Polar Park day trip

Meet wolves, bears and Arctic wildlife at the world's northernmost animal park.

About an hour north of Narvik, in the Salangsdalen valley of Bardu municipality, sits the world's northernmost animal park. Polar Park opened in 1994 with an unusual philosophy: instead of cramming animals into small enclosures, they gave them room. Lots of room. The park covers 1,100 mål (about 275 acres) divided into just 12 enclosures, reportedly the largest area per animal of any wildlife park in the world.

The result is a place where you see Arctic predators like wolves, brown bears, lynx, and wolverines in settings that actually resemble their natural habitat. The animals can choose to hide if they want. They often don't. And because the park focuses on species native to the region, everything you see here belongs to this landscape.

The animals

Polar Park specializes in Nordic wildlife. The headline attractions are the big predators: brown bears, wolves, lynx and wolverines. But you'll also see moose, reindeer, red deer, muskox and arctic foxes, all animals that either live wild in the region or once did.

The best time to visit is during feeding sessions, when the animals are most active and visible. Check the park's schedule when you arrive. Plan 2-4 hours to see everything at a relaxed pace.

The wolf encounter

The most talked-about experience at Polar Park is the chance to enter the enclosure with socialized wolves. These aren't tamed animals. They're wolves that have been accustomed to human scent, sounds and movements from an early age. Their instinct to flee has been reduced, but they remain wild animals with wild behavior.

Wolf visits happen on Wednesdays and Fridays for visitors 18 and older. The park provides protective clothing and instruction before you enter. Many describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The wolves approach on their own terms, curious about visitors but never forced to interact.

These encounters are limited to protect the wolves, so booking ahead is essential. If the wolf encounter is your main reason for visiting, plan your trip around the schedule.

Beyond the animals

Polar Park offers more than wildlife viewing. The park has the Nordic region's longest zipline, actually two lines, one at 90 meters and another stretching 600 meters across the valley. It's an unexpected addition to an animal park, but the views are excellent.

Guided tours run throughout the year, combining animal observations with information about how these species have adapted to the demanding northern climate. For families, the park is particularly well-suited. The trail network lets you move at your own pace, and even if some animals choose to stay hidden, you'll see plenty of wildlife.

Getting there

Polar Park is located in Bardu municipality, about 72 km north of Narvik. The drive takes approximately one hour through scenic valleys and along mountain roads.

The drive itself is part of the experience. You'll pass through some of Norway's most dramatic inland scenery like mountain valleys, rivers, and forests where the animals you're about to see actually live wild.

Practical information

A day trip to Polar Park fits well into a longer Northern Norway itinerary. Visit in the morning, grab lunch at the park café, and you're back in Narvik by afternoon with time to spare.

Related guides

• Northern lights in Narvik

• Whale watching from Andøya

• Driving tips in Norway

Sources

• Polar Park Official Website

• Visit Narvik - Polar Park

Written and edited by

Almaz Ermilov, Aleksei Poroshin and Vitalijus Zubrickas

Published January 1, 2026