Ähtäri Zoo, South Ostrobothnia Travel Guide

4.3 (6800)

Discover Finland's wildlife in a natural forest setting at Ähtäri Zoo, home to diverse Nordic animal species.

Ähtäri Zoo, nestled in the heart of Finland, offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife of the boreal forest. Home to over 50 species, including bears, lynx, and snow leopards, the zoo provides a natural setting for observing these magnificent animals. It's a perfect destination for nature lovers and families seeking an immersive wildlife experience.

A brief summary to Ähtäri Zoo

Karhunkierros 150, Ähtäri, 63700, FI
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 10 am-8 pm
Tuesday 10 am-8 pm
Wednesday 10 am-8 pm
Thursday 10 am-8 pm
Friday 10 am-8 pm
Saturday 10 am-8 pm
Sunday 10 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ähtäri Zoo.

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the zoo tour involves a 3km walk through a forest environment.
Check the zoo's website for animal feeding times and guided tours to enhance your experience.
Bring your own snacks or grill sausages at the designated fire pit areas, but be mindful of forest fire warnings.
Visit during the spring to witness animal reproduction and regeneration, or in March to see bears waking from hibernation.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Huvivaltio PowerPark

Jaeger Museum of Finland

Kyro älv

The World of Trails Heritage Park

HopLop Seinäjoki

Explore Ähtäri Zoo on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ähtäri Zoo, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

If arriving by car, follow highway 18 to Ähtäri. From the town center, follow the Ähtäri Zoo traffic signs for approximately 5km to Karhunkierros 150. Free parking is available in the P1, P2, and P3 parking areas.
Train

Ähtäri Zoo has its own train stop, 'Eläinpuisto-Zoo', serviced by local trains from Seinäjoki and Jyväskylä. From the train stop, it's a 15-minute walk to the zoo entrance. Train tickets can be purchased online.
Bus

Buses from Virrat, Seinäjoki, and Alavus serve Ähtäri. The OnniBus stop is located in front of Ähtäri Zoo. From the Ähtäri bus station, take a local taxi (approximately €20-24) to the zoo, which is about 9 km away.

Discover more about Ähtäri Zoo

Ähtäri Zoo, established in 1973, is Finland's first natural wildlife park, set within a 60-hectare forest. The zoo is home to over 50 animal species, primarily from the northern boreal forest zone, providing them with spacious and natural living conditions.Visitors can explore a diverse range of animals, including iconic Finnish wildlife like bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines, and European bison. The zoo also houses endangered species such as snow leopards. The tour is a 3km walk through the forest, making it a light hike suitable for families. There are also grilling and fire pit areas available for public use, as long as there are no forest fire warnings.Ähtäri Zoo is committed to conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. It participates in European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) conservation programs. The zoo also features a traditional Finnish farm with native breeds, offering a glimpse into Finland's agricultural heritage.While the zoo briefly housed giant pandas from 2018-2024, they have since been returned to China. However, the zoo continues to offer a wide array of Nordic wildlife in naturalistic habitats.