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Short Breaks

Bear Watching In Finland

Highlights: Bear watching - Birdwatching - the northern Taiga forests - relaxing saunas!

In Finland, there are about 840 bears, 150 wolves, 900 lynx, 130 wolverines as well as numerous reindeer and elk. There are also a good number of different species of owls: Pygmy, Tengalm, Great Grey, Ural, Hawk and Marsh. There are also White-tailed Eagles and Golden Eagles present in the vicinity. Perhaps the most unusual sighting might be the flying squirrel, a very discrete mammal, most often seen leaving his nest at dusk. Meeting the wild brown bear in its natural environment 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 specially designed bear hides. The brown bear and other rare animals such as the wolverine, can be viewed from one of three specially designed hides. All hides are equipped with comfortable viewing chairs, sleeping areas, toilets and hearing amplification systems that will also pick up bird song. The larger eight person hide offers a panoramic view of the site at a comfortable viewing distance with bears as close as 40m. The hides are situated in a small open wetland area with backdrop of spruce pine and birch forest. For photographers the site offers excellent photography opportunities, there are between twelve to sixteen hours of direct sunlight and two to four hours of twilight in the viewing season. All the bears are wild and to respect them there should as little noise as possible in the hides. In 2003, at these hides there was a 96% success rate for observation of the bears in a single night. From 1 to 18 bears can been seen on any one night when bears are present.

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Itinerary:
1. Arrive Kajaani. Evening presentation.
2. Half day guided nature trip followed by time in northern Taiga forests. Afternoon walk to hide for first night bear watching.
3. After breakfast, day spent bird watching. It is also possible to visit the control point on the Russian border. Second night in the bear-hide.
4. Return* to Kajaani.
* In the months of May and June, there will be opportunity to stop and search for owls en route.

Cost from: Please contact us for prices

Departure Dates: To your requirements between May and September