Looking for somewhere to go to try cross-country skiing, as lovers of dogs and wildlife, it was this unique experience on Airbnb that put us on the path to visiting Finland. Having found that Ranua also had the zoo, a great Airbnb accomodation, and other experiences to try we came to Finland for a week. During the week, we also tried skiing, Husky sledding, snowmobiles, snowshoes, and visited places like Iso Syöte, all of which were amazing. The only thing we did that left us feeling bit flat was this. We went for the two hour private tour, which consisted of an introduction to the Wolfdogs, which are a cross between wolves and domestic dogs. There were four pens, each with wolfdogs bred from different wolves, and therefore kept separately. Two pens had four dogs and two pens had two, so twelve in total. We were then able to go into the two four dog pens to see the wolfdogs up close. The good points of the experience were that the guy who showed us around was able to tell us a lot about the history of wolfdogs and of their experiences with theirs, answer all of our questions, and of course seeing the setup and meeting the wolfdogs was great. The not so good bits were that it was extremely cold standing in the snow for two hours, which is in no way the fault of the hosts, but is just something to bear in mind if you go. We felt if it had been amazing it may have been worth the cost, but as it was, it was slightly on the expensive side. Lastly we just felt the whole experience was neither friendly nor unfriendly but just left us a bit flat, as it wasn’t done with any great enthusiasm towards us as visitors. However, the biggest issue I have is following sending a private message to the host, suggesting how this experience could be made better for other visitors. This was done (as always) to spare public visibility of sensitive suggestions. This message contained suggestions such as …”When we went in the first pen and were asked not to touch the big dog, it was easy to lose track of which one it was. It would be useful therefore if this one maybe had a different colour collar to the others, so that it would be easier to keep track of which one it is, when up close and surrounded by them”. The owner replied with what can only only be described as an incredible rant in the most unfriendly language, accusing us of wanting a refund (something that was never mentioned or intimated) and quoting bible references about money, greed, and us being obsessed by expensive things. I would therefore have given this experience 3/5 but have reduced it by one to 2/5.

I really enjoyed this activity, being in the same enclosure of a wolf is something. The guide is knowledgeable. Great to see if you're nearby.

Amazing visit! Nice to learn about wolfdogs and a lot of fun to get to interact with them. You can really tell they have a lot of space and are taken care of with nothing but love and respect for the animals. Would definitely recommend!

A treat. These people live totally off the grid. They are an example to us all. The wolf dog are beautiful. You probably need to be interested in wildlife conservation and obviously canines!!! Trip out there....choose the snowmobile. We went in the closed in trailer and it was very uncomfortable. We laughed all the way but snow mobile better option if you can do it.

This was such a special visit. These lovely gentle people live off the grid. They are an example to us all. Fascinating talk, interesting lunch over a camp fire and the wolf dogs are simply beautiful. These people are working to save the few remaining wolves in Finland who have a bounty on their heads. My daughter had recently broken her ankle so we didn't take a snowmobile. Should have. We went in the closed- in trailer and it was crazy bumpy LOL. So travel by snowmobile because the trails would be fun by that method!

This trip is an amazing experience,the wolfdogs are so well looked after... i found it very interesting learning all about them. We had a fantastic time.

Truly an incredible experience! The wolfdogs are adorable and well taken care of. Thank you guys so much for an amazing afternoon!

What an amazing place to visit. I won't tell you too much, because that would spoil your visit. However, if you have the opportunity to visit here, DO IT. Go and meet these wonderful animals, and hear from the family who decided to live here, off grid, and set up this sanctuary. A visit you will not forget.

We took a family of four today to meet the wolf dogs including two children ages 10 and 12. As a vet I was particularly interested in the difference in the breed types from domesticated dogs of similar breed. It was fascinating to see and understand the bond between the owners and the dogs, and remarkable that the bond between them is so trusting as to allow strangers to come in to their enclosures with them. The wolf dogs themselves are beautiful, very Wolf like in appearance and the difference from other dogs in their nature was apparent and was highlighted by information from the owner. They are clearly very well understood and cared for, part of the family. Children and adults were all encouraged to have contact which was very closely supervised and guided. Not commercialised at all. Really interesting, highly recommend, a walk with the dogs would have been amazing (I hadn’t known was an option).

This is really a good experience which i have learnt more about wolfdogs! Recommended to people who like animals!!

We had a fantastic trip, arriving on snow mobiles to be met by the charming young couple who have made their life in a remote dwelling along with their many wolf dogs. We went into the enclosures and were able to meet these beautiful animals face to face. Well worth a visit

The sanctuary is run by a very nice and hospitable couple who really care for their wolf dogs as pets. Spent almost 2 hours there and given a personal tour round their pens. Had direct contact with their animals. A really memorable and very interesting experience. Highly recommend and not the usual commercial concern you would expect.