Few animals capture the imagination or tempt the shutter like the magnificent brown bear and there is no better place to witness them than in their varied natural habitat near Kuhmo, Eastern Finland. Designed with nature photographers in mind, this four-night break is dedicated to the discovery and observation of these incredible animals.
There are few animals who are as photogenic as the brown bear. With their casual strength, they are rarely seen during the day and you’ll need a special set of circumstances to observe and photograph this private animal. Whether they are foraging for food, showing off their skills as climbers by clambering up a tree, or playing and scratching in the short summer nights, the only way to see and, of course, photograph these elusive wonders is patience. With overnights spent in the specially built hides, this is the perfect setting for the dedicated photographer to wait out these magnificent animals.
Accomodation
Wild Brown Bear Guesthouse
Relax in the guesthouse during the day and enjoy the sauna or take a swim in the lake. By night head to the hides, around 700m from the guesthouse and keep watch for the bears.
The Hides
The hides are equipped with comfortable 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).
Wildlife and Wilderness
But it isn’t just the nights that offer photographic opportunities. The days stretch from twelve to sixteen hours and are complimented by two to four hours of twilight which provide ample opportunity to experiment with different light. This is also the heart of the Finnish wilderness and other than bears you might be able to capture the beauty of the wolverine, the majesty of a reindeer, or the fluttering concentration of a sparrowhawk. With a renowned nature photographer on hand to provide advice and share stories, you are bound to leave with a memory card full of unique and stunning photos.
During the day, accommodation is provided in the guesthouse, where you will find basic single and twin bedded rooms, there are sauna facilities and swimming is possible in the nearby lake.
When to Travel
The viewing season stretches from May to September but for serious photographers, June and July offer optimum light conditions.
Itinerary
On arrival at Kajaani you will be met by your guide and transferred to the Wild Brown Bear lodge in time for late dinner. Overnight at the guesthouse.
After a morning sauna and breakfast, the day is spent at leisure, enjoying the amazing Finnish wilderness. Hiking, rowing, fishing, or photographing the incredible scenery with the crystal northern light all fill these long days with plenty of activity. After an early dinner and briefing, you will head into the hides, which are only 700 metres from the lodge. Here, everyone will settle down for a night of wildlife observation and photography.
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and transfer to Kajaani for your flight.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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3 nights in bear hide (with shared facilities) with use of guesthouse facilities
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Guesthouse accommodation
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All breakfasts, all dinners, 1 snack
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Services of a local wildlife expert
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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 £925 Excluding Flights
4 Nights
May-Sep
This itinerary starts from around £925 per person, based on sharing a bear hide and hotel room.
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.
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
8
Out of 10 northern lights success
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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Jenna
Travel Specialist
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Rosie
Travel Specialist
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Lauren
Travel Specialist
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Dawn
Head of Customer Experience
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Jo
Travel Specialist
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Eric
Travel Specialist
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Ben
Travel Specialist
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Doug
Travel Specialist
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Freya
Travel Specialist
