Bear Viewing in Finland

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.

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.