Finland : Bear Watching Adventure

The opportunity to witness wildlife in its own environment is a privilege and this short break, aimed at photographers and nature enthusiasts alike, hopes to provide some very special memories. 

This trip begins and ends at timbered Hotel Kalevala, nestled on the shores of Lake Lammasjarvi amongst the Taiga forest in Eastern Finland. Your first day is spent at leisure in wonderfully scenic surrounds. The long daylight hours afforded by the Nordic summer really do seem to energize and it is surprising what you can fit into a day. For instance take a canoe out on the water, go hiking, fishing, swimming or just relax and enjoy this tranquil and wildlife rich area of Kuhmo. The hotel's restaurant and outdoor terrace have great views over the lake, the delicious, locally-inspired gourmet cuisine doing its utmost to tear you away from the scenery.  

Visit the Petola Nature Centre and learn about the variety of wildlife you may encounter here, whetting your appetite for the night ahead in a specially designed hide. The hides are situated in a small open wetland area with a backdrop of spruce, pine and birch forest. This is when you will undoubtedly have the best wildlife watching encounters - as the night unfolds and nature's stage is set - particularly good for brown bear observations. Twelve to sixteen hours of sunlight and two to four hours of twilight means excellent photographic opportunities throughout the summer season, with June and July offering optimum light conditions for serious photographers.

As well as keeping an eye out for the larger mammals during ths trip (plus smaller species such as the beaver), don't forget to keep watch for the diverse birdlife that thrives in and around the area, some of the highlights being the honey buzzard, sparrowhawk and goshawk. And, as you venture deeper into the forest, the habitat becomes ideal for capercaille and black grouse - just the tip of the iceberg as far as winged species are concerned.

It is also possible to hire bicycles (at no charge) to further explore the area.

Note hides are equipped with comfortable viewing chairs and an amplification system to aid listening to the animals as well as a sleeping area with dry toliet facilities. Remember to bring binoculars, tripod, bean bag or ball head (screw supplied). On this itinerary one night is spent in a hide and three nights are in standard rooms with private facilities at the hotel.