A huge brown bear emerges from the trees, beyond are six or seven other bears, young males and mothers with the sweetest of playful cubs. Imagine quietly watching this amazing scene, nature at its most exciting and revealing. Visit the dense and mystical forests of Finland, untouched by mankind, and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This truly is an unforgettable experience.

• Travelling - 1
  

  Fly to Oulu. Group sizes are limited to 10 people so please book early to secure your holiday. Your Tour Guide will be on hand throughout the tour. Travel by road to the Kainnu region and the Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre. Located just beneath the Arctic Circle this is one of the last great wilderness areas of Europe. The Russian border is just a stone’s throw away adding an air of mystery to the ancient trees and lakes of the forest. A friendly welcome from your hosts awaits. Take a walk to get to know the surroundings before joining your travelling companions for an included dinner. Some traditional local dishes have been prepared for this evening; dine on local salmon or reindeer and fresh fruits and berries from the forest. Enjoy the views from the communal balcony or indulge yourself with a smoke sauna, a uniquely Finnish experience. You will need a good night’s sleep to prepare for your stay in the bear hide tomorrow. Overnight Wilderness Centre.

• A walk in the forest/ An introduction / The hide - 2
  

  Join a morning walking tour. As you follow tracks and trails, learn about this environment and its wildlife with a local expert. Bears are the main event but many other creatures inhabit the forest. Although shy and elusive, especially when there are bears around, wolverine and red squirrel may be observed. Keep an eye skyward for the common and honey buzzard and when you are deeper in the forest look out for rare black and three-toed woodpecker. Small lakes and brooks are the perfect habitat for a plethora of other birdlife. Return to the forest and explore at your own pace when you have some free time.

  The Eurasian brown bear is a creature that prefers an undisturbed environment. As the human population has expanded, that of the brown bear has contracted. The small numbers that survive do so in remote inaccessible areas and nowhere is better than the wilderness along the Russian border with Finland. Modern Europe has largely passed this region by, leaving the birds and mammals to inhabit endless tracts of forest with minimum disturbance from man’s activities. The brown bears of Martinselkonen are, in the main, Russian animals from the Taigu Forest that venture over the border to forage, often with their cubs in tow. The cubs are born in the winter months and stay close to their mothers for over a year.

  After an early dinner, a drive of 45 minutes takes you close to the first hide and you may spot reindeer along the road. Continue on foot along narrow paths through the ancient forest of pine, spruce and silver birch. Your Specialist Guide will be searching for evidence of bears close by and timing today is crucial. Look out for ripped bark and maybe a claw mark or a disturbed ant hill. As you walk along the rich green floor of moss, lichen and berry plants keep looking out for signs. When you reach the hide, a purpose built log cabin, settle into your seats, unpack cameras and binoculars quietly and prepare for the night of your life. Your Specialist Guide will be familiar with all the regular visitors and as they arrive will share their family history with you. Playful and endlessly entertaining youngsters may come and go, single females forage and mothers arrive with their cubs. All seem to mingle together and often in some numbers. Watch as they scratch themselves on the surrounding trees, climb and play. These are the characteristics that make them so endearing to humans. Observe the behaviour within the group; an older male will be respectful of other senior males and, if he is feeling indulgent, tolerates the feisty play of younger bears, they are probably his cubs. The arrival of a solitary, single male could send the other bears scattering into the forest. For most of the observation period you will watch the animals from a range of 30-90ft. Sometimes animals may be nearer; the close-up view of an adult brown bear is a memory that will stay with you forever. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed but you have an excellent chance of seeing these magnificent creatures in a silent environment, where daylight is virtually continuous making it light enough to observe the bears at any hour. You will stay in the hide overnight and will not be able to leave so remember to bring everything you need. Comfortable chairs, bunk beds or sleeping bags, and toilet facilities are all provided. Snacks and hot drinks will also be available. After your night in the hide you will return to the centre for breakfast the next day. Overnight Wilderness Centre.

• A day in the reserve - 3
  

  Return to the centre this morning. After breakfast you may want to rest. This afternoon you can choose how you spend the rest of your time. Join a second night of bear viewing in the hide or stay at the centre and take some time to discover more of the wildlife in the peaceful and remote forest. Overnight Wilderness Centre.

• Travelling - 4
  

  Return to Oulu for the flight back to the UK.

Accommodation

• Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre - 3 nights

• Flights are scheduled services of
• Flights depart at 12:00 am and return at 7:35 pm

Includes

Not Included