Finland : Bear Watching Holiday in the Wild Taiga of Finland
Discover the bears of the Wild Taiga
Located in eastern Finland, the Wild Taiga is a rugged wilderness where extraordinary wildlife roams freely in enchanting forests. This once in a lifetime bear watching holiday lets you see magnificent animals such as brown bears, reindeer, lynx and wolverine in their natural habitats. The Wild Taiga is breathtakingly beautiful in the summer months and it possesses an indescribable spirit. As the Midnight Sun sheds golden rays through the branches of tall pine trees, Finland’s nocturnal creatures come to life as they forage for food. This bear watching holiday truly is an exceptional experience, giving you an insight into the furtive lives of many endangered species.
You will enjoy full board accommodation on this bear watching holiday in Finnish Lapland, and the purpose-built hides are equipped for a comfortable night’s stay. Spending four days in these predator hides allows you to really get close up to nature and hopefully you will capture some exciting moments on camera. Amplification systems are installed within each hide so you can hear the interesting sounds of the Wild Taiga at night time. On this bear watching holiday we visit the Petola Nature Centre which will teach you everything you need to know about Finland’s predators and how they survive in the vast wilderness.
*All itinerary images taken by Sabrina Logeais
Day 1 -
Arrive at Kajaani Airport
|
.jpg "Arrive at Kajaani Airport")
Fly to Kajaani Airport where you will be transferred to the forest lodge in the Kainuu region near to the border of Finland and Russia. Settle into the Finnish culture with a customary sauna on arrival, followed by a Lappish dinner.
Meals included:
Dinner
|
|
Day 2 -
Nature Walk and Bear Watching
|
.jpg "Nature Walk and Bear Watching")
Your bear watching holiday adventure begins today. Enjoy breakfast before setting off on a two to three hour walk which lets you delve into the fabulous nature and culture of the area. After dinner you will be given all the information you need about the predator hides before making your way there to spend the first evening watching incredible brown bears.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
|
Day 3 -
Leisure Time and Bear Watching
|
.jpg "Leisure Time and Bear Watching")
Following the first night of your bear watching holiday, you can choose to either get some rest in preparation for the forthcoming nights in the hide or you can take a boat out onto the lake and relax among the tranquility. Return to the hides after evening dinner.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
|
Day 4 -
Wild Forest Reindeer and Moose
|
.jpg "Wild Forest Reindeer and Moose")
Today on your bear watching holiday you will discover the life of the forest reindeer and moose, and hopefully you will also get the chance to watch beavers at play. You will return during the night after an evening trip to see wild moose.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
|
Day 5 -
Bear and Wolverine Watching
|
.jpg "Bear and Wolverine Watching")
There will be ample time to relax back at the lodge today. Tuck into a Lappish dinner then enjoy the night watching bears and wolverines. Tonight on your bear watching holiday you will stay overnight at Vartius.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
|
Day 6 -
Petola Nature Centre and Beaver or Flying Squirrel Watching
|
.jpg "Petola Nature Centre and Beaver or Flying Squirrel Watching")
Take your time over breakfast and relax before today’s trip to Petola Nature Centre where you can see the fascinating exhibition on the predators of Finland. Depending on the guests’ preferences, the evening will be spent watching either flying squirrels or beavers. Tonight on your bear watching holiday you will spend the night at the Kalevala Hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
|
Day 7 -
Scenic Tour and Predator Watching
|
.jpg "Scenic Tour and Predator Watching")
On a three hour drive to Lieksa you will have the opportunity to admire some of Finland’s most picturesque scenery. We will stop during the journey for you take photographs and witness the beautiful landscapes that are circled overhead by different species of birds. Sample the traditional Karelian culture when we break for lunch at Bomba House. Dinner will be served in the evening and tonight on the bear watching holiday you can look for wolverines, lynxes and wolves. Spend the night in a hide.
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
|
|
Day 8 -
Depart Finland
|
|
Why not enjoy a final sauna after breakfast before you transfer to the airport for your flight home?
Meals included:
Breakfast
|
In Finland, there are between 800-900 bears, 200-240 wolves, 120-150 wolverines, 1,000-1,200 lynx, around 10,000 beavers, about 140,000 of the endangered female flying squirrel, 1500-200 wild reindeer, and literally thousands of moose, fox and minks.
What to bring:
Warm clothing and shoes for outdoor activities (rubber boots, hat and gloves recommended)
Film (100, 200, 400 and some of 800 Iso) and batteries
Binoculars
Mosquito repellent.
Notes: program can be subject to changes depending on the season and the weather conditions ( example: some animals don’t go out in the rain,…). These changes are to get the best places and opportunities to see the animals, which are totally wild and free. We keep the right to change the order and places of the program . Transfer by car every day
We also provide luxury Norwegian fjords cruises
Similar Activities