Escape to the Finnish wilderness on this short-haul Brown bear watching adventure at Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge, one of Finland’s renowned destinations for observing wild bears. Spend your nights in purpose-built hides deep within the forest, offering exceptional opportunities to watch and photograph wild brown bears at close range. With the chance to encounter adult bears, playful cubs and other wildlife, this immersive Finland wildlife experience brings you closer to the natural world in one of Europe’s most remote wilderness regions.
Journey deep into the Finnish wilderness and discover one of Europe’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. Eastern Finland is renowned for its wild brown bears, with vast forests, secluded wetlands and tranquil lakes providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent animals.
Designed to make the most of your time in the wilderness, this carefully crafted four-day adventure combines comfortable accommodation at Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge with expert local knowledge and overnight wildlife watching from purpose-built forest hides. As daylight fades, settle into the forest and wait for the bears to emerge — with opportunities to observe adults, females with cubs and other wildlife as they move naturally through the wilderness.
This is more than simply a bear-watching holiday. It is an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of Finland’s remote taiga forests, where long summer evenings, pristine landscapes and the possibility of encountering one of Europe’s most iconic mammals come together to create a truly memorable wildlife adventure.
Ideal as a short-haul escape from the UK, this four-day Finland brown bear holiday can be enjoyed as a standalone wildlife break or combined with a wider Scandinavian adventure. Whether you are a passionate wildlife enthusiast, keen photographer or simply looking to experience something extraordinary, this is an accessible and thrilling introduction to the wild side of Finland.
The following suggested itinerary is designed to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your individual requirements. Speak to one of our Finland specialists to create your perfect wildlife adventure.
Day 1 – Welcome to Finland’s Wild Frontier
Your adventure begins on arrival at Kajaani Airport, where you’ll be met by your private driver before travelling through the beautiful Finnish countryside to the Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge. The scenic journey of approximately two hours takes you deep into the heart of Finland’s vast boreal forests, one of Europe’s finest remaining wilderness areas.
After settling into your comfortable accommodation, you’ll have time to meet your guide, learn about the region’s remarkable wildlife and the exciting days ahead, before enjoying a delicious evening meal prepared at the lodge.
Accommodation: Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge (3 nights)
Day 2 – Your First Overnight Bear Watching Experience
Wake to the peaceful sounds of the Finnish wilderness and enjoy a hearty breakfast before spending the morning discovering the surrounding forests. After enjoying some afternoon tea, an early dinner is served before your bear-watching adventure begins.
In the late afternoon, our local Finnish partners will guide you by vehicle into the Martinselkonen Nature Reserve, before walking approximately one kilometre along a forest trail to your overnight wildlife hide. As the evening light softens, anticipation builds as Finland’s iconic brown bears begin emerging silently from the forest.
Spend the entire night immersed in nature, watching and photographing these magnificent animals from the safety and comfort of your hide. Depending on the season, encounters may include mothers with cubs, dominant males, wolverines and a variety of woodland birds.
Day 3 – Another Night Among Finland’s Brown Bears
Return to the lodge during the early morning for a well-earned breakfast before enjoying time to unwind. Relax with a coffee, review the previous night’s photographs or simply soak up the tranquillity of your woodland surroundings.
Depending on the season and local conditions, there may also be opportunities to enjoy optional nature activities around the lodge.
Later in the afternoon, after another early dinner, you’ll once again make your way into the Martinselkonen Nature Reserve for your second overnight bear-watching session. Each evening in the hides is completely different. Changing weather, shifting light and the unpredictable behaviour of the wildlife ensure every visit offers fresh photographic opportunities and unforgettable moments in one of Europe’s last great wildernesses.
Day 4 – Farewell Finland
Following your final morning at the lodge and breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the Finnish wilderness.
You’ll transfer back to the airport for your journey home, taking with you unforgettable memories, incredible wildlife encounters and, hopefully, a memory card full of spectacular photographs.
Travel Information: Finnair’s flight schedules occasionally vary throughout the season. While most departures operate via Kajaani Airport, some itineraries may instead use Kuusamo or Oulu Airport, depending on domestic flight availability. Regardless of the airport used, all transfers are included as part of your holiday, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey home.
Martinselkonen Wilds Centre is a family-run wildlife lodge founded in 1991. It is located in the municipality of Suomussalmi, beside the protected Martinselkonen Nature Reserve and close to Finland’s remote eastern border.
The centre was established by retired border guard Markku Määttä and his wife, Oili, and has since become one of Finland’s best-known bear-watching destinations. Its carefully positioned hides provide outstanding opportunities to observe and photograph wild brown bears, with the area being particularly renowned for sightings of mothers with young cubs during the summer months.
The accommodation offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with comfortable en-suite rooms and traditional Finnish hospitality. Each room is tastefully decorated in a rustic Nordic style, providing a cosy retreat after your evening in the hides. Wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature and enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients – perfect for fuelling your days of exploration and wildlife watching.
Whether you’re planning your first Finland wildlife holiday or simply want to discover more about the region’s remarkable wildlife, we’re here to help. Explore our collection of helpful resources, from wildlife guides and practical packing tips to inspiring travel stories and expert insights, all designed to help you prepare for your adventure and fuel your excitement for the wilds of Finland.
Not at all. Our guides help photographers of every level, from first-time hide users to professionals. We’ll advise on settings and positioning throughout.
A telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended), spare batteries and plenty of memory cards. Full details are in the downloadable Photography Gear Guide above.
Wildlife is wild, so sightings can never be guaranteed. That said, our locations and hides are chosen for some of the best predator-viewing odds in Europe.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.
Full arrival and transfer details, including the nearest airport and pickup arrangements, are in the Trip Information Pack. Our team will confirm timings after booking.
This experience is part of our handpicked collection of tailor-made journeys, giving you complete flexibility to shape your trip around your interests, schedule and travel style. Our in-house travel specialists will work with you to create your perfect adventure, from choosing your preferred dates and pace to arranging an exclusive departure for your own group. Whether travelling with family and friends or as a private photography group, we’ll take care of every detail to create a truly personal experience, designed entirely around you.
Price is based on two people travelling together. The cost includes airport transfers, accommodation and all meals while staying at the Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre.
Prices for solo travellers may vary. For the latest prices and up-to-date travel information, please contact our travel team.
April – August
Private en-suite rooms
1–2 guests per room
Kainuu Region, Northern Finland
Martinselkonen Wilds Centre operate from April to August, when Finland’s brown bears are most active. Midsummer offer the best chance of catching bear cubs.
Available to book
Let our in-house travel specialists create your perfect adventure, from selecting your preferred dates and pace to arranging an exclusive departure for your group. Whether travelling with family, friends or a private photography group, we’ll ensure every detail is thoughtfully designed around you.
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