Bear Watching Weekend In Finland

Arriving at Kajaani airport we then take a bus east towards the Russian border through a magnificent landscape of densely packed forest of both deciduous and coniferous trees, lakes, bubbling streams and flowing rivers as we make our way to the home of the Brown Bear. On arrival at the Wild Brown Bear Hotel you will have a free evening. If time allows, we recommend ending your day by partaking in the pastime that is almost a national obsession in Finland – the sauna.

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Dinner

This morning we include a guided walk through the forest with a local wildlife guide, to gain a greater insight into the natural history of this pristine region. During the 4- 5km walk we learn further about the habitat of the Brown Bear, whilst looking for the other animals and rare plants found in this truly unique area. This afternoon we will walk to our specially prepared hides to spend a night observing bears. Located in a small open wetland area, with a fabulous backdrop of spruce and pine forests the hides have been designed to offer the best opportunity for the observation and study of bears. Each hide accommodates up to 8 people and is equipped with comfortable viewing chairs, a sleeping area and a toilet. To enhance the overall viewing experience there is a sound amplification system within the hides, allowing us to clearly hear the many noises of the forest at night – with the sound of the approaching bears often being the prelude to their arrival in front of the hide. Although predominantly a solitary animal, bears do congregate in numbers within popular areas where food is plentiful. Although as with all wildlife viewing we cannot guarantee that bears will be seen, it is common for a number of individual bears to be observed from the hides during any one night. In the viewing season we can expect 12-16 hours per day of direct sunlight and 2 to 4 hours of twilight, so maximising the opportunity to see these amazing animals. As well as bears, owls, wolverine, foxes and elk are visitors to this area, so ensure that you have plenty of film for your camera!

Overnight Basic Hide Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we return on foot to our hotel located a short walk from the hides. After freshening up, the day is free for personal exploration, although you may wish to join an optional canoeing trip or nature trek (12 km) with our local guide. For those people not wishing to partake in these optionals, the location of our hotel makes it an ideal place to just sit and relax. There is the opportunity this evening to return to the hides for a second night of bear watching (optional – space permitting) or relax in a traditional smoke sauna. In the unlikely event that bears were not seen on the first night, a second night of bear watching will be included without additional charge.

Overnight Simple Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning if time allows we drive via Kuhmo, a town located on the banks of Lake Lammasjärvi in the Kainuu region back to Kajaani airport.

Included meals: Breakfast