Experience the true magic of Lapland at Ranua
Experience the Magic of Ranua in Summer and Autumn
Do you love bright summer nights, frozen cloudberry marshes, the colours of fall, wonderful nature, northern lights, a sky of millions of stars, snowy winter, or simply peace and quiet? At Ranua, you can experience all of these.
In summer, the enchanting nightless nights allow you to enjoy nature even in the middle of the night. Imagine a tranquil boat trip across the lake, a peaceful hike through Lapland’s forests, or even a midnight swim as the sun lingers on the horizon. As the season begins to shift, the cloudberry marshes glow in rich orange tones, and those same warm colours soon sweep across the treetops. Finnish autumn – known for its spectacular foliage, or ruska – is something everyone should experience at least once. It’s nature’s grand finale before the stillness of winter sets in.
When the darker nights return in late autumn, the Northern Lights begin to dance across the skies, adding a touch of magic to the crisp air. As snow blankets the ground, Ranua becomes a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, husky safaris, reindeer rides, or snowshoeing through snowy forests. The snow-covered trees and starry skies create a magical landscape, and the Christmas season in Lapland is full of warmth and wonder, with Santa Claus, his elves, and reindeer bringing joy to visitors of all ages.
Peace, Nature, and the Colours of the North
Ranua is the perfect destination if you’re looking to slow down, breathe clean air, and reconnect with the natural world. Far from the crowds and noise of the city, this peaceful village offers pleasantly warm summer weather and an atmosphere that invites you to relax.
Nature is all around, offering beauty and calm in every direction. Whether you’re gazing out over a quiet lake, wandering under golden birch trees in autumn, or enjoying the solitude of Lapland’s forests, Ranua brings you closer to nature’s rhythm – and your own.
Summer and Autumn Activities in Ranua
Ranua offers a wide range of things to do during the summer and autumn months, from peaceful outdoor recreation to cultural and wildlife encounters.
Swimming, rowing and paddle boarding are popular ways to enjoy Lake Ranuanjärvi in summer. Forest trails invite you to walk or cycle beneath the trees, and both seasons are perfect for berry picking. Depending on the time of year, you may find cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries, or cranberries. Autumn is also the best time for mushroom picking – a local tradition that pairs perfectly with a day spent outdoors. After your adventure, you can unwind by a campfire and cook traditional Finnish pancakes while sipping a refreshing drink.
Ranua Wildlife Park is home to a wide range of Arctic animals and is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. You can explore the park to learn more about each animal’s personality and lifestyle. In summer, evening tours let you see the animals after hours under the light of the midnight sun. On July 12th, the park celebrates Moomin Day with performances by Little My and Sniff – a hit with families. In early August, the cloudberry market, known as Hillamarkkinat, brings the community together for music, local food, handmade goods, and a lively village atmosphere.
If you’re looking for deeper connections with local life, you can join a guided canoe trip on Lake Ranuanjärvi or visit a reindeer farm, where you’ll learn about the reindeer year and maybe meet calves born in spring. A horse-drawn carriage ride with a traditional Finnhorse is a relaxing way to explore the countryside on a light summer night.
A visit to a local family farm gives you a taste of everyday life in Lapland. Travel there by horse carriage and meet animals like Finn Horses, Lappish cows, Lapphunds, sheep and chickens. You can try milking a cow, gather eggs from the henhouse, and cook pancakes over a fire in a traditional hut using ingredients you helped collect.
In autumn, husky kennels offer thrilling rides on wheeled carts through forest paths. After a short intro, you’ll set off with the dogs for a 3–5 km ride, with breaks to give water and take photos. Once back at the kennel, you’ll get to pet the huskies, watch them play freely in their enclosure, and finish your visit with soft drinks by the fire in the cosy kennel hut.
How to Get to Ranua
Ranua is located in Southern Lapland, about an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi, which is the nearest city with both an airport and a train station. The journey is easy and scenic, bringing you straight into the heart of Lapland’s peaceful forest and marsh landscapes. How to arrive >>
Stay in the Heart of Lapland – Accommodation Options
Ranua offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveller. Whether you’re seeking a rustic lakeside cabin, a high-quality holiday villa, a cosy detached house, a floating igloo, a campsite close to nature, or a luxurious glass igloo with panoramic views of the sky – Ranua has it all.
Take your time to explore the options and book the accommodation that best fits your plans. Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, you’ll find the perfect base for your adventure in Ranua.
