Finland
Brown Bears & summer wildlife
4 days from £1695 pp
Includes return UK flights, transfers, 3 nights accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, guides and excursions
Overview & Highlights
Book a Finnish Wildlife and Wilderness Adventure between 1st Mar and 30th Apr 2025 and save up to £180pp on selected departures between 1st May and 30th Sep 2025.
Experience Finland in Summer and discover the unspoiled natural beauty and native wildlife of the wild taiga forests that carpet Eastern Finland.
This holiday offers a rare opportunity to capture stunning photographs and observe brown bears and, with a bit of luck, the elusive wolves and wolverines up close.
Please note that although this package is specifically designed to increase the chances of seeing wildlife, sightings can not be guaranteed.
- Stay at the unique lakeside Hotel Kalevala
- Search for brown bears, wolves & wolverines
- Spend one night in a Luxury Cabin at Bear Centre
- Watch and photograph wildlife from specially designed hides.
- Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of summer in Finland
“Finland’s vast natural wilderness areas are literally a breath of fresh air … whatever the season! Combine outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and freshwater swimming with amazing wildlife encounters such as viewing Brown Bears from photographic hides.”
The below short break itinerary stays at the unique lakeside Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo, learn more about Finland’s local wildlife and embark on an exhilarating overnight bear-watching excursion from the comfort of your luxury cabin at Bear Centre.
From price based on two adults sharing on stays between May and mid-October 2025 (excluding 13-27 July) and there may be supplements for travel in peak season of flight fare fluctuations.
Hotel Kalevala is situated along the scenic shores of Lake Lammasjärvi, providing guests with breathtaking lake views and a delightful gourmet restaurant. For relaxation and rejuvenation, Hotel Kalevala wellness area has 4 saunas, 2 hot tubs and a selection of massage facilities and treatments. Additional amenities include a welcoming lounge area with a fireplace and bar. During the summer season, enjoy meals on the terrace, while the nearby beach offers a barbecue area.
The Bear Centre has a total of 29 different hides suitable for both photography and observation. Meals are offered in a beautiful lodge on the edge of a large lake, located only a short walk away from the hides.
‘Bear hides’ are very basic featuring bunk beds and dry toilet. ‘Luxury bear cabin hides’ are located 700 metres from the Bear Centre and are equipped with double/twin bed, bathroom and toilet, shower, kitchenette and audio system allowing external nature sounds to be heard inside of the cabin (device is placed outside the cabin picking up bird and other wildlife sounds, which can be heard either through a speaker or headphones.)
- Day 1: Fly from the UK to Kajaani via Helsinki, transfer to Hotel Kalevala. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and perhaps unwind in the hotel’s sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. (D)
- Day 2: After breakfast, set off on an easy guided bike tour (approx. 8-10 Km) and in the afternoon transfer to the forest for a thrilling bear watching night. On arrival, enjoy an early dinner served at the Bear Centre, then reach your private cabin and get ready for a special night looking out for bears, wolves and wolverines. Viewing the brown bear and other wildlife in its natural environment, the wild taiga forests, is an unforgettable experience and offers an opportunity to take the photo of a lifetime from the safety of a specially designed hide. (B,D)
- Day 3: Spend this day at leisure relaxing at Hotel Kalevala or embarking on optional activities. Perhaps, try wild swimming, rent a canoe or a bike, or simply relax at the hotel’s sauna and outdoor jacuzzi. (B,D)
- Day 4: Transfer to the airport for flight home.
This is just one example of a holiday to Finland in the summer months to spot Brown Bears and other wildlife. Contact me to arrange a natural history or birdwatching holiday to Finland at any time of year for any duration. Group escorted tours are also an option. Other European destinations which offer bear watching and walking include Bulgaria, Slovenia and Romania.
A few impressions…
“Romania was a lovely place and the people so friendly. The highlight was seeing the wild brown bears, such beautiful animals. Dracula’s castle was just as impressive as in pictures. Walking in the countryside was wonderful and the horse and cart ride through the gorge was great fun. A brilliant group of people on this holiday was the icing on the cake.”
Stephanie & John
Let us begin the journey that will create memories to last a lifetime.
