The bear watching season typically runs from late April until early September, when brown bears emerge from hibernation and become increasingly active. If your goal is simply to maximise your chances of seeing bears, June through August is generally considered the best time to visit.
Bears emerge from hibernation in search of food, often against a backdrop of lingering snow. The most unpredictable month, but rewarding for photographers seeking dramatic snowy landscapes and fewer visitors.
Bears emerge from hibernation in search of food, often against a backdrop of lingering snow. The most unpredictable month, but rewarding for photographers seeking dramatic snowy landscapes and fewer visitors.
One of the most popular months. Daylight stretches late into the night, bathing the forest in golden light while the rutting season remains in full swing.
Warm, comfortable conditions and consistently excellent sightings. Our Summer Bears Special has never run a tour without seeing cubs.
Lush green forests and warm days give way to cooler nights, often creating spectacular mist over lakes, bogs and wetlands.
Hyperphagia drives bears to feed almost constantly — an adult male may consume 20,000–100,000 calories a day — set against golden autumn colour, with a chance of the Northern Lights.
One of the highlights of any Finland bear watching holiday is seeing mother bears with their cubs. Cubs are most commonly seen during June and July, although sightings can never be guaranteed, as these are wild animals.
Yes. Brown bears in Finland are generally most active during the late evening and overnight hours, particularly in summer. Most bear watching excursions therefore take place from specially designed wildlife hides during the evening, coinciding with the beautiful soft light favoured by wildlife photographers.
Eastern Finland is widely recognised as the country’s premier bear watching destination. The forests around the Kuhmo region, close to the Russian border, are home to one of Europe’s healthiest populations of wild brown bears and offer some of the highest success rates for sightings.
Whether you’re a keen wildlife photographer or simply want to experience one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, we’ll help you create an unforgettable adventure tailored to your interests.
If your main goal is simply to maximise your chances of seeing brown bears, June, July and August are all excellent choices. There isn’t a bad time to visit during Finland’s bear watching season — every month offers something different, from snow-covered April to the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun and the rich colours of autumn.
Kyle has worked extensively with brown bears across Finland for the past decade and has successfully guided hundreds of nature enthusiasts of all ages and nationalities through the country’s diverse Nordic seasons. His knowledge of the best locations for bear photography throughout Finland is second to none.
Having grown up in Norway, Roger developed a lifelong appreciation for bears. For over 30 years, he has dedicated his career to photographing bears in Finland and is widely recognised for his work with these remarkable animals. His images have appeared in numerous European publications, and he has collaborated with broadcasters including the BBC on the acclaimed series Wild Scandinavia. In 2024, he published two books: The Bear – the Strongest in the Country and The Wolf – the Smartest in the Forest.
Ready to experience Finland’s wild brown bears? Get in touch to find the perfect bear watching holiday for your preferred travel dates.
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