Wild Brown Bear Watching Adventure in Eastern Finland

Wild Brown Bear Adventure

from £830 excluding flights

4 nights
May-Oct

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Highlights

Witness the majestic brown bear in its natural habitat

Spend the night in specially designed hides

east finland forest trail near hotel kalevala

Explore the wilderness trails at your own pace

Watch out for wolves, wolverine and reindeer

Get behind the lens with superb photography opportunities

Why this trip...

Conservation/Eco-tourism

This itinerary has a strong focus on wildlife and natural habitat conservation, one of our pillars of sustainability

Where you stay

This holiday offers a choice of accommodation options which are part of the overall experience

canada group hiking by mountain lake istk

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Overview

From magnificent wild brown bears to elusive wolverine and sleek lynx, a trip to Kuhmo in Finland’s remote eastern wilderness feel like stepping straight into a nature documentary. Through the ancient taiga forests, there is no better place to seek out these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Brown Bear Encounters

There’s a reason that the brown bear has captured the hearts of many the world over. With their often unpredictable nature and sometimes casual fierceness, they somehow still convey the pristine beauty of the natural world.

Rarely seen during the day, an overnight stay in a hide is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with this truly iconic animal. Whether they are foraging for food, clambering up the trees or showing off their playful side running and playing in the Finnish night, it will be hard to stay silent as you stare in amazement at these natural wonders.

Wildlife and Wilderness

But Kuhmo has much more to offer than these majestic bears. As you stare into the night you may see one of the many elusive animals of Finland’s east, the awkward beauty of the wolverine, the cantering skill of the reindeer or the fluttering concentration of a sparrowhawk.

And with days that stretch from twelve to sixteen hours, you will not be short of time to explore the natural beauty, whether by trail, boat or bike.

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Itinerary

Arrive at Kajanni airport where you will be tranferred to Hotel Kalevala (approx 90 minutes) where you stay for the next two nights with dinner included (set menu).

After breakfast and a welcome briefing, you have a day at leisure. There are several ways in which to explore and enjoy this amazing Finnish wilderness: cycling; hiking; swimming, fishing and rowing boats – all making the best of the great outdoors, of which there is plenty! After dinner, spend the evening relaxing, perhaps take a dip in the Jacuzzi and have a sauna or, at additional cost, try an acu-massage bed.

east finland clouds reflected in lake jarvimaisema hk

eastern finland brown bear cub tongue out istk

Visit the Petola Nature Centre nearby and enjoy your surroundings. In the afternoon transfer to the bear centre close to the Russian border, and after receiving information and an early meal, you’ll walk to the bear hides. The hides are equipped with viewing chairs and an amplification system to aid listening to the animals as well as a sleeping area with dry-toilet facilities. Remember to bring binoculars, tripod, bean bag or ball head (screw supplied). Settle down in these purpose-built hides ready for the night’s bear watch. A snack will be provided for you to take in to the hide.

eastern finland brown bear cubs behind tree istk

eastern finland brown bear detail autumn istk

eastern finland hides on the lakeshore as

Early morning transfer back to the hotel in time for breakfast. Rest of the day to relax, catch up on some sleep or continue to explore your scenic surrounds, ever watchful for wildlife. Overnight at Hotel Kalevala. In the unlikely event that bears were not seen when staying at the bear hide, a second night of bear watching will be included without additional charge.

After breakfast, travel back to Kajaani Airport for your return flight home.

Accommodation

eastern finland hotel kalevala aino suite

eastern finland hotel kalevala aerial view

Hotel Kalevala, Arctic Lakeland

This trip is based at timbered Hotel Kalevala, nestled on the shores of Lake Lammasjarvi amongst the Taiga forests. The hotel’s restaurant and outdoor terrace have great views over the lake, the delicious, locally-inspired gourmet cuisine doing its utmost to tear you away from the scenery.

Luxury Bear Cabin

You can upgrade to a luxury bear cabin for your overnight experience. Instead of the possibility of sharing a basic bear hide you can spend the night in one of the comfortable cabins with double bed, table and chairs, small kitchenette, WiFi and power sockets. This upgrade is available at a supplement starting at £364 per person.

Price from £830 excluding flights

Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price and start from around £300 per person with Finnair, or from around £900 per person during peak times such as Christmas and New Year. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline / airport.
Note: Airfares tend to be cheaper the earlier you book.

What's Included

Accommodation in a room with private bathroom at Hotel Kalevala
Overnight in bear hide with shared facilities
All breakfasts, all dinners (set menu), snack in the hide (at Hotel Kalevala)
Visit to Petola Nature Centre
Return transfers between the Kajaani AIrport and Hotel Kalevala
24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
No surcharge guarantee
Full financial protection

This itinerary starts from around £830 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom.

Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the room type, class of travel, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.

Excursions

Finland

Elk Safari

from £109

3 hours | May-Oct

Travel in to the evergreen forests to look for the European elk

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Finland

Guided Bike and Hiking Tour

from £68

3 or 5 hour option | May-Sep

Enjoy a guided bike and hike through the countryside and forest

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Finland

Hike along the Brown Bear tracks

from £68

3 hours | May-Sep

Discover the secrets of the bears on this guided hike

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Finland

Swim in Pajakkakoski Rapid

from £136

3 hours | May-Sep

A unique floating tour down the Pajakkakoski rapid

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The World's Great. Pass it On

To mark our 40th anniversary, we've launched our Education Bursary Fund to help disadvantaged school children experience the wonders of travel. A percentage of revenue from every holiday booked will go into the bursary fund to pay for at least 40 students to join one of our school trips abroad.

Wild Brown Bear Adventure

Highlights