Bear watching in Finland

Tours

There are crystal-clear lakes, brooks and stretches of almost untouched wilderness in many parts in Finland where you can hear the sighing of the wind in the ancient forests and enjoy the clean air. Finland is one of the most northerly countries in the world so it's no wonder that its fauna should feature a number of northern and eastern species rarely encountered elsewhere in Europe

Finland’s claim to be one of Europe’s last wildernesses is well-founded. The country is covered with broad lakes and enormous forests, is bigger than the UK but contains only a twelfth of its population, so getting away from the crowds is much easier here than in many other European countries. The forests, dominated by birch, pine and spruce, are also home to some exotic wildlife.

About 1,000 brown bears inhabit Finland, but although they have grown bolder in recent years, they are essentially shy of humans and you are unlikely to encounter them in the forest on your own. Meeting the ‘Wild Brown Bear’ in it’s natural environment, the wild Taiga, is an unforgettable experience and of course for photography enthusiasts an opportunity to take the shot of a lifetime from the comfort and safety of our specially designed Bear hides. The ‘Brown Bear’ and other rare animals such as the wolverine or the wild deer can be viewed from one of three specially designed hides.

PRICES & DATES

Price includes return flights from Heathrow/Manchester to Kajaani via Helsinki, airport taxes, return airport transfers to Hotel Kalevala, 2 nights accommodation on twin share at Kalevala, breakfasts and dinners every day and Wild Brown programme as described. From price is based on 2 people sharing a room and is valid all days April-October 2010.

Departures every day from London Heathrow and Manchester: 1 May to 10 August 2011.

ITINERARY

Day 1
Fly from London Heathrow or Manchester to Kajaani via Helsinki on a scheduled flight and transfer to Kuhmo. Check in to Hotel Kalevala for 1 night. Welcome drink and dinner is served in the hotel.

Day 2 - Bear watching

Breakfast and introduction to the programme.

Today you will visit Petola Nature Centre (large Carnivore centre), where exhibition “Predators on the prowl” is displayed. It is a permanent exhibition with comprehensive information on Finnish predators bear, wolf, wolverine and lynx.

Early dinner is served.

At 16.30pm transfer to the Russian border for Bear Watching. On the arrival you'll be given information about hides, bears and also other animals which we may see. At 17.30 start from the main building to the hides with the picnic packet, camera and binoculars.

Wild Brown Bear adventure

All hides are equipped with comfortable viewing chairs, sleeping areas, hearing amplificatory system and dry toilets. The smallest three man hide will allow you to have a close encounter with the bears, while larger six to ten person hides offer a panoramic view of the site at a comfortable viewing distance. The hides site is situated in a small open wetland area with backdrop of spruce pine and birch forest. For photographers the site offers excellent photography opportunities, there is between twelve to sixteen hours of direct sunlight and two to four hours of twilight in the viewing season. Package includes refreshment and sandwiches in the hides, sleeping bags and a personal tour guide. Sound equipment, diploma of Bear night and insurance.

Please bring warm clothing, binoculars, video and camera.

Day 3

After the observation night, transfer back to the Hotel Kalevala for breakfast.

The afternoon is free for optional activities or relaxing. Enjoy evening sauna and jacuzzi at the hotel.

Dinner is served at the hotel.

Day 4
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before the transfer to the Kajaani airport. Fly home via Helsinki on a scheduled flight.

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Hotel, Activity and Local Information

Hotel Kalevala

Hotel Kalevala is high-standard, peaceful hotel at the beautiful lake Lammasjärvi in Kuhmo, northern Finland. Cosy atmosphere, friendly staff, the kitchen which serves both traditional and international foods and unique program services guarantee a nice stay in Hotel Kalevala. The hotel also has a Wellness centre which has 2 Finnish saunas, peat and infrared sauna, herb bubble bath, Jacuzzi, acu massage bed, massage mattress and antistress-chairs with sound therapy headphones. The bravest guests can have a dip in the clear-watered lake Lammasjärvi after sauna.

Call our Reservations Team on 020 7838 5956 or click on the button right to send details of your enquiry online...

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