Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Santapark
Santapark
AMUSEMENT PARK
(
www.santapark.com
;Tarvantie 1;adult/child winter €33/27.50, summer €17.50/14.50; 10am-6pm
late Nov-mid-Jan, 10am-5pm Mon-Sat mid-Jun-mid-Aug)
This Christmas-theme amusement park built inside a cavern in the mountain features an
army of elves baking gingerbread, a magic sleigh ride, a carousel, an ice bar, a theatre, a
restaurant and, of course, Santa Claus himself. The most intriguing section is the gallery of
ice sculpture. It's great fun for kids in winter but lacks a bit of atmosphere in the summer
season (though it's cheaper). Tickets are valid for two days. Buses between Rovaniemi and
Napapiiri stop here.
WORTH A TRIP
A DAY AT THE ZOO
Ranua Zoo
ZOO
(Ranuan Eläinpuisto;
www.ranuazoo.com
;Ranua;adult/child €16/13;
9am-7pm Jun-Aug,
10am-4pm Sep-May)
Little Ranua is famous for its excellent zoo, focused almost entirely on Finnish animals, al-
though there are also polar bears and musk oxen. A boardwalk runs past all the creatures,
which include minks and stoats, impressive owls and eagles, wild reindeer, elk, a big bear
paddock (they hibernate from November to March), lynx and wolverines. There's plenty
more for kids, with horse rides, mini-karts, pettable domestic animals and assault
courses. Ice-cream stops dot the route, and there's a cafe and lunch restaurant.
Ranua, 82km south of Rovaniemi on Rd 78, has hotel, cottage and camping accom-
modation; there are three to six daily buses from Rovaniemi (€17.30, 1¼ hours) as well as
connections from Kajaani and Oulu.
