The extensive forests on the border between Finland and Russia are a wonderful place to visit to see and photograph European Brown Bear and wild wolves.

Travelling from the UK, Helsinki is within easy reach and not an expensive flight for the opportunity to experience Europe’s large game.

There are several lodges and professional photographers who have set up in this region over the years offering photographic hides and the opportunity to see wild bears, wolves and wolverine as well as a host of bird life including Golden Eagles and White Tailed Eagle. Depending on the time of year other potential sightings might include Beavers, Red Squirrels, Forest Reindeer, Moose and various birds & owls which are a speciality of the region.

Finland is known as the land of a thousand lakes and this coupled with it’s incredible forestry cover and low population makes it a wonderful destination for lovers of nature and wilderness.

We found the Finnish people exceptionally warm & welcoming and thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Sauna’s which are an integral part of the culture. Like most of the Scandinavian countries in comparison to the UK eating out and general expenses on the road were higher, so bare this in mind when budgeting.

We choose to stay with Lassi Raissisen of Wild Finland Safaris and the majority of the trip is based at his camp. We visited in late September and  hired a car & spent a few days driving up & returning to Helsinki. Although connecting flights to Kuhmo are possible.

Below is the brief itinerary with links to accommodation and car hire. For full details and our write up of the trip read the accompanying story here.

Day 1 – Depart London Heathrow Finnair Flight to Helsinki. Collect Hire Car and drive to …. Overnight …..

Day 2 – Depart and continue drive North – visit …. National Park en route. Overnight WildFinland (if you arrive by 3pm you can spend the night out in the hides – confirm required arrival if you wish to do this).

Day 3 – Overnight at WildFinland – night spent in hides, day based at camp. All meals included.

Day 4 – Overnight at WildFinland – night spent in hides, day based at camp. All meals included.

Day 5 – Overnight at WildFinland – night spent in hides, day based at camp. All meals included.

Day 6 – Overnight at WildFinland – night spent in hides, day based at camp. All meals included.

Day 7 – Depart after breakfast drive south to Mikkali – Overnight beside the lake

Day 8 – Drive to Helsinki – departure flight.