The central swathe of Finland known as Arctic Lakeland, set between
the southern lakes and the remote far
north, offers a fabulous combination of
wilderness, wildlife and welcoming locals.
The small town of Kuhmo in the east of
the region, close to the Russian border,
provides the ideal jumping off point for
the vast forests that are still home to lynx,
wolves and around 1,000 brown bears. Take it all in on this summer itinerary, which includes half-board accommodation and a night to remember in a bear-watching hide, deep in the woods.
Bear Watching in Finland
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Go in search of brown bears, lynx and wolves in Finland's pristine forestland
» 4 day tailor-made tour
» Price from: £1,355 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Kuhmo
Your wildlife adventure begins as you transfer from the airport and arrive at Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo, among Finland’s cloaking forests. The hotel offers the perfect combination of wildlife and luxury with a whole range of spa and wellness treatments and, of course, that obligatory Finnish sauna.
Stay: Hotel Kalevala, Kuhmo
Meals: Dinner
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Day 2 » Bear watching
Your morning is free to enjoy the surrounds. Make use of the complimentary bicycles, rowing boats and summer games. As the late afternoon approaches, it’s time to transfer to the Bear Centre and prepare for a night in the hide, situated in the wild boreal forest – or taiga – that straddles the Russian border. Visiting in the summer months means increased daylight hours so you can sit through the night with a pair of binoculars, watching out for bears and other wildlife. Hides come in all different shapes and sizes, giving you the option for larger, panoramic views of the surrounding area or a close-up encounter with the bears. They’re also equipped with sleeping mats and bags, comfy viewing chairs, dry toilets and plenty of sandwiches and refreshments to see you through to morning.
There is also the option to upgrade to a luxury cabin. The private luxury cabins have a double bed, shower/WC, kitchenette, Wi-Fi.
Stay: Bear watching hide
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Days 3-4 » Kuhmo
After your night in the forest, and with a camera full of photos, you’ll return to Kuhmo and the comfort of your hotel for breakfast and a well-deserved wind-down, perhaps make use of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles and rowing boats. Sauna and jacuzzi before dinner is included. Day 4 see's you enjoying breakfast before returning to the airport to catch your flight home.
Stay: Hotel Kalevala, Kuhmo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Go in search of brown bears, lynx and wolves in Finland's pristine forestland
» 4 day tailor-made tour
» Price from: £1,355 pp incl. flights
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Our top summer trips to Finland
Our specialists pick out a selection of summer itineraries, from self-drives and cruises to wildlife-watching trips and even a stay at a glass-fronted treehouse hotel located right on the Arctic Circle.