Day 1: Arrive Kajaani or Kuusamo
You will be met on arrival in Kajaani or Kuusamo and transferred to Martinselkonen Wildlife Centre.
After you've checked into your room, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the lodge and grounds, or to enjoy the sauna! A delicious dinner will be served in the lodge dining room this evening.
A hot coffee pot is always available for guests at Martinselkonen, and meals can be arranged to order. Local vegetables, berries, fish and meat are used in the preparation of the meals.
NB. This itinerary starts and ends in eastern Finland, and a return transfer from either Kajaani or Kuusamo Airport is included in the cost. We can also arrange for your international flights to Helsinki and connecting flight to Kajaani/Kuusamo, but this is not included in the basic rates.
Day 2-3: Bear Watching
Breakfast is served in the dining room, after which the morning is free; you might enjoy a walk in the surrounding area, or watch the birds that come to feed in the lodge gardens. The bird feeder attracts rarities such as Siberian Jay – not to mention lots of red squirrels! During the day, a local wildlife expert will tell you about the Bears in the area and you will have the opportunity to ask questions.
At 3pm you will have an early dinner, and then depart the lodge at around 4pm, taking everything you will need for the evening with you. A short drive is followed by a 30-minute walk through a beautiful old-growth forest to reach the hide.
You will then settle into the hide, which has comfortable chairs with reclining backrests, bunk beds for those who will require some sleep during the night and a dry toilet.
The hide is located within a copse of pine forest – the shortest bear-viewing range is some 5 metres. A forest is a more suitable viewing place than an open swamp or grassland, as bears generally prefer the wooded areas, which provides safety and hiding places for cubs. There are two large wooden hides which can accommodate 9/10 persons. Both hides are equipped with sound amplifying audio systems and are suitable for bear photography.
For serious photographers, there are 3 private hides available at additional cost – please contact us for rates.
You will spend the whole night in the hide watching the bears as they come into view. A guide will be present and will provide information and answer any questions you may have. Snacks and drinks are also served.
During the course of the night, you can hope to see various different bears of all ages as well as birds such as white-tailed eagles and black kites, which nest in the area and are very rarely seen elsewhere in Finland. The rarest visitor is the Golden Eagle.
In the morning you will leave the hide around 7am – after ensuring there are no bears in the area! – and return to the lodge for breakfast and maybe a few hours’ sleep before you repeat the experience.
Day 4: International departure
Return to the lodge for breakfast. Mid-morning, transfer to Kajaani or Kuusamo Airport and check-in for your return flight to Helsinki and connecting flight home.
Bear Viewing in Finland
Martinselkonen Wildlife Centre
Bear Viewing in Finland
This four day short break is an ideal wildlife getaway to one of Europe’s premier bear locations. You will be based at Martinselkonen Wildlife Centre, which is family-owned and began its operation in 1991. The centre is located in peaceful surroundings close to the Russian border in Suomussalmi.
Outline Itinerary
Price guide
The price shown is based on two travellers in twin/double accommodation. Please see full itinerary for inclusions & exclusions. This is a private itinerary and can be tailored to your interests, and priced for families and larger group sizes.
Pricing
4 days from £770pp
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