Activities in Lapland - Ranua
Finnish Lapland offers unique activities. Hunting for the Northern Lights takes travelers under the dark sky in hopes of seeing this natural wonder. It's a breathtaking experience that combines mystique and the beauty of nature. Snowmobiling, on the other hand, is an exciting way to explore the enchanting Arctic landscape, offering the chance to race through snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Sledding, whether traditional tobogganing or the faster skiing and snowboarding, provides fun and joy for all ages.
Winter and spring activities
Lupland Activity Park
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you travel to our winter activity park in a cozy sleigh pulled by a snowmobile, surrounded by soft reindeer hides and the magical snowy forest. Nestled by a serene forest lake, our park offers a variety of exciting experiences for all ages!
2.5 h
Northern Lights hunting
Come and experience the Northern Lights and savor the beauty of nature guided by a local expert! Ranua's Northern Lights excursion offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with warm memories. This excursion is perfect for couples, families, groups of friends, and solo travelers alike.
3 h - 5 h
Snowmobiling Adventure
Mini Safari into the Secrets of Snowmobiling. Suitable for beginners as well. You'll get to drive on the route together with the guide.
1 h
Extreme Northern Lights hunting expedition
Join a Northern Lights Hunting Expedition, where every method for spotting the Northern Lights is at your disposal.
About 6 h
Snowmobiling Adventure 2.0
Snowmobile Safari into the Secrets of riding. Suitable for beginners. You'll get to drive on the route together with the guide.
2 h
Daytime reindeer sleigh ride
Experience a unique moment in a reindeer sleigh in a picturesque wilderness lake setting. Opportunity for photos with the reindeer. Guided by a knowledgeable local guide
1 h
Northern lights safari reindeer sleigh ride
A trip to a wilderness camp, where you will get to know reindeer and go on a reindeer safari. After the ride, you will enjoy snacks and warm drinks while chatting with the guide in a traditional Lappish hut about reindeer and the local way of life. Guided by a knowledgeable local guide
2 h
Guided ice fishing excursion
Welcome to try the traditional Finnish fishing method in Ranua's fish-filled waters!
2.5 h
Guided snowshoeing
Step into a snowshoe safari for an unforgettable nature experience! Dive into the heart of the winter landscape and enjoy the silence and tranquility as you traverse through snow-covered forests.
2.5 h
Scenic expedition to Riisitunturi
Riisitunturi Scenic Excursion offers a fantastic opportunity to admire and photograph stunning winter landscapes.
6 h
Scenic excursion to Syöte National Park
Scenic Excursion to Finland's Southernmost Fell, Syöte, offers a wonderful opportunity to admire and capture stunning winter landscapes!
4 h
Dinner excursion to the campfire
Embark on a home excursion to the shores of a beautiful wintry lake! At the campfire site, we'll prepare delicious food in traditional open-fire conditions.
2 h
Excursion to the icefalls in Korouoma
Koronjää 5km hiking loop is a excursion to Korouoma´s grand gorge valley. Koronjää is Finland´s only icefall route, in which you can see magnificent icefalls every winter.
5 h
Campfire meal in connection with an activity
Enjoyable soup meal in connection with an activity. The food is heated by the campfire and served for eating by the fire.
Ticket to Ranua wildlife park
Get to know polar bears and other arctic animals at Ranua wildlife park!
Summer and autumn activities
Guided e-fatbike tour
Guided e-fatbike tour with a guide in the nature of Ranua offers changing landscapes and enjoyable exercise!
2.5 h
Sauna Raft Package for the Pond
Steam Trip to a Sauna Raft on a Wilderness Pond Near Ranua Zoo.
4 h
Aurora Borealis photography excursion in the autumn wilderness
Embark on an autumn aurora hunting trip either by car or by boat. Autumn is often the best time for aurora hunting!
3 h
Aurora Borealis photography excursion into the autumn wilderness, extreme
Venture into the tranquility of nature on an autumn evening, with thousands of stars shining and the Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Our guide will lead you to excellent spots for observing...
6 h
E-fatbike equipment rental
Rent an e-fatbike and ride Ranua's well-maintained outdoor trails at a fast pace. The e-fatbike makes it easy to navigate even in hilly terrain.
3 h
Guided canoeing trip
Join a paddling trip to experience Ranua's beautiful waters and enjoy a light lunch with Finnish delicacies by the campfire during the excursion.
3 h
Guided fishing trip by boat
Join us for a traditional Finnish fishing trip on a fish-filled lake!
3 h
Scenic excursion to Korouoma
Embark on a scenic excursion to the rugged canyon valley of Korouoma!
5 h
Scenic Tour to Riisitunturi National Park
Riisitunturi National Park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers!
6 h
Campfire meal in connection with an activity
Enjoyable soup meal in connection with an activity. The food is heated by the campfire and served for eating by the fire.
Dinner excursion to the campfire
Embark on a home excursion to the shores of a beautiful lake! At the campfire site, we'll prepare delicious food in traditional open-fire conditions. This excursion offers the opportunity...
2 hTicket to Ranua wildlife park
Get to know polar bears and other arctic animals at Ranua wildlife park!
What are the Northern lights?
The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere, are a light phenomenon that most commonly occurs at high latitudes near the Arctic Circle. They are produced when particles from the sun, guided by Earth's magnetic field, collide with atoms and molecules in the atmosphere, resulting in the release of light. The Northern Lights can appear in various colors, most commonly green, and create mysterious dancing light patterns in the sky. This phenomenon occurs in both the northern and southern hemispheres, where it is called aurora australis. The activity of the Northern Lights varies according to the 11-year solar activity cycle.
When you can see Northern lights?
The Northern Lights are most common from September to March, when nights are longest and darkest, but they can also be seen during the dark moments of April. The best times for observing are often later in the evening and into the early morning, roughly between 21:00 and 02:00. This window offers the best chances for viewing the Northern Lights, as atmospheric disturbances are minimal and the sky is sufficiently dark. The brightness of the auroras varies from night to night, depending on solar activity.
Where can you see the Northern lights?
In Finland, the Northern Lights can best be seen in Lapland, where they are common during the autumn, winter, and spring months, especially from September to March, when the skies are clear and dark. Aurora viewing is particularly good in places like Ranua, where they can be admired on up to 100 nights a year.
Best changes to see Northern lights
Firstly, one must be at a sufficiently high latitude, as the Northern Lights most commonly occur near the Arctic Circle. Secondly, particle radiation from the sun must be active, and it reaches the Earth's magnetic field, which causes the auroras to glow. In addition, local weather conditions, such as clear skies, are crucial for observing the Northern Lights from the ground. It is also important to note that the Northern Lights are best seen in locations without street lights or the lights of villages and cities.
Mythology of the Northern lights
Finnish tales often depict the Northern Lights as sparks caused by great battles in the sky or by the tails of fire foxes. Native American stories in North America see the Northern Lights as a dance of their ancestors in the sky, while in Scandinavian mythology, they can be associated with the activities of gods and valkyries. These stories reflect a deep respect and admiration for the beauty and power of nature.
Reindeer in Ranua
Reindeer are an integral part of the culture and nature of Lapland. They are domesticated animals that have been used by the indigenous Sámi people for thousands of years for transportation, food, and clothing. Reindeer herding is still an important livelihood in Lapland, and reindeer can be seen roaming freely in the wild. In Ranua, reindeer are also a popular attraction, and visitors can experience reindeer sleigh rides and learn about their significance in local culture.