Finland

The Kainuu wilderness in the North-East region of Finland is the perfect European short break destination and where you can view brown bears in their natural habitat. This country offers vast areas of unspoilt nature, around two-thirds of the country is covered in forest and about a tenth by water.

The particular area we visit is close to the Russian border and offers nature in the raw with fabulous opportunities for wildlife photography. The national animal is the Brown Bear and the total population is thought to be around 1000. Most brown bears live in the large wilderness areas on the Russian side of the Finnish border and move to and fro across the border for the quieter Russian side, returning to Finland in spring after hibernation.

The best time to photograph bears is from the middle of April to the beginning of June when the bears have just awoken from their long winter sleep and are looking for food. Then the rut begins, when eating is no longer the bear’s main concern!

The bear watching hides we use are situated in a thin pine forest by a small swamp.  Bears trust forests better as it provides many hiding places and the trees provide safety and hiding places for bear cubs. In addition you can see the Black Kite, White Tailed Eagle and sometimes the Golden Eagle.

Travel Advice

•    The Brown Bear viewing season is from May through to the middle of August.
•    Experience the ‘Land of the Midnight Sun’.
•    The Finnish summer is brief with temperatures 20°C - 30°C, July being the warmest month.
•    Great birdlife too!