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BEAR WATCHING IN FINLAND
4 DAYS STARTING FROM £1190 PER PERSON
AS MUCH WILDERNESS AS YOU CAN BEAR!
For bears, winter is one night.
Unknown
But on this trip we’ll take you to a land where the midnight sun never sets. In the immortal words of Baloo, just forget about your worries and your strife on this amazing trip, deep in to the heart of Finnish Lapland, to see the beautiful brown bears that roam this magnificent wilderness.
Staying in a rustic timber lodge in Finnish Lapland, this is simply one of the world’s foremost wildlife-watching experiences. On top of the 99% success rate of spotting bears throughout the summer, in September you could even get the chance of see the Aurora Borealis as well!
What’s more, with the hides nearby and no need to stay overnight, it’s all perfectly family friendly. You’ll also be treated to the famous Finnish hospitality, with hearty full-board dining based upon fresh, local ingredients. Lastly, as if the bear watching isn’t enough, we include complimentary lake canoeing and you’ll be treated to a pair of curated activities – a guided, ecological hike and a traditional Finnish sauna experience.
WHY GO ON THIS TRIP?
DAY 1 BREATHE IN THE FRESH AIR
After your flight from the UK, you’ll be met on arrival by your included transfer, which will whisk you to your wilderness accommodation in Isokenkäisten Klubi Lodge. A beautiful wooden lodge located in a pine tree forest owned and run by the Kämäräinen family. It’s wonderfully positioned by the clear waters of Lake Heikinjärvi, just 2kms from the Russia border, in the quiet remotes of Finland’s idyllic northeast.
For something extra special, upgrade to your very own log cabin. If your flight arrives in late, you’ll also be treated to the first of your included full-board dining. Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy the finest in traditional Finnish cuisine. Think fish from nearby lakes, baked cheese from a local dairy and wild berries from the surrounding forest.
DAY 2 BEARER OF GOOD NEWS
After breakfast you’ll have today free to settle in and explore. And, with free use of the rowing boat, canoes and walking sticks, you’ll quickly find your way onto the lake and forest trails. Luxuriating in the peacefulness and the forest laden with berries and other flora. Of course, in between it all, you’ll enjoy some hearty meals. With the lodge’s Lapland location just two kilometres from the Russian border, you can expect a variety of culinary influences to be played out for lunch and dinner that could be glow-fried salmon and red-wine-marinated beef, to name a few!
Then, come the evening, your expert guide will bring you out to the nearby hides. Newly built, they’re ideal for photography and – thanks to the long summer’s light – offer one of the world’s best chances to spot the bears.
DAY 3 WALKS, VIEWS & SAUNA
After breakfast today, you’ll be met by your friendly guide to begin the hike up nearby Kuntivaara Hill. As you go, they’ll point out the intricacies of the age-old fauna, stopping to admire the giant trees. And the reward? A sweeping panorama over the surrounding countryside all the way over into Russia. It’s all capped off with a delicious picnic lunch, served in an atmospheric Lappish hut.
Then, on return, it’s time for another great Finnish tradition – the smoke sauna. Isokenkäisten’s is a particular favourite for its dry-birch logs, heated to perfection by the sauna master. He’ll also be able to provide you with those fragrant birch whisks for your very own traditional massage. Be sure to round it off with the obligatory dip into the cool waters of the lake.
DAY 4 TIME TO FINNISH!
After a final breakfast, you’ll be brought back to the airport for your flight home. We know you will love this mini adventure in Finland, you’ll have wonderful memories and stories to tell when you get home but don’t keep it a secret, grab the bear by the tooth and come back soon!