Staying in a rustic timber lodge in Finnish Lapland, this is one of the best authentic wildlife-watching experiences. Indeed, while September mixes in the chance of the Northern Lights, there’s a 99% bear-spotting success rate over summer, when the Midnight Sun never sets. What’s more, with the hides nearby and no need to stay overnight, it’s all perfectly family friendly. You’ll also be treated to the famous Finnish hospitality, with hearty full-board dining predicated upon fresh, local ingredients. Lastly, alongside the bear watching, included transfers and complimentary lake canoeing, you’ll be treated to a pair of curated activities – a guided, ecological hike and a traditional Finnish sauna experience.
Bear Watching in Finnish Lapland
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Pair bears and a wilderness hotel with indulgent full-board dining and a string of included activities
» 4 day tailor-made holiday
» Price from: £1,320 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » UK/Kuusamo
After your flight from the UK, you’ll pick up your hire car or be met on arrival for an included transfer and be whisked to your wilderness accommodation in Kuusamo. Your hotel is simple and cosy with all timber panelling and pine-tree views, it’s delightfully positioned by the clear waters of Lake Heikinjärvi in the quiet remotes of Finland’s idyllic northeast. For something extra special, upgrade to your very own rustic log cabin or overwater cabin. If your flight arrives in late, you’ll also be treated to the first of your included full-board dining. Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy locally produced and traditional Finnish cuisine. Think fish from nearby lakes, baked cheese from a local dairy and wild berries from the surrounding forest.
Stay: Isokenkäisten Klubi
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Day 2 » Bear watching and leisure time
You’ll have today free to settle in and explore. And, with free use of the rowing boat, canoes and walking sticks, you’ll quickly find your way onto the lake and forest trails. Of course, in between it all, you’ll enjoy some hearty meals. The lodge’s Lapland location means you can expect a variety of culinary influences to be played out across the likes of glow-fried salmon and red-wine-marinated beef. Then, come the evening, your expert guide will bring you out to the nearby hides. Newly built, they’re ideal for photography and – thanks to the long summer’s light – offer one of the world’s best chances to spot the bears.
Stay: Isokenkäisten Klubi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 » Smoke Sauna and time at leisure
After breakfast today, you will have some free time to enjoy the surrounds. Explore further with rowing boats and canoes or hike up nearby Kuntivaara Hill, stopping to admire the giant trees and sweeping panorama over the surrounding countryside all the way over into Russia. Then, on return, it’s time for another great Finnish tradition – the smoke sauna. Isokenkäisten’s is a particular favourite for its dry-birch logs, heated to perfection by the sauna master. He’ll also be able to provide you with those fragrant birch whisks for your very own traditional massage. Be sure to round it off with the obligatory dip into the cool lake waters.
Stay: Isokenkäisten Klubi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 » Depart for UK
After a final breakfast, return to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Gallery
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Pair bears and a wilderness hotel with indulgent full-board dining and a string of included activities
» 4 day tailor-made holiday
» Price from: £1,320 pp incl. flights
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