Deep in Finland’s taiga: extraordinary wildlife encounters await.
Finland’s vast boreal forests are among the last great wilderness areas in Europe — a place where Brown Bears roam ancient taiga forests, Wolves move silently through the pines, and the elusive Wolverine still survives in remote northern landscapes.
Our nine-day Finland Bears, Wolves & Wolverines journey takes you deep into this wild frontier, where specially designed photographic hides offer remarkable opportunities to observe these iconic predators at close range. Based in the prime wildlife regions of Kuhmo and Viiksimo near the Russian border, we spend extended sessions in some of the most reliable locations in the world for sightings of Brown Bear, Wolf and the incredibly rare Wolverine.
Beyond the forests, the journey also explores Finland’s pristine lakes and wetlands, including a boat safari on Lake Saimaa in search of the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal — one of the world’s rarest seals found only in these freshwater waters.
Traveling during the magical early autumn season, when the forests glow with colour and nights grow dark again, we also have the chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing above the northern sky.
Combining exceptional wildlife encounters, superb photographic opportunities, and the quiet beauty of Finland’s wild landscapes, this tour offers an unforgettable immersion into Europe’s last great wilderness.
| Starts in Oulu | Ends in Oravi | Duration: 9 Days | Next departure: 4 September 2028 |
Highlights:
Boreal Wildlife Centre, Viiksimo – A remote base in the taiga forests offering excellent hides for observing Brown Bears and occasional Wolves and Wolverines.
Wildlife Safaris Finland, Kuhmo – Renowned for Wolves in peak autumn condition, with hides providing close-range viewing and photography opportunities.
Erä-Eero Wolverine Site, Lieksa – One of the world’s most reliable sites to see Wolverines, with connected viewing cabins for observation and photography.
Reposuo Bog Area, Lieksa – Classic boreal bog with unique wetland flora and forest birds, representing eastern Finland’s pristine ecosystems.
Ruunaa Outdoor Area, Lieksa – Whitewater rivers and rugged forest landscapes supporting diverse wildlife, including small mammals and waterbirds.
Lake Saimaa and Oravi Boat Safari – Opportunity to observe the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal in its freshwater habitat, along with a variety of waterfowl.
Northern Lights Viewing – Seasonal Aurora Borealis displays around the September equinox provide a spectacular natural light show above the Finnish wilderness.
Top Mammals – Brown Bear, Wolf, Wolverine
Top birds – Great Tit, Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Brambling, Eurasian Siskin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Teal, Black-throated Diver, Goosander.
Day to day summary:
| Day 1 | Arrival in Oulu |
| Day 2 | Oulu to Viiksimo |
| Day 3 | Viiksimo |
| Day 4 | Viiksimo to Kuhmo |
| Day 5 | Kuhmo |
| Day 6 | Kuhmo to Lieksa |
| Day 7 | Lieksa |
| Day 8 | Lieksa to Oravi |
| Day 9 | Departure |
Day to Day Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival in Oulu
Arrival in Oulu marks the beginning of the Bear, Wolf, and Wolverine tour in Finland. Located on the northern edge of the Gulf of Bothnia, Oulu is one of Finland’s most important northern cities and a well-established gateway to the country’s boreal forests and wilderness regions. The city is known for its compact centre, coastal setting, and easy access to nature, while still offering reliable services and comfortable accommodation. Oulu Airport has good daily connections, making it a practical and efficient arrival point for travellers heading into eastern Finland.
After arrival at the airport, there is a short transfer to a nearby hotel for an overnight stay. Entering wildlife hides on the first day is not possible due to flight schedules and fixed hide access times, so the tour is designed to start at an unhurried pace, allowing time to rest after travel and prepare for the days ahead.
Throughout the tour, evening conditions are carefully monitored for Aurora Borealis activity. The Northern Lights are created when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing shifting curtains and arcs of green, and occasionally red or violet, light across the night sky. This departure takes place close to the autumn equinox, a period associated with increased geomagnetic activity, which improves the chances of aurora displays. When skies are clear and forecasts are favourable, there might be opportunities to step outside after dark to observe and photograph this natural phenomenon, adding an extra dimension to the wildlife experience in northern Finland.
DAY 2: Oulu to Viiksimo
After breakfast, the route turns eastward across Finland toward Viiksimo, a scenic drive of approximately four hours through forests, lakes, and sparsely populated countryside. The landscape gradually changes into classic taiga forest, a vast belt of boreal woodland dominated by spruce, pine, and birch. This habitat stretches across northern Europe and Asia and supports a rich food web, making it one of the most important ecosystems in Finland for large mammals and forest birds.
On arrival at the Boreal Wildlife Centre, an early dinner is enjoyed before heading out to the wildlife hides in the afternoon. The centre is in a former border guard station close to the eastern frontier, now repurposed as a base for wildlife observation in a remote and quiet setting. The purpose-built hides are designed for extended viewing and photography, with well-positioned camera openings and dry toilet facilities inside.
This area is especially known for its strong presence of Brown Bears, Finland’s largest land mammal. These powerful yet surprisingly agile animals are most active in the late afternoon and evening as they move through the forest in search of food, particularly berries at this time of year. Sightings here are frequent, with bear activity recorded on most evenings. Wolves and Wolverines also occur in the area, though their appearances are less predictable and add an element of anticipation to each session. Birdlife around the hides includes Raven, Hooded Crow, Magpie and Eurasian Jay, species well adapted to life in the boreal forest.
After the hide session, the group returns to the centre for an evening snack and overnight accommodation. Rooms offer a comfortable and practical stay in the heart of the taiga, surrounded by the forests that sustain some of Finland’s most iconic wildlife.
DAY 3: Viiksimo
The morning is spent at and around the Boreal Wildlife Centre, offering time to enjoy the quiet rhythm of the surrounding taiga forest. A feeder in the yard attracts a variety of forest birds, including Great Tit, Blue Tit, Bullfinch and Great Spotted Woodpecker, often at close range. Short walks in the nearby woodland provide further opportunities to observe typical boreal species such as thrushes, crossbills, and buntings, all adapted to life in Finland’s northern forests. The centre itself is a converted former border guard station, now serving as a comfortable base for wildlife observation in a remote setting close to the eastern frontier.
An early dinner is served before returning to the hides for a second evening focused on Brown Bears. This is also an area where Wolverines occur, although sightings are less frequent and never guaranteed. The Wolverine is one of Europe’s most elusive carnivores, known for its strength, intelligence, and wide-ranging movements across large forest territories. Encounters with this species are rare and highly sought after, making any appearance particularly memorable.
After the hide session, the group returns to the Boreal Wildlife Centre for a late evening snack and overnight accommodation. The quiet forest surroundings and limited light pollution also allow continued monitoring of night skies, with the potential for Aurora Borealis displays if conditions are favourable.
DAY 4: Viiksimo to Kuhmo
After breakfast, the journey continues south to Kuhmo, a drive of approximately 45 kilometres to the second wildlife destination, Wildlife Safaris Finland. This area lies deep within eastern Finland’s forest zone and is widely recognised as one of the country’s strongest regions for observing Wolves. In autumn, Wolves are preparing for winter, and their coats are thick and fully developed, offering excellent opportunities to observe their structure and behaviour as they move through their territory. Brown Bears and Wolverines also occur in the area and are known to visit the hides, adding further interest to each session.
There is a network of well-established hides positioned to overlook natural clearings used by animals moving through the forest. Birds frequently seen from the hides include Raven, Hooded Crow, and Magpie, with occasional sightings of White-tailed Eagle or Golden Eagle passing overhead.
After arrival, check-in is at Kuikka Lodge, the main accommodation for the stay in Kuhmo. The lodge provides a comfortable and welcoming base in a quiet forest setting, with shared spaces for meals and relaxation between wildlife sessions. A light lunch is served before heading out to the hides for the afternoon and evening. The hides are purpose-built with camera openings positioned for photography and are equipped with dry toilets, allowing extended observation without interruption. After returning from the hides around sunset, dinner is served at Kuikka Lodge, followed by an overnight stay surrounded by the forests that support some of Finland’s most iconic carnivores.
DAY 5: Kuhmo
Breakfast at Kuikka Lodge begins the day, followed by a relaxed morning exploring the surrounding forests, which highlight the rich biodiversity of eastern Finland in September. A bird feeder near the lodge draws a variety of forest species, including Great Tit, Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Brambling, Chaffinch, Eurasian Siskin, and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Red Squirrels are also frequent visitors, adding a lively element to the forest scenery. September is an active period for wildlife as animals prepare for the approaching winter, making each morning in the forest particularly rewarding for observation and photography.
After a light lunch at the lodge, the group heads out for the afternoon and evening in the wildlife hides. Wildlife Safaris Finland maintains purpose-built hides that provide excellent opportunities to observe and photograph large carnivores, including Wolves, Brown Bears and Wolverines. Wolves in this region are highly territorial and social, often moving in packs, and during September they are in prime condition with thick winter coats. Observing their behaviour—hunting, scent-marking, and moving across the forest floor—is a highlight of the tour, offering insight into the life of one of Europe’s top predators. The hides include camera openings and dry toilet facilities, allowing extended sessions as twilight deepens.
After the wildlife session, the group returns to Kuikka Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation, surrounded by the quiet taiga that supports these remarkable species.
DAY 6: Kuhmo to Lieksa
Following breakfast, the tour continues south to Lieksa, a drive of approximately two and a half hours through the forests and lakes of eastern Finland, offering glimpses of the region’s characteristic taiga landscape. Lieksa is a small town known for its access to pristine wilderness areas, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage, making it an ideal base for observing some of Finland’s most elusive mammals. Upon arrival, the group checks in at Hotel Puustelli, a comfortable and welcoming lodge-style hotel, and enjoys lunch before heading out for the afternoon excursion.
The afternoon is spent at the Erä-Eero Wolverine site, located about 30 minutes from Lieksa. This site is considered one of the most reliable locations in the world to observe Wolverines, with sightings recorded on most visits. The site consists of two connected viewing cabins with large windows, allowing guests to observe and photograph these elusive carnivores through glass while minimizing disturbance. Dry toilet facilities are available in the hides for comfort during long sessions. The surrounding forests and wetlands also attract a variety of birds, including Great Tit, Raven, Magpie, Eurasian Teal, and Greenshank, adding additional interest while waiting for the mammals to appear. After the wildlife session, the group returns to Lieksa for dinner and overnight accommodation at Hotel Puustelli, surrounded by the quiet forests.
DAY 7: Lieksa
In the morning, guests have the option to explore either the Reposuo bog area or the Ruunaa outdoor region, both offering a striking view of eastern Finland’s natural landscapes. Reposuo is a classic boreal bog, with open peatlands dotted with small pools and surrounded by dense spruce and pine forests. It provides an excellent opportunity to see the unique flora and birdlife adapted to these wetland habitats, and the quiet surroundings often allow for encounters with forest wildlife in the distance. Alternatively, the Ruunaa area is known for its whitewater rivers and rugged outdoor scenery, where flowing water carves through mixed forests and creates a dynamic environment for waterbirds and small mammals. Both locations highlight the diversity of eastern Finland’s forests and wetlands and offer insight into the ecosystems that support species such as Brown Bear, Wolves and Wolverines.
After returning to Hotel Puustelli for lunch, the afternoon is left free for relaxation or personal exploration in the town of Lieksa. Later in the day, the group departs once more for an evening session in the Wolverine hides at the Erä-Eero site, providing another chance to observe these rare carnivores in their natural habitat. After the hide session, guests return to Hotel Puustelli for dinner and overnight accommodation, surrounded by the quiet forests and wetlands that define this remote part of Finland.
DAY 8: Lieksa to Oravi
After breakfast, the tour continues with a scenic drive of approximately three and a half hours to Oravi, a small village located on the shores of Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake system. Oravi is surrounded by pristine forest and freshwater habitats, making it an ideal base for observing some of the region’s rarest wildlife. Upon arrival, guests check in at the hotel before embarking on a boat safari across the lake, focused on locating the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal. This freshwater seal is one of the rarest in the world and exists only in Lake Saimaa. Thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts, the population has recovered from a critically sparse number of around 100 individuals to approximately 480 today.
September is an excellent time to spot the seals, which may be seen swimming in the clear waters or resting on rocky outcrops along the shoreline. The surrounding lake and wetlands also attract a variety of birds, including Black-throated Diver, Goosander, and several gull species, providing additional highlights for nature enthusiasts and photographers. After the boat safari, the group returns to the hotel for dinner and the final overnight stay, reflecting on the rare and remarkable wildlife encounters of the tour while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of eastern Finland’s lakes and forests.
DAY 9: Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, the tour concludes with a departure to the airport according to individual flight schedules. The journey from Oravi to the airport offers one last chance to take in the serene forests, sparkling lakes, and tranquil landscapes of eastern Finland, leaving a lasting impression of the region’s unique wildlife and natural beauty.
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