Itinerary – Wild Brown Bear Watching

Day 1

Arrival to Kuhmo and receive a warm welcome when you check in to the lakeside Hotel Kalevala.
You may enjoy the saunas with indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis before dinner.

Airport transfers are not included – may be pre-booked.
Distance from Kajaani airport approx. 115 km.

Day 2

After breakfast, we visit the Petola Visitor Centre. At around 15:00 hrs, transfer to the Wild Brown Bear centre (in late August and September the departure time is earlier).  This is a protected area with wild animals, located on the Russian border. Hunting is prohibited in this area.

Baby Wild brown bears in the forest!

On arrival at the main lodge, you’ll receive information about the hides and bears and also other animals which you may see. After an early dinner it is a short walk from the main building to the hides. The hides are basic and are equipped with viewing chairs, sleeping areas (bunks) sleeping bags and dry toilets (for 1-4 persons, private). There is between 12 to 16 hours of daylight and 2 to 4 hours of twilight in the viewing season. You may also choose the Luxury Cabin option, with double bed, shower/wc, kitchenette, wi-fi (for 1-2 persons, private). Our package includes refreshments and sandwiches in the bear hides. Please note that for safety reasons, you may not exit during the night and the bears cannot come in!

Wolverine in Finnish Taiga – One of the many wild animals you may encounter!

Recommended equipment: appropriate clothing according to the weather forecast, note book, binoculars and camera.
*If you choose the Evening Bear Watching, a transfer will take you back to the hotel.

Day 3

Transfer back to hotel for breakfast. The rest of the day at leisure  or enjoy optional activities such as hiking, fishing, or cycling…

You can get involved in hiking, cycling, fishing, husky trekking or just relaxing!

In the evening enjoy the saunas and jacuzzis before dinner.

Day 4

After breakfast, check out and departure
Airport transfers are not included – may be pre-booked.

Hotel Details:

Hotelli Kalevala Kuhmo

A unique Hotel, the construction was completed in 1989 and it is now a protected building by The Finnish National Board of Antiquities. The hotel complex is designed to look like a huge wooden fortress in ancient times and includes old and new elements. The owners have refurbished the interior with accents of Central Europe.  The hotel has just 44 rooms.  The restaurant offers cuisine designed for international taste and uses locally sourced products, particularly fish, meat and berries. The hotel has a family atmosphere and offers Hotel Kalevala guests;

• Several outdoor games such as badminton, frisbee
• Beach by the hotel shore, fireplace by the hotel shore
• Playstation2 and Nintendo & WII games
• DVD movies
• Board games
• Library
• Wi-Fi

The wellness area offers a range of treatments and the following facilities (payable locally);

• Two traditional saunas (separate saunas for women and men)
• Peat sauna
• Infrared sauna
• Jacuzzi for 7 persons
• Outdoor jacuzzi
• Herbal jacuzzi
• Acu-massage-bed

Tour Dates – Wild Brown Bear Watching 2023

You may arrive on any day from May to September

2023 PRICES IN EUROS (PER PERSON IN TWIN)

Valid May – September 2023 (excluding 09th – 23rd July)
April on request.

Child Policy:

Children are welcome, however, during the bear watching night absolute silence is required.
There are bunk beds in the hides for sleepy little ones.
4-12 years: 50% discount of adult price.
0-4 not permitted on bear watching.

Optional Extras

+ Arrival and Departure transfer package from Kajaani airport: €130 per person
+ Lunch: €30 per person per day

Luxury Bear Cabin for your bear watching night (1 night)
The Luxury cabins are for 2 persons and equipped with twin/double beds.
Each cabin offers a private bathroom with shower and toilet.

– 22m²
– Small table and 2 chairs
– Kitchen
– Electric 220V
– Complimentary WiFi

Wild Brown Bear Watching – Package Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation in Hotel Kalevala
  or 3 nights if Evening Bear Watching
• 1 night in the bear watching hide or Luxury Cabin
  not included if Evening Bear Watching
• Half board and snacks at Bear Watching
• Saunas with indoor and outdoor jacuzzis
• Free entrance to Petola Visitor Centre and exhibition
• Free use of bicycles, rowing boat, summer games
• Wi- Fi

Not included

• Flights
• Arrival and Departure transfers
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities for guides – at your discretion

Notes – Wild Brown Bear Watching

Distance from Kajaani airport approx. 115 km.
We reserve the right to change the order of activities if necessary due to weather or other conditions.
Guidance at the bear centre is in English.
Smoking and alcohol are not permitted during the bear watching.
Participants must remain quiet during this time.
For safety reasons, you may not exit your hide/cabin during the night.