Suomussalmi, Finland: Bear Watching and Photography Night｜Finland

It's very difficult to see bears while hiking in the Finnish nature since the bears are experts at hiding. In our hides, located at the bears’ feeding area, you are able to spend the night in a wooden hide and follow the life of the wild bears. An expert guide will tell you about the bears seen and you can take pictures with your mobile or with a camera.

We will start the excursion at 16 with a short drive by company car. Then there is a short walk along a forest trail to the wooden hides. The hide has room for 12 persons. Each person has their own seat and photography hole. There are also bunk beds with sleeping bags and a dry eco-toilet. During the night you will get some coffee/tea, sandwiches and biscuits.

The guide is there to tell you about the bears and guarantee your safety. During one night stay at the bear hide we normally see several bears. From the end of June onward, there is a good chance to also see bear cubs born the previous winter. We will leave the bear hide next morning after 7 with several new memories.

The excursion will start (at 16) from Martinselkonen Wilds Centre, Pirttivaarantie 131 Suomussalmi. The Centre is about a 2-hour drive from Kuusamo and Kajaani airports. The excursion will end at the same location next morning about 7:30.

For the excursion you need comfortable clothing suitable for nature activity.
Please note that Finnish summers can sometimes be very cold, so it’s good to have enough warm clothing. In rainy days the path to the hide can be muddy, so choose your shoes accordingly. In June-July there can be mosquitoes - you are allowed to use repellent, but best protection is covering clothing.

Please note that there is no running water or electricity in the hides. Smoking and drinking alcohol is forbidden during the night.