Ranua

Travel Guide

Photo by Claire Anne

Located in Southern Lapland, the municipality of Ranua is best known for its animal park with a wide range of species and its beautiful scenery.

Situated about 50 miles south of Rovaniemi, Ranua is a popular destination, in part for its internationally renowned Ranua Wildlife Park. The quiet environment of this small municipality makes it especially attractive for families. The Simojärvi and Soppanen region is surrounded by wilderness, and Ranua is famous for its fine cloudberry fields.

Must-see historical locations include Ranua Church, a small timber church in the centre, and the Vicarage and Parish Museum in Ranua, located in a rural vicarage built in 1916 and refurbished in styles ranging from the 1930s to 1950s. The museum exhibition in the attic has a fascinating collection of local items from days gone by.

The biggest attraction in Ranua is its wildlife park, which is home to Finland’s only polar bears, as well as 50 other arctic species. See wild beasts ranging from lynx to wolverines, predatory birds and several deer species. Instead of being confined in cages, the animals are free to roam in large open spaces in their natural northern environment.

Ranua Wildlife Park is open all-year round, and only a few of its inhabitants hibernate during the winter. In summer, the park organises feeding shows, during which the caretakers answer audience questions. Smaller members of the family can also visit the domestic animal park and the mini car track, where children can drive around in a supervised environment. During the winter, you can meet the happy dogs of the Wild Arctic Husky Park or enjoy the cool environment of the Igloo Bar, built yearly from ice and snow.

The Simojoki River and Lake Simojärvi provide excellent fishing spots and are good for hiking. You can organise an inexpensive holiday in Ranua by hiking in its ancient woods and versatile swamps, or through the gorgeous scenery along the Palovaara Sightseeing Trail.

Ranua can be reached from the north or south along road 78. The nearest railway station and airport are in Rovaniemi. If you visit Ranua in August, make sure that you visit the Cloudberry market.

Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos

Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos

3 out of 5
Pappilantie 1, Ranua
The price is P5,772 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
P5,772
P6,580 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach guesthouse in Ranua. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (153 reviews)
"We stayed in the igloos and cooked and ate meals both in the igloo and also dinner in the restaurant. 1. Staff were amazing and lovely 2. Food and wine options for dinner and the cosy restaurant was delightful and enjoyable 3. We also cooked and ate in our igloo and the kitchen provided all the kitchen ..."

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2025

Arctic Guesthouse & Igloos
Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos

Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos

4.5 out of 5
Leirintäalueentie 5, Ranua, Lapland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P14,819 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
P14,819
P16,894 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Ranua. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ranua kyrka and Vicarage and Parish Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"The property views were gorgeous. The staff was very friendly & accommodating."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos
Ranua Resort Holiday Village

Ranua Resort Holiday Village

3.5 out of 5
Rovaniementie 29, Ranua, Lapland
The price is P8,427 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
P8,427
P9,606 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Ranua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Popular attractions Ranua Zoo and Vicarage and Parish Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
One stop shop
"Gorgeous resort with luxurious villas and amazing activities."

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2025

Ranua Resort Holiday Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos

Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos

4.5 out of 5
Leirintäalueentie 5, Ranua, Lapland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury villa in Ranua. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Ranua kyrka and Vicarage and Parish Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (74 reviews)
"The property views were gorgeous. The staff was very friendly & accommodating."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2025

Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos
Ranua Resort Holiday Village

Ranua Resort Holiday Village

3.5 out of 5
Rovaniementie 29, Ranua, Lapland
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Ranua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Popular attractions Ranua Zoo and Vicarage and Parish Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (54 reviews)
One stop shop
"Gorgeous resort with luxurious villas and amazing activities."

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2025

Ranua Resort Holiday Village
Villa Havula

Villa Havula

3.5 out of 5
Laaksotie 22, Ranua, Lapland
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly villa in Ranua. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Vicarage and Parish Museum and Ranua ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"The villa was great and a good fit for our break point during our road trip up to Kittilä. A bit narrow for 8 people but good fun overall! Thanks Villa Havula."

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2025

Villa Havula
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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