Activities In Ranua And Nearby

Ranua is the perfect place for someone looking to enjoy the peace and quiet of Finnish nature, but it also offers some interesting activities, if you know where to look. Ranua is located quite conveniently, so if you’re willing to travel a bit you will find plenty of opportunities for fun nearby.

Note: All distances are approximations, measured as an average from our Ranua locations.

1. Ranua Wildlife Park

Ranua Wildlife Park is the home of over 50 arctic animal species and 200 individual animals, including polar bears. The animals live in spacious enclosures in the middle of forest, in an as authentic natural environment as possible. The park is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm.

Distance: 10 minutes
More information: https://english.ranuazoo.com/

2. Wild Arctic Husky Park

Wild Arctic Husky Park is located right next to the Ranua Zoo. They organize high-quality husky programs and safaris throughout the year.

Distance: 10 minutes
More information: https://en.abhuskies.fi/

3. Vaara Reindeer Farm

If you are interested in seeing the daily life at a reindeer farm, Vaara Reindeer Farm is the place for you. You can meet and feed the reindeer, and you can also go sightseeing on a reindeer safari. Safaris of different length are available.

Distance: 15 minutes
More information: https://www.instagram.com/vaaranporotila/?hl=en

4. Ranuan hevospalvelut

Ranuan hevospalvelut (Ranua horse services) offers different kinds of horse activities, such as sleigh rides and horseback riding.

Distance: 15 minutes
More information (in Finnish only): https://ranuanhevospalvelut.fi/

5. Japanitalo

A small slice of Japan at Simojärvi in Ranua. Japanitalo (Japan house) is a meeting place of cultures. It was built in the serene nature of Lapland in collaboration with the village of Iwasaki, a sister city of Ranua.

Japanitalo hosts events and exhibitions, and it can also be booked as a place to hold a meeting or a party. They can also accommodate a small number of people for overnight visits. Please note that during winter Japanitalo is open by appointment only.

Distance: 45 minutes
More information (in Finnish only): https://japanitalo.fi/

6. Santa Claus Village & Arctic Circle

Santa Claus Village is located near Rovaniemi and it is open every day of the year. There you can meet Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle with a single step.

Distance: 1 hour
More information: https://santaclausvillage.info/

7. Arktikum Science Centre

Arktikum is a science center and museum that lets you experience northern nature, culture, and history up close. It houses the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland.

Distance: 1 hour
More information: https://www.arktikum.fi/en/home.html

8. Kemi SnowCastle

Kemi SnowCastle is the biggest snow fort in Finland and it’s open all year round. Visitors can admire the ice sculptures, take a selfie on the ice throne, have fun in the ice slide and dine at the ice restaurant.

Distance: 1 hour
More information: https://experience365.fi/snowcastle/

9. Icebreaker Sampo Cruise

All aboard the icebreaker ship Sampo! Enjoy an unforgettable sea, snow and ice adventure on a cruise over the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. All cruise participants get free entrance to the Kemi SnowCastle on the day of the cruise.

Distance: 1 hour
More information: https://experience365.fi/icebreakersampo/

10. Riisitunturi National Park

Riisitunturi National Park is a wonderful place to witness the beauty of Finnish nature. The highest peaks of Riisitunturi rise above 400 meters, providing breathtaking views over Lake Kitkajärvi and the surrounding forests.

Distance: 1.5 hours
More information: https://posiolapland.com/riisitunturi-national-park/

11. Korouoma Canyon

Korouoma is a millions of years old fracture valley in the bedrock. At the center of the valley, it forms a magnificent gorge that drops over a 100 meters below its surrounding terrain. The many hiking trails (and skiing trails in winter) of Korouoma offer monthly changing views all year round.

Distance: 1.5 hours
More information: https://posiolapland.com/korouoma-canyon/

12. Iso-Syöte

Iso-Syöte ski area is located in the southernmost fell of Finland where you can ski on 17 perfectly groomed slopes. The Iso-Syöte SnowPark is called the most versatile freestyle park in Finland. Iso-Syöte is surrounded by the beautiful Syöte National park that is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities.

Distance: 1.5 hours
More information: https://syote.fi/en/iso-syote/