From magnificent wild brown bears to elusive wolverine and sleek lynx, a trip to Kuhmo in Finland’s remote eastern wilderness feel like stepping straight into a nature documentary. Through the ancient taiga forests, there is no better place to seek out these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Brown Bear Encounters
There’s a reason that the brown bear has captured the hearts of many the world over. With their often unpredictable nature and sometimes casual fierceness, they somehow still convey the pristine beauty of the natural world.
Rarely seen during the day, an overnight stay in a hide is the perfect opportunity to get up close and personal with this truly iconic animal. Whether they are foraging for food, clambering up the trees or showing off their playful side running and playing in the Finnish night, it will be hard to stay silent as you stare in amazement at these natural wonders.
Wildlife and Wilderness
But Kuhmo has much more to offer than these majestic bears. As you stare into the night you may see one of the many elusive animals of Finland’s east, the awkward beauty of the wolverine, the cantering skill of the reindeer or the fluttering concentration of a sparrowhawk.
And with days that stretch from twelve to sixteen hours, you will not be short of time to explore the natural beauty, whether by trail, boat or bike.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kajanni airport where you will be tranferred to Hotel Kalevala (approx 90 minutes) where you stay for the next two nights with dinner included (set menu).
Hotel Kalevala, Kuhmo
After breakfast and a welcome briefing, you have a day at leisure. There are several ways in which to explore and enjoy this amazing Finnish wilderness: cycling; hiking; swimming, fishing and rowing boats – all making the best of the great outdoors, of which there is plenty! After dinner, spend the evening relaxing, perhaps take a dip in the Jacuzzi and have a sauna or, at additional cost, try an acu-massage bed.
Optional Experiences
Guided Bike and Hiking Tour
Hike along the Brown Bear tracks
Elk Safari
Swim in Pajakkakoski Rapid
Visit the Petola Nature Centre nearby and enjoy your surroundings. In the afternoon transfer to the bear centre. After receiving information and an early meal, you’ll walk to the bear hides. The hides are equipped with viewing chairs and an amplification system to aid listening to the animals as well as a sleeping area with dry-toilet facilities. Remember to bring binoculars, tripod, bean bag or ball head (screw supplied). Settle down in these purpose-built hides ready for the night’s bear watch. A snack will be provided for you to take in to the hide.
Early morning transfer back to the hotel in time for breakfast. Rest of the day to relax, catch up on some sleep or continue to explore your scenic surrounds, ever watchful for wildlife. Overnight at Hotel Kalevala. In the unlikely event that bears were not seen when staying at the bear hide, a second night of bear watching will be included without additional charge.
After breakfast, travel back to Kajaani Airport for your return flight home.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in a room with private bathroom at Hotel Kalevala
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Overnight in bear hide with shared facilities
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All breakfasts, all dinners (set menu), snack in the hide (at Hotel Kalevala)
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Visit to Petola Nature Centre
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Return transfers between the Kajaani AIrport and Hotel Kalevala
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24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £830 Excluding Flights
4 Nights
May-Oct
This itinerary starts from around £808 per person, based on 2 sharing a room with private bathroom.
Prices may vary depending on departure date and booking date, as well as any changes to the included components. The final cost of a tailored holiday will be based on the room type, class of travel, included activities, travel season, and how far in advance it is booked. We will confirm the exact price for your holiday in your individual quotation, based on your chosen travel dates and inclusions.
Luxury Bear Cabin
You can upgrade to a luxury bear cabin for your overnight experience. Instead of the possibility of sharing a basic bear hide you can spend the night in one of the comfortable cabins with double bed, table and chairs, small kitchenette, WiFi and power sockets. This upgrade is available at a supplement starting at £364 per person.
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Bruno
27
Years visiting Iceland
9
Brown bears spotted
We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.
Experts with real experience
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Darren
Travel Specialist
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Phoebe
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Kieran
Travel Specialist
