Along Finland’s eastern border with Russia, the taiga forest holds healthy populations of brown bears, wolverines and wolves. A network of hides, many with beds and toilets, lets visitors watch these animals through the long, light summer nights. For wildlife photographers, it is one of Europe’s great experiences.
At a glance
| Best time | May to August (bears); April to June (wolverines) |
| Getting there | Fly to Kajaani, Kuusamo or Joensuu, then drive |
| Time needed | 2 to 5 nights in hides |
| Big draws | Brown bears, wolverines, wolves, white-tailed eagles |
| Good for | Photographers, wildlife watchers |
How the hides work
- Visitors are taken to hides in the late afternoon and stay overnight, returning in the morning.
- Hides overlook forest clearings, bogs or lakes, where small amounts of food, such as salmon or dog food, are placed to attract animals.
- Many hides have bunks, dry toilets and camera ports; photographic hides have low windows for eye-level shots.
- Midsummer nights never get fully dark in the north, allowing photography late into the night.
Wildlife
- Brown bears: Finland has more than 2,000 bears. Sightings from good hides are almost guaranteed in summer, often with several bears, including mothers and cubs. See our brown bear profile.
- Wolverines: the largest land-dwelling members of the weasel family, rarely seen elsewhere. Some hides have regular visits, especially in spring and early summer. See our wolverine profile.
- Wolves: some hides near the border have occasional wolf visits.
- Birds: white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, ravens, cranes and owls.
Where to go
- Kuhmo and Suomussalmi: the area known as Wild Taiga, with many hides, including the famous Martinselkonen centre.
- Kuusamo: hides further north, near Oulanka National Park.
- Lieksa: in North Karelia, with bear and wolverine hides.
When to go
- April to May: bears emerge from hibernation; wolverines active.
- June to July: the best months for bears, with the midnight sun; mothers with cubs.
- August: bears still active, and nights begin to darken.
- September: bears become less regular as they prepare for hibernation.
Ethical considerations
Feeding wildlife at hides is debated. Responsible operators use small amounts of food, follow national rules and do not habituate animals to humans. Choose operators with a strong conservation ethos.
Tips
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer, and insect repellent for mosquitoes.
- Stay silent in the hide; bears are wary of noise.
- Bring a telephoto lens (at least 300 to 500 mm) for photography.
- Combine with a visit to Oulanka National Park or the Finnish lakes.
Frequently asked questions
Are bear sightings guaranteed in Finland? Not guaranteed, but very likely from good hides in June and July.
Is it safe? Yes. You stay inside the hide all night, and bears do not approach it.
Can I see wolves? Occasionally, from certain hides near the Russian border.
How much does a hide night cost? Prices vary; photography hides cost more than standard ones. Ask operators for current rates.
Related guides
- Bear watching in the Romanian Carpathians
- Svalbard polar bear expeditions
- Scotland wildlife guide
- Animal profiles: Brown bear, Wolverine, Grey wolf
Cover photo: Frank Vassen from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons