How to combine learning and activities with children in summer?

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to combine educational experiences with fun activities for children. Finding the right balance helps children retain knowledge while enjoying their break from formal schooling. At Ähtäri Zoo, we’ve created an environment where learning happens naturally through exploration and discovery. Our 60-hectare forest setting provides an ideal backdrop for children to […]

How do Finnish animals survive winter in the wild?

Finnish animals have developed remarkable survival strategies to endure the harsh winter conditions. Native species employ various adaptations including hibernation, physical changes, and behavioural modifications to withstand freezing temperatures and food scarcity. From bears entering months-long sleep to birds growing extra insulation feathers, these survival techniques have evolved over thousands of years. The winter adaptations […]

Can you see Finnish animals in their natural habitat?

Yes, you can observe Finnish animals in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats at Ähtäri Zoo, Finland’s oldest naturalistic wildlife park. Spanning across 60 hectares of forest, the zoo creates spacious enclosures that authentically replicate the native environments of Finnish animals. This approach allows visitors to experience wildlife in settings remarkably similar to their […]

How to get here

Ähtäri Zoo’s exact address is Karhunkierros 150, 63920 Ähtäri

By car

Once you are close to Ähtäri, you can find the Zoo following the road signs. There are two parking areas, from which P1 is closer to the entrance and P2 is within a 10min walking distance. All parking areas are free of charge. There are several accessible parking spaces right next to the entrance on P1 for those in need.

By train

Ähtäri Zoo has its own train stop. The stop is close to P2 area, so it is within a 10-15min walking distance from the Zoo entrance. You can check the schedule and buy train tickets from the Finnish Railway company VR.