around a wood fire, enjoying pork sausages, marshmallows, and blueberry juice. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you specify beforehand, which is a thoughtful touch.

The food is simple but hearty, perfect after a day of walking around. The experience of roasting your own marshmallow or sausages over an open flame is fun and brings a rustic charm that’s hard to replicate indoors.

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Practical Details & Logistics

Included in the price are pickup and drop-off from hotels within 10 km of Rovaniemi city center, making it convenient for most travelers. The tour lasts about five hours, which is a good chunk of time without feeling overwhelming. The minimum group size varies—on weekdays and Saturdays, at least 2 people are needed, and on Sundays and holidays, 4 people are required. This might mean planning ahead or checking availability early.

The tour costs $249 per person, which includes guided commentary, zoo entry, and the barbecue. When you consider the combination of wildlife and culture, many find it to offer good value for money, especially since transport and meals are included.

What the Reviews Say

From the feedback we’ve seen, everyone seems to agree that the guides are a highlight—“fantastic, very knowledgeable,” as one reviewer said. People love the relaxed, park-like setting of the zoo and the chance to observe animals in a setting that mimics their natural habitat.

On the flip side, a few mention that transport could be better, or that the tour might be canceled if the minimum number isn’t met. So, it’s smart to confirm your booking in advance and be flexible with your schedule.

This outing is ideal for families or groups looking for a relaxed, educational day in Rovaniemi. Animal lovers especially will appreciate the chance to see polar bears and arctic foxes up close, and the guided tour adds depth to the visit. If you’re curious about local wildlife and want a taste of traditional Finnish outdoor cooking, this tour hits those notes well.

However, if you’re after an intense wilderness adventure or need accessible options for mobility challenges, this might not be the best fit. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and transportation quality has been a mixed review. Also, those who prefer to explore on their own or want a highly personalized experience might find this somewhat structured.

The Ranua Zoo with BBQ picnic offers a delightful mix of wildlife observation, culture, and a touch of outdoor fun. It’s a well-organized, family-friendly way to experience the Arctic’s native animals without straying too far from Rovaniemi. The guides’ expertise, combined with the chance to see polar bears and other fascinating creatures, makes this a compelling choice for many travelers.

The added bonus of a tasty campfire meal makes it more than just a zoo visit—it’s a small adventure, with a cozy, authentic Finnish twist. The tour’s pricing is reasonable considering the inclusions, especially if you value guided insights and local cuisine.

If you’re in Rovaniemi and want a manageable, educational Arctic wildlife experience with a warm meal at the end, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to check availability beforehand, confirm group sizes, and dress warmly for the outdoor portions.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from certain hotels within 10 km of Rovaniemi are included, making logistics simple.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 5 hours, which includes zoo time, guided tour, and the campfire BBQ.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult paying full price. The tour is generally family-friendly but not specifically designed for very young kids.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan alternatives can be provided upon request, especially for the BBQ meal.

Will I see animals being fed?
Yes, feeding times are part of the zoo’s display, providing a closer look at animal behaviors, particularly polar bears and wolves.

Is this experience good value for money?
Considering the guided tour, zoo entry, and outdoor meal, many find it offers good value—especially since transportation and food are included.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially if you’re visiting during the colder months, as much of the tour is outdoors.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves walking through outdoor areas.

If you’re after a well-rounded Arctic experience that combines wildlife, culture, and a cozy meal, this tour balances all those elements nicely. Just a heads-up to plan ahead, dress warmly, and enjoy what promises to be a memorable day in Lapland.

You can check availability for your dates here: