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This short wildlife holiday in northern Finland exceeded all my expectations. The guest house was excellent, clean and comfortable accommodation with tasty home-cooking. From our forest hide on the second night we saw 20 bears come into the clearing in front of the hide, some ambling close by, mothers with cubs, some scratching, some climbing trees, some running from huge males. Bunk beds in the hide provided some sleep opportunity when needed and coffee and snacks were enjoyed. The next night was spent in a different hide with 10+ bears appearing. Opportunities for photography were excellent from both hides. A magical wildlife experience.
I.W. Hertfordshire, July 19
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Finland - Just Brown Bears!
Tour Code: FIN02Join us for a long weekend Brown Bear-watching holiday amongst the fine taiga forests that straddle Finland's border with Russia.
4 days
from
£1,645 (Inc flights)
£1,645 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£995
£995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
This exciting short break, running throughout Finland’s summer months, takes you to a wonderful wilderness centre in the heart of Scandinavia’s taiga forests on the Russian border. Here you can spend one night and one evening in specially constructed hides to watch Brown Bears, one of Europe’s most impressive and elusive mammals. This tour benefits from the light, northern summer nights which permit long hours of wildlife-watching. On occasion, views of over a dozen individual bears have been enjoyed in a night, along with newly emerged cubs. Also for the fortunate few there is even a chance for Wolverine!
- The best opportunity to view Brown Bears in Europe
- Over a dozen different Bears a night enjoyed by past tours
- Watch them from a comfortable log-cabin hide (with beds & toilets)
- Superb photographic opportunities
- Roe Deer, Reindeer & Red Squirrel are common
- Birds include Siberian Jay, woodpeckers & breeding waders
- Extend your tour to search for chance of Wolverine and Wolf
- Escorted by a local Finnish naturalist guide
Grading
A straightforward wildlife tour with some gentle walking to and from the bear hide, plus optional walks from the guesthouse. The route to the hides goes through a swampy area where boardwalks have been constructed. These can be wet and slippery. Walking poles may be useful here.
This exciting 4-day tour, running throughout Finland’s high summer months, includes a 3-night stay at the wonderful Martinselkosen Wilds Centre. This comfortable wilderness lodge is tucked within Scandinavia's vast taiga forest close to the Russian border, home a full assemblage of Europe’s top predators: Brown Bears, Wolves, Eurasian Lynx and Wolverine. Here you can spend a full night, and a further evening should you so wish, in one of the centre's specially constructed log cabins that have been designed as comfortable bear-watching hides.
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! 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 this peaceful and remote region. 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. To increase the chances of a sighting of one of these rarer mammals, you might like to consider extending your holiday with a couple of additional nights at Boreal Wildlife Centre, a similar wilderness lodge approximately 3 hours to the south. For further details please call the Naturetrek office.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly from Heathrow to Helsinki and on to Oulu. Transfer to Wilderness Centre
Day 2/3
Brown Bear-watching and birdwatching, Wilderness Centre
Day 4
Transfer to Kajaani and fly London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable wilderness guesthouse with private facilities; overnight bear-watching from a log cabin with seats, bunk beds and shared toilet facilities.
- Food: Two main meals per day, plus snacks.
Reviews
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Lots packed in a small space of time, but time to rest and reflect too. Good company and great leader. Will never forget those bears!
C.P. Scottish Borders -
So much time seeing bears. Even saw them playing and swimming in lake on boat trip. Small boat had battery powered motor, so very, very quiet. Could enjoy and appreciate the silence of the wilderness
W.H. Cheshire -
Bear watching exceeded all my expectations - 25+ bears of all ages, one evening. A magical experience ! The guest house was lovely in wonderful grounds - Lots of siskin, woodpeckers, red squirrel coming to bird feeders. Accommodation comfortable, quiet - everything needed. Food home cooked and tasty.
I.W. Hertfordshire -
Our time in the two hides watching the bears was amazing with great opportunities for photography.
S.L. Buckinghamshire -
Seeing many bears at close quarters was a privilege and an unforgettable and unique wildlife experience. Watching their antics - climbing trees, chasing away rivals, back scratching, as they went about their evening foraging was absolutely enthralling.
I.B. Yorkshire -
Great opportunities to see the wildlife at both centres. Local food - enjoyable.
S.R. Oxfordshire -
Great opportunities to see things and guides were excellent.
J.W. & E.W. Norfolk -
Enjoyed all the trips and excellent opportunities to see wildlife at such close range.
J.P. Devon -
It fitted the description given exactly - met at airport and driven to the very clean and comfortable accommodation - the guide was very knowledgeable - felt safe throughout the tour - the opportunity to photograph brown bears from the hides was brilliant - the hides basic but what a great little adventure I expected no more - the whole experience was superb including the boat trip up to the Russian border and the bird watching opportunities. The experience of seeing the bears interacting so close was unbelievable.
J.A. Merseyside, Aug 18 -
I enjoyed every aspect of the holiday. Watching bears in their natural habitat was a fascinating experience. The interaction between the bears was interesting, especially the pecking order. One six month old cub was obviously going to be a boss one day as even older bears moved out of its way! One female with three cubs chased a male away and her cubs promptly went up trees! The Red Squirrels at the centre were great to watch too. We saw 38 different bird species, the rarest being the Siberian Tit. Biggest thrill was the White-tailed Fish Eagle attempting to steal fish near to the bears. It did succeed eventually! Three mammals seen each day were - Brown Bear, Red Squirrel and Reindeer. The efficient way the centre ran the holiday made for a wonderful time for us.
M.S. Derbyshire -
Really loved the nights in the hide. Really lived up to expectation since we saw many Bears and mothers with cubs.
J.F. Lincolnshire -
The title of this holiday is 'Just Brown Bears' - and that's exactly what we saw - lots of Brown Bears, especially pleased to see the mothers with small cubs. The additional activities arranged were also enjoyable, especially bird spotting.
J.H. Cambridgeshire -
I really enjoyed the bear watching. There were numerous bears and they were close enough to get some really good photos even if you didn't have brilliant equipment. The guides were extremely knowledgeable both in terms of the wildlife and the camera equipment people had. Our guide was very accommodating and took us out to find other wildlife during the daytime when we were not at the hide. The food was good and there was plenty of it.
E.E. Greater Manchester -
The bears exceeded expectations, with sightings of 15 bears and cubs, and it was good that a second night in the hide was offered. Food and drink had also been provided for our overnight stay. Even though we were only in Finland for a short time, the holiday really did introduce you to the vastness of Finland's forests, and the small population. The staff at the centre were so helpful, all in all a most remarkable and enjoyable trip. As well as the bears, the Siberian Jay was a delight to see, and I hadn't expected to see so many Red Squirrels! I would highly recommend this trip, such a privilege to see the bears in their habitat.
Mr & Mrs H. Nottinghamshire -
It was very well organised, lovely accommodation and food, and able to watch birds and Red Squirrels whilst having breakfast. The hide setup was also excellent and the bear watching was out of this world! The guide was also excellent, very knowledgeable and the drives and walks showed us a bit more of the country.
J.L. Derbyshire -
Excellent organisation, great information provided prior to departure and excellent accommodation, food and friendly staff. Excellent flights. The whole trip could not be improved.
J.O. Norfolk -
Even though the stay is only for two days, there was enough time to enjoy the birds and wildlife around the lodge, nature walks each morning and time to relax before our night in the bear hide. The amount of bears we saw was incredible and exceeded our expectations. Our hosts at the lodge were superb, the staff friendly and helpful. We have a fabulous short break watching Finland's Brown Bears.
Mr & Mrs C. Suffolk -
This was a well paced trip that delivered the goods. The two nights in the hide were excellent with plenty of bears. Accommodation and food at the lodge was very good.
P.H. London -
The experience of being so close to the bears was a memorable one, especially with there being so many families visiting the site, so worth paying that bit more for a short trip.
D.S. South Yorkshire -
A great trip - wonderful views of bears, cubs and their antics, plus birds and the wolf on the last night.
E.L. Liverpool -
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!
S.T. Somerset -
The accommodation was excellent. We could have not wished for better and very close sightings of the bears. It was truly a wonderful experience.
A.F. Cleveland -
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.
F.N. Somerset -
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!
J.K. Surrey -
The trip was excellent, with loads of bears (20+). The leader was fantastic - friendly, knowledgeable and has excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent!
K.R. Lancashire -
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.
S.C. Derbyshire -
(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.
Mr & Mrs B. Hertfordshire -
The holiday did exactly what 'it said on the tin'. We spent time in a hide and saw numerous Brown Bears. In addition we saw a wolverine and a number of different birds. The guides were very knowledgeable both in terms of the wild life and their understanding of camera equipment. Besides the hide we were taken to a nature reserve and to a number of lakes to spot other birds. The guides could not have been more accommodating. The food was excellent and plenty of it and the accommodation was clean and comfortable although basic.
H.P. Edinburgh -
The bears were magnificent and more than expected, it was great to see them not only at baited hides but in the landscape too. The lake trip was beautiful and added a lot of value. The accommodation was great, we were lucky with weather,very sunny and lovely. Location is great to explore and get a feel for the taiga forests.
M.P. Cleveland -
Accommodation was top notch for somewhere so remote - modern, clean, airy and comfortable. Jarno, the trip leader was very good, the wildlife and scenery was excellent.
P.R. Cheshire -
Brilliant trip that will stay with me for a long while. Will definitely look to book another in the future. The whole trip was amazing from start to finish. The itinerary and trips ran like clockwork and was very well organised. The information from our guide was excellent and he was entertaining too. Our whole group was made to feel very welcome and the lodgings were homely and comfortable. Food was excellent too. We all said we didn't just spot the bears but watched them interact which was such a bonus.
S.P. Norfolk -
It was a wonderful experience and a privilege to be so close to the bears. The guide called Jarno who took us on the bird watching trip was excellent he was passionate enthusiastic and knowledgeable. A really great tour. Thank you.
K.J. South Yorkshire -
The overall organisation was excellent, accommodation was very good, fantastic peaceful surroundings & above all you got to see what you went for... Bears, lots of them.
J.C. Hertfordshire -
I liked being in the Boreal forest and liked the centre very much. I enjoyed the trips especially the bird watching trip. The two hides provided a wonderful insight into the bears. I especially liked the journey back to the van when by a stroke of luck we spotted a bear in the forest then another with a cub.
D.P. Oxfordshire -
The best of course was seeing all the bears, especially multiple families. The guides were all friendly and informative.
C.O. Connecticut -
Simply stunning bear viewing! Both bear hide visits were superb. More than 30 bears seen at close quarters; adults, juveniles and cubs. Great range of behaviours: eating, fighting, chasing (each other and other wildlife) and tree climbing. Superb photo opportunities. A mesmerising experience!
P.P. Suffolk -
A true wildlife spectacular. Seeing at least six adult bears and three cubs upon arrival at the hide, I knew we were in for a fabulous night ahead. So many bears throughout the night including ten cubs and white tailed eagles and black kites. The second evening was just as good for bears, setting and sunshine!
E.P. Suffolk -
It was a fantastic trip. All very well planned and organised. The accommodation was very comfortable, homely and spotless. The food was simple and very tasty. The setting for seeing the bears is amazing. I was astounded at how many bears we saw at once and throughout the holiday. They are such wonderful creatures and it was very special to see how they interact with each other at such close proximity.
S.S. Middlesex
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 22nd May – Sun 25th May
SPACES
£1,645
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£140
Thu 12th Jun – Sun 15th Jun
3
£1,645
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£140
Thu 26th Jun – Sun 29th Jun
2
£1,645
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£995
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Female sharing available
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£140
Thu 17th Jul – Sun 20th Jul
6
£1,645
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£140
Thu 31st Jul – Sun 3rd Aug
SPACES
£1,645
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£140
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Thu 21st May – Sun 24th May
SPACES
£1,745
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£150
Thu 11th Jun – Sun 14th Jun
SPACES
£1,745
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£150
Thu 25th Jun – Sun 28th Jun
SPACES
£1,745
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£150
Thu 16th Jul – Sun 19th Jul
SPACES
£1,745
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£150
Thu 30th Jul – Sun 2nd Aug
SPACES
£1,745
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,095
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£150
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
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