Update 10/2025 – Ähtäri Zoo has closed. Read how you can help the animals and the zoo comeback
In the heart of Finland, surrounded by scenic lakes and pristine forests, lies one of the country’s most captivating nature destinations – Ähtäri Zoo. This historic wildlife park first opened its doors in 1973 and, over the decades, has grown into a diverse destination where animals, nature, culture, and tradition come together.
Ähtäri offers a chance to see Finland’s most iconic wild animals – the bear, lynx, moose, wolverine, and reindeer – in a natural environment that closely resembles their native habitats. At the same time, visitors can also encounter rare guests from around the world, such as the snow leopard from the Himalayas, symbolizing international cooperation in wildlife conservation.
An authentic nature experience in Inha – more than just a zoo
A visit to Ähtäri Zoo, located in the village of Inha, feels less like a typical zoo trip and more like a tranquil walk through a Finnish forest. Long wooden bridges and nature trails guide visitors through pine woods, past marshlands, and alongside clear ponds. Each step reveals a new view, and often animals appear unexpectedly from the forest, as if you were part of their world.
Along the trails, informative signs provide fascinating facts about the animals, their behavior, and habitats – engaging for both adults and children. Visitors can also pause to listen to the silence: the rustle of the forest, birdsong, and the whisper of wind through the trees. It’s an unforgettable experience impossible to replicate in the noise of a big city.
Bears, snow leopards, and predators of the North
Ähtäri Zoo is especially famous for its bears – the true kings of the Finnish wilderness. Their strength and calm presence can be admired safely up close. Watching them being fed or bathing in summer is a moment that brings a smile to every visitor’s face. The wolverine and lynx, creatures of northern mystery that are rarely seen in the wild, can also be observed here, eye to eye. The snow leopard, a majestic rarity from the Himalayan mountains, is among the park’s most enchanting sights.
Ähtäri’s former residents, the panda pair Lumi and Pyry, brought the park global attention and reminded visitors of the importance of conservation. After their departure, the Panda House was renamed Nature House Mesitassu and now focuses on endangered species and environmental education.
Farm life – a slice of Finnish countryside
Next to the zoo lies a traditional farm, “Farmi,” where visitors can meet familiar residents of the Finnish countryside: cows, sheep, goats, ponies, and hens, among others. Children can learn how milk was produced before modern milking machines, and adults often find themselves immersed in nostalgia, recalling rural memories from their own childhoods.
Many stop to pet a gentle cow or feed the goats – simple yet deeply touching moments that remind us of our connection to animals and the land that sustains us.
Hotel Mesikämmen – accommodation by the lake
Right next to Ähtäri Zoo stands the legendary Hotel Mesikämmen, a destination in its own right. Built in the 1970s, the hotel is an architectural gem, partially carved into the bedrock and seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape.
Its rooms overlook a tranquil lake, and the hotel restaurant serves delicious meals as well as an excellent breakfast buffet with many gluten-free and lactose-free options.
Best of all, Ähtäri is easily reachable even without a car – you can take a train from Helsinki and enjoy scenic views along the way. The journey takes only a few hours, making Hotel Mesikämmen an excellent choice for car-free travelers.
Ähtäri needs travelers’ support
Due to the effects of the Covid pandemic, the pandas’ departure, and the impacts of the Russia’s attack in Ukraine, Ähtäri Zoo has faced financial challenges in recent years. Yet this valuable Finnish destination remains an essential part of Finland’s national heritage – a place where generations have learned to appreciate nature and its diversity. I, too, visited Ähtäri both as a child and an adult, and it has always held a special meaning.
Read how you can help support Ähtäri Zoo!
It is a provenly rewarding and educational experience to visit Ähtäri Zoo first as a schoolchild and later as an adult – an experience I wholeheartedly recommend sharing with your own children.
For those with a car or camper van, Ähtäri also makes a perfect day trip. In any case, visiting is a meaningful way to support Finnish wildlife and conservation work.
Autumn colors, forest stillness, and a clear starry sky
October is an especially beautiful time to visit Ähtäri. The forests of Inha glow in vivid autumn hues – red, orange, and gold. The air is crisp, and the surface of the lake lies perfectly still. The animals prepare for winter, and the park radiates a peaceful atmosphere that makes the visit truly unforgettable. If you stay overnight at the hotel, you can admire the forest’s silence and the star-filled sky from your own balcony.
Autumn in Inha and Ähtäri also provides wonderful opportunities for photography – landscapes, wildlife, and nature shots alike. The soft daylight and rich natural colors make every image unique. All photos in this article I filmed in October 2024.
Why choose Ähtäri Zoo?
Ähtäri Zoo perfectly combines experience, education, and respect for nature. It’s ideal for anyone wishing to experience Finnish nature up close – without a long trek into the wilderness or a national park. You can spend the day among animals, relax in your hotel room watching TV and lake views while others explore the bears, and then enjoy a comfortable night before returning home refreshed.
Buy the ticket online and support Ähtäri Zoo to continue its functions
You can buy the ticket here, visiting or not. Your contribution can help the zoo to continue its functions after bankruptcy in October 2025. You can see some of the zoo animals in Instagram also.
ÄHTÄRI ZOO
Ähtäri Zoo is Finland’s oldest and most natural-style wildlife park. The 3-kilometre forest trail takes you through peaceful scenery where you can encounter over 60 different animal species. With a Zoo ticket, you can explore both the main wildlife park and the charming farm area. Visitors can choose between a one-day ticket or a two-day pass, which allows entry on both days during regular opening hours.
The zoo trail introduces you to animals from the northern hemisphere while you enjoy the calm and beauty of Finnish nature. In summer, you’ll find a cosy café along the route, and picnic spots are available year-round for a relaxing break surrounded by nature.
Your Zoo ticket also includes access to the nostalgic Ähtäri Zoo Farm — a lovely journey into the past. The traditional Ostrobothnian farmhouse and its outbuildings create a unique rural atmosphere. The friendly farm hosts are happy to introduce visitors to the animals living there: cows, horses, cats, chickens, goats, rabbits, and sheep.
ARRIVING AT ÄHTÄRI ZOO
Ähtäri Zoo is easy to reach from many directions, located in the heart of South Ostrobothnia, Central Finland, and Pirkanmaa. The address is Karhunkierros 150, 63920 Ähtäri.
Distances: Seinäjoki 80 km (about 1 hour), Jyväskylä 120 km (1.5 hours), Tampere 140 km (2 hours), and Helsinki 300 km (around 4 hours). From Ähtäri town centre, the zoo is only 7 kilometres away.
By car
When you arrive in Ähtäri, just follow the signs marked “Eläinpuisto” (Zoo). Parking areas are located right in front of the zoo entrance as well as a short walking distance away.
Address: Karhunkierros 150, Ähtäri.
By train
The Zoo has its own train stop, listed on VR’s website under “Ähtärin eläinpuisto Zoo.” From the stop, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the main entrance. You can check train timetables and buy your tickets in advance at www.vr.fi.
By bus
The closest bus stop is about 1.2 kilometres from the entrance, located along Highway 18 between Inha and Myllymäki.
ACCESSIBILITY
Ähtäri Zoo, the Farm, and the Panda House are all accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. There are a few designated disabled parking spaces available right by the main entrance.
MORE TO EXPERIENCE
Ähtäri Zoo is part of a larger travel area surrounded by scenic forests and Lake Hankavesi. Within the area, you’ll find accommodation options, restaurants, outdoor activities, the Flowpark adventure park, a spa, a bowling alley, the event arena Ähtäri Hall, and even a full-size golf course — all within easy reach for a perfect getaway in nature.
Ähtäri offers peace, inspiration, and authentic Finnish atmosphere – whether you are a solo traveler, a family visitor, or a nature photographer.
Now, as autumn is at its finest, it’s the perfect time to pack your camera, dress warmly, and head to Ähtäri.
Experience Finnish nature and wildlife – right where they truly belong.
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