If you want to go bear watching, Finland is a wonderful choice of destination. The Brown Bear is the national animal of Finland and today there are around 1000 living in the wild in Finland’s extensive taiga forest. For the best time to go bear watching, Finland’s summer months of July and August are ideal. At this time the bears are out of hibernation, they have finished the rutting season and are relaxed and far less elusive. At this time of the year you might be lucky enough to enjoy sightings of up to 10 bears at a time and up to 20 in one night.
Bear Watching Tours in Finland
Most tours based in Finland will see you spending time in a wildlife lodge. One of the most popular is Martinselkonen, which is 300km from Oulu and close to the Russian border. Usually a tour will last three to four days and, during this time, you will spend one or two nights in a purpose built hide, which is ideal for bear watching. Finland’s taiga forest surrounds the lodge, and during the days you will be able to explore the area on foot, either independently or with a guide.
The hides are located only 1.5 km from the main lodge and are well equipped with enough viewing space for up to six people to take photographs at a time. There are also bunk beds and a chemical toilet. Of course, for most people, waiting for the emergence of the bears is far too exciting to sleep! In the morning after an exciting night of bear watching, you will return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and the chance to enjoy a much more comfortable bed for a few hours.
All around the lodge in the forest is plenty more wildlife to enjoy as well. You may be able to see the Pygmy Owl, the Ural Owl, Siberian Tit and Pied Flycatcher, and if you’re really lucky, the Elk or Beaver may grace your presence. When in the hide it is not unusual to see the Wolf or Wolverine, so even when the bears are not offering themselves up, there are plenty more creatures to venture out of the depths of the forest to entertain you.
When it comes to bear watching, Finland has an excellent reputation and the chance of sightings is high. If you don’t get to see any bears on your night in the hide, there will be the opportunity to spend another night there.
Bears are still hunted in this part of the world, and the locals are keen to raise awareness of their plight. By taking photographs and spreading the word, guests will be sending a message that the bears are much more valuable alive.