An unforgettable adventure: how to see brown bears in Finland
Finland is a country of unique experiences, and one of the most exciting is the opportunity to see brown bears in their natural habitat.
We've seen bears in Alaska and California before, but this was the first time in Europe, and the emotion of this experience is beyond words. That’s why we decided to go to the Brown Bear Center in Eastern Finland to fulfill our dream of meeting these majestic animals!
The brown bear is the national symbol of Finland. For centuries, it was both an object of worship and fear for the locals. In Finnish, there are over 200 names for this beast, which is the largest predator in Europe. In winter, bears hibernate, hiding in their lairs since September and waking up only by March-May. Although bears can be found throughout Finland (except the Åland Islands), their population is highest in Eastern Finland and Lapland. This is where you can make a real bear hunt!
How to organize a trip
The easiest way to see bears is to spend the night in a specially equipped house or shelter in Eastern Finland. This is a unique opportunity to get closer to nature and observe these beautiful animals in their natural environment.
Where to find bears?
According to the latest data, about 2,300 bears lived in Finland in 2020. Although sometimes spotted in the south and west of the country, they are most commonly found in Lapland and Eastern Finland.
Best places to watch
Finland has two main bear tour destinations: the Martinselkonen Wildlife Center in Kainuu and the Brown Bear Center in Kuhmo, just 2 kilometers from the Russian border. Both places require special planning – they’re not the kind of places you can just drive on the way. We got there in a rented car that we took in Sweden as part of our Scandinavian journey.
How much does it cost?
You can spend a fortune and years trying to find bears on your own. But if you are amateurs like us and just want to see them in the wild, there are a few options available. For example, you can stay for one night at the Brown Bear Center.
When is the best time?
The best time to watch bears is from April to October, especially in the evening hours. Summer in Finland almost does not get dark, and spending the night in a shelter or a special house is not only safe, but also incredibly exciting.
Our experience.
We chose a full night tour from 17:00 to morning. Although the bear only appeared around midnight, we did not regret our decision.
What is the probability of seeing a bear?
In both centers - Martinselkonen and Kuhmo - bait is placed next to shelters and houses, which makes meeting with bears almost guaranteed. Depending on the time of year, the probability of seeing them is up to 99%.
What does the Brown Bear Center offer?
The center in Kuhmo offers various options for watching bears. It is a professional organization that is mainly focused on wildlife photographers and researchers. We just stopped for one night. This is a private protected area that has existed since 2016.
Our route.
We arrived at the Center after going to Koli National Park. Here we spent one night before heading further north to Sweden for an excursion to the LKAB mine in Kiruna.
Facilities and food
We chose the option with dinner and breakfast. The dinner consisted of salmon and vegetables, and for dessert we were offered something sweet. In the morning we enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading out.
Where to stay?
Bears are nocturnal, so if you want to see them, you have to adjust to their rhythm. You can spend the night in a shelter or a house, and in the afternoon relax in the guest house of the Center.
Useful advice
Do not forget to bring snacks and drinks, but alcohol is prohibited. It is also recommended to get rid of plastic packaging in advance so as not to create noise.
Watching brown bears in Finland is an unforgettable experience. This country offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife up close. If you want to learn more about local traditions and secrets, be sure to bring an experienced guide with you - he will make your trip even more intense!