Ranua: Must-See City in the Lapland Region
Ranua, Finland is one of the top cities in the Lapland Region for seeing the Northern Lights. While it remains a popular winter town, there are plenty of wonderful sceneries uncovered by warmer months. The Rovaniemi Airport is just less than an hour’s drive from the city center, and travelers can choose to stay in hotels that offer shuttle services.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the city of Ranua, Finland is during the summer. While the entire country is popular for its icy attractions and activities in the winter, the warmer days reveal another side of the region, which is marked by lush greens, sunny days, and parks filled with amicable locals. In June, the city celebrates the Vaylafestival, which is an arts festival in the Torne River Valley, which gathers visual artists and music lovers in various cultural venues. The Solstice Festival also features two days of international and local music. Explore new talents at the Midnight Sun Film Festival, and interesting performances during the Silence Festival. If you’re visiting the city in the summer, it would be ideal to book a Ranua, Finland hotel several months in advance.
What to Do & Area Attractions
For those who wish to see the northern lights, the three-star Lapland Northern Lights Hotel Ilveslinna should be a top choice among budget travelers. You can stay in simple lodge-style rooms, or choose the glass igloo. You wake up to free breakfasts within the onsite restaurant. The pet-friendly hotel is also just a short distance from the popular Ranua Wildlife Park. The Iconic Wikkela Villa is more upscale, offers lavish villas with spacious interiors. You can relax in the hot tub while waiting for the northern lights. Families with little kids will love the Ranua Zoo, which is a sanctuary for winter animals such as polar bears. The Ranua-Revontuli Oy Winery is perfect for those who wish to explore the local cellars.
