Polar Park — Attraction in Bardu

I really enjoyed the visit and the animals seemed to be well-taken care of with large enclosures and only native species.

I do, however, have two points of criticism.

The first is that it is very expensive. However, I understand it's expensive to upkeep a park like that so it makes sense.

The second one did genuinely bother me. On the tour we were given (by a very nice young man), it seemed that he had been given very politically correct instructions on what to educate the public about. I do not blame him per say, as he is just doing his job, but I wonder about the management of the educational content.

We were told that from the species there, only the artic fox is endangered in Norway. However, the IUCN Red List seems to disagree with that information, suggesting that several of the species in the park are either endangered or critically endangered in Norway. For example, the Wolves and bears. This list is the most widely used barometer of conservation so it's valid.

We were also told that the biggest threat to bears in the wild are other bears. To the workers credit, he did admit that humans are also a big threat to bears but only after being asked a related question.

The info boards of many animals did not feature their conservation status.

I am confused as to how the park justifies withholding this type of information?

I am fully aware that it's important to educate the public by showing off the animals but the carefully crafted way in which extremely important information about the animals was not told, was offputting and concerning.

I am sure the park is invested in the conservation of all these animals but this should be reflected in the educational content the visitors are told. The conservation statuses of animals may be political but tiptoeing around the topic gives a bad look and makes me wonder who's interests does the park serve? Education is about truth, not about what people simply want to hear.

I really hope this feedback is seriously considered as incorportating it would very much improve the already...

As a park it was nice and it was interesting to see the animals. We organized the trip so that we visit on a Sunday and so that we can take the free predator guiding tour, as well as the arctic fox visit for which you had to register upon arrival. Once we arrived there we were informed that neither tour was taking place on this day as they had too many private tours booked and the tour guides were busy. I complained as there was no announcement on the website and they said that the website was new and they didn't know how to use it, so they only posted it in facebook. I continued making pressure as this was very unfair for us and asked if wr could join a private tour, but they also refused this. Furthermore there was a map in the beginning of the map but the Wolverine was not shown, later there were some signs shpwing us were to go, but this was confusing. On the other hand we followed the road (map+signs) to see the musk, but as it was under construction we were not able to see it - also rude that there was no information at the beginning of the park and/or the signs & map. Last, on the website it said that the Wolf Visit was not available at the time and yet I saw 2 different groups do this. So practically I was never given an option to do a tour actually. If the website is not up-to-date, just close it. In total I felt quite disrespected as a visitor for all the misinformation and the unapologetic cancel of the free tour, without at least been given some money back (the price for the tour is part of the entrance...

I went in November 2019, and had a large group tour associated with the Queen Victoria, which had called into near-by Narvik. Our guide was a lovely young woman (whose name I sadly forgot), who was very knowledgeable about the animals. We had some wonderful discussions about zoos, Norwegian wildlife, and learned a little about her plans for school. She fed the animals that were out their food, and they were clearly well-fed and taken good care of. As their park does work as a rescue/rehab center for these amazing creatures, some of their animals are a little skittish, but it was clear from my chat with the worker that Polar Park cares deeply about their animals, and they have a wonderful passion for them and for conservation, and it shows. The park has very large enclosures (similar to the North Carolina Zoo, about 45 minutes from my home), so lots of space for the animals. Be prepared for a good little hike! They provided special refreshments for my tour group, consisting of a local waffle served with yogurt and jam. It was simple but absolutely delicious! Their coffee was a welcome relief from the snowy chill outside! The shop has the usual souvenirs, but many also send part of their proceeds to wildlife preservation funds. The staff is SO friendly and polite, and are ever so obliging. I had a magical visit and I highly recommend Polar Park to anyone visiting; don't forget that the animals in the park are generally quite active in the winter...