Polar Park in Salangsdalen is the world's northernmost animal park. It opened in 1994 and covers 110 hectares with just 12 enclosures, giving the animals enormous space compared to a typical zoo.
The focus is on Nordic predators. All four of Norway's large carnivores are here: brown bear, wolf, Eurasian lynx, and wolverine. You will also find moose, muskox, red deer, and reindeer. The main draw is the Wolf Visit experience, offered on Wednesdays and Fridays. The wolves have been habituated to human scent and movement from a young age, so visitors can enter the enclosure with a guide and interact with them up close. For something truly unusual, there is the Wolf Lodge: a cabin built inside the wolf enclosure where you can spend the night. Only about 15 stays are available per year, and it is one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the Nordics, priced accordingly.
Be aware that this is not a big city zoo. There are about 40 animals in total across eight species. If you expect exotic animals and a large facility, you will be disappointed. But if you want to see Norway's predators up close in a forest setting, it is genuinely good. In 2015, hunters accidentally wandered into the park and shot two of the red deer, which gives you an idea of how natural the enclosures look.
The park is located off E6, in Bardu municipality. It is a detour of roughly 15 minutes from the main road. If you are travelling with children, it is worth the stop.
The focus is on Nordic predators. All four of Norway's large carnivores are here: brown bear, wolf, Eurasian lynx, and wolverine. You will also find moose, muskox, red deer, and reindeer. The main draw is the Wolf Visit experience, offered on Wednesdays and Fridays. The wolves have been habituated to human scent and movement from a young age, so visitors can enter the enclosure with a guide and interact with them up close. For something truly unusual, there is the Wolf Lodge: a cabin built inside the wolf enclosure where you can spend the night. Only about 15 stays are available per year, and it is one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the Nordics, priced accordingly.
Be aware that this is not a big city zoo. There are about 40 animals in total across eight species. If you expect exotic animals and a large facility, you will be disappointed. But if you want to see Norway's predators up close in a forest setting, it is genuinely good. In 2015, hunters accidentally wandered into the park and shot two of the red deer, which gives you an idea of how natural the enclosures look.
The park is located off E6, in Bardu municipality. It is a detour of roughly 15 minutes from the main road. If you are travelling with children, it is worth the stop.