This exciting 4-day tour, running throughout Finland’s high summer months, includes a 3-night stay at a wonderful Wilderness Centre, lying in a quiet taiga forest along the Russian border. Here, you have the option of spending one or two nights in a specially constructed log cabin that has been designed as a bear hide. The departures listed above are split between two wilderness lodges, Martikselkosen Wilds Centre and Boreal Wildlife Centre. Both are located in eastern Finland, a stone’s throw from Russia and are surrounded by endless tracts of uninhabited taiga forests, home to the full assemblage of Europe’s top predators: Brown Bears, Wolves, Lynx and Wolverine.
Ever since our first visit to this region back in 2001 we have been amazed by the number of Brown Bears visiting the sites each night. Up to 20 individuals have been seen over the course of a single night at Martinselkosen Wilds Centre, sometimes with 10 or more present at one time! Whilst fewer individuals are generally seen from the hide at Boreal Wildlife Centre, multiple Bear sightings are typical on most summer nights, and both Wolf and Wolverine are being recorded fairly regularly here too! Being just south of the Arctic Circle, this region enjoys virtually continuous, 24-hour daylight during the summer months and it is certainly light enough to view the Bears throughout the night, should you choose to do so. Watching the interaction and social hierarchy of the Bears is fascinating. Huge stern males wander through from time to time scattering the smaller animals as they go. By mid to late June the first mothers appear with their cubs (the cubs are born during the winter months and stay close to their mothers for over a year), whilst playful independent youngsters come and go throughout the night and single females forage timidly. During the course of the night, all forage, scratch, climb, sniff, scrap and play — displaying all the endearing characteristics which make Bears and their cubs so universally popular with humans!
For most of the period of observation the Bears are likely to be at 10 to 30 metres’ range from the hide. However, at times they approach much nearer and a closeup view of an adult Brown Bear is a neverto-be-forgotten highlight of the tour. Although nothing is guaranteed in the world of wildlife-viewing, we have an excellent chance of seeing these magnificent creatures, provided that silence is observed within the hide.
As well as afternoon and night-time Bearwatching from the hide, you will have the chance to walk amongst and enjoy the forests, mires, small lakes and brooks of these peaceful and remote spots, either in the company of your guide, or independently. On the small lakes amongst the forest, Black-throated and Red-throated Divers breed; Rustic and even Little Buntings may be found by the lakesides and around the mires, whilst deeper in the forest you may encounter such specialities as Black and Three-toed Woodpeckers, Siberian Jay and Siberian Tit. There are few species of diurnal raptors in this part of Europe but, by keeping an eye skyward, Honey Buzzards should be seen, and there is always a good chance of seeing a Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk or Hobby. In the heart of the forest, resident Capercaillie, Black Grouse and Hazel Grouse are shy and elusive, but those that are quiet and patient enough may be rewarded. Whooper Swans, Red-breasted Mergansers, Goosanders and Common Cranes are other denizens of the north that may be found breeding on the Finnish lakes and mires, though they are not necessarily to be found in the vicinity of the Centres. The more obliging and sociable bird groups of these Finnish taiga forests are the northern thrushes (including breeding Fieldfares and Redwings), tits and finches (Chaffinch, Brambling, Siskin, Redpoll, Scarlet Rosefinch, Crossbill and Parrot Crossbill amongst others).
Although the Brown Bears are our primary objective, many other mammals inhabit the taiga and, although they are all shy and elusive (especially when there are Bears in the vicinity!), such species as Elk, Wolverine, Wolf, Pine Marten and Beaver are also occasionally observed.
For those interested in maximising their chances of seeing Wolverine, we would recommend a 2- or 3-night extension to a ‘Wolverine hide’ close to the town of Viksmo. This extension can only be added to those Finland Bears tours staying at Boreal Wildlife Centre. Please call the Naturetrek office on 01962 733051 for more information and prices.
S.D.
West Sussex
Plenty of tasty food supplied and local guides were wonderful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A long way to go for a weekend, but worth it.
M.C.
Nottinghamshire
Time spent at Martinselkonen Wilds Centre was excellent. The viewing of bears and other wildlife was very good and the tour guides friendly and knowledgeable.
D.D.
Hertfordshire
The trip was everything we hoped for and more.
E.L.
Liverpool
A great trip - wonderful views of bears, cubs and their antics, plus birds and the wolf on the last night.
H.K.
Edinburgh
Vegetarian food was excellent, with care taken to put veggie sandwiches in the hide both nights.
S.D.
West Sussex
Plenty of tasty food supplied and local guides were wonderful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, a long way to go for a weekend but worth it.
S.T.
Somerset
I was amazed that we saw so many bears - up to 12+ at any one time. The highlight for me was seeing all 11 cubs at the same time, and watching the interactions between the different bears. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
J.R.
Surrey
Amazing trip. Absolutely loved it!
A.F.
Cleveland
The accommodation was excellent. We could have not wished for better and very close sightings of the bears. It was truly a wonderful experience.
F.N.
Somerset
This trip was better than my expectations. Our guide was very good and helpful. The hide, although basic, was comfortable and we were able to get a good night's rest ready for the next day and night.
J.K.
Surrey
The accommodation was much better than I expected from the brochure - they have built a new chalet at the centre and we all had lovely rooms with excellent shower rooms (en suite). I was amazed at the number of bears we saw - over 5 hours each night of constant bear activity - wonderful!
K.R.
Lancashire
The trip was excellent, with loads of bears (20+). The leader was fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable and has excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent!
G.R.
Devon
I went to photograph Brown Bears - job done! Managed to get some excellent pictures. It was a great couple of days at the centre.
S.C.
Derbyshire
Eleven bears the first night and thirteen the second! The only problem was when to go to sleep! We saw close views of Ural and Great Grey Owls, Red Squirrels on the bird table, and Musk Rat at the lake, and 80+ birds. A great way to spend five days.
A.P.
Dorset
Our Naturetrek guide was excellent - his knowledge extensive, his manner excellent and thoughtful.
Mr & Mrs B.
Hertfordshire
(The hide) was really wonderful and the whole point of the trip. It was incredible to see so many bears and watch them coming back and forth during the night.
N.& V B.
Lancashire
We both enjoyed a wildlife holiday of great intensity and richness.
M. & J.S.
Berkshire
Generally, an excellent trip.
Show all details |
Hide all details
DeparturesAvailableCost
Thu 4th July 2013 - Sun 7th July 2013
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 18th July 2013 - Sun 21st July 2013
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Tue 23rd July 2013 - Fri 26th July 2013
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 1st August 2013 - Sun 4th August 2013
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Sun 4th August 2013 - Wed 7th August 2013
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options: Male sharing is available
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 8th August 2013 - Sun 11th August 2013
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 15th August 2013 - Sun 18th August 2013
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options: Female sharing is available
Tour extension: Boreal
Fri 23rd May 2014 - Mon 26th May 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 29th May 2014 - Sun 1st June 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 5th June 2014 - Sun 8th June 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 19th June 2014 - Sun 22nd June 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 26th June 2014 - Sun 29th June 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 3rd July 2014 - Sun 6th July 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £1095
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 10th July 2014 - Sun 13th July 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 17th July 2014 - Sun 20th July 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Sun 3rd August 2014 - Wed 6th August 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 7th August 2014 - Sun 10th August 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 14th August 2014 - Sun 17th August 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Sun 17th August 2014 - Wed 20th August 2014
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Fri 22nd May 2015 - Mon 25th May 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 28th May 2015 - Sun 31st May 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Sun 31st May 2015 - Wed 3rd June 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 18th June 2015 - Sun 21st June 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 2nd July 2015 - Sun 5th July 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £1095
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 9th July 2015 - Sun 12th July 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 23rd July 2015 - Sun 26th July 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Fri 31st July 2015 - Mon 3rd August 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 6th August 2015 - Sun 9th August 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal
Thu 13th August 2015 - Sun 16th August 2015
more details
Flights: Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures: Regional Departures are available. Call 01962 733051 for details
Land only cost: £795
Room sharing options:
Tour extension: Boreal