Brown Bear and Wildlife Adventure

Brown Bear Adventue

Meet The Wild Brown Bear in its natural environment

Unique Environment

The Hotel Is Designed To Look Like A Huge Wooden Fortress

The Wild Taiga

A Close Encounter With The Bears

Famous Finnish Sport

Take A Guided Tour Around Kalevala

Idyllic Location Right By The lake

Calming Waters Of Lake Lammasjärv

Brown Bear and Wildlife Adventure

Encounter the European bear in its natural environment, go in search of Elk and embrace the Finnish summer lifestyle. Wild Taiga is a region of natural wilderness, close to the Russian border in Eastern Finland, which enjoys the highest concentration of brown bears in Europe. On this exciting discovery tour, spend one night in a hide for maximum viewing opportunities, with the remainder of your stay in a comfortable wilderness hotel, offering a wide range of wildlife and wellness activities.

DAY 1 Kuhmo

Fly to Kajaani Airport from London (via Helsinki). Here you will be met and transferred to Kuhmo, a 1½ hour’s drive away. Your ultimate destination is the Hotel Kalevala, a comfortable wilderness hotel in the heart of Wild Taiga. After check-in, dinner, a rejuvenating sauna and indoor Jacuzzi await your arrival.

DAYS 2 & 3: BEARS & BIKING

During your stay you have 2 included activities.

Bear Watching Night:

Meeting the wild brown bear in its natural environment is an unforgettable experience. For photography enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to take the shot of a lifetime from the comfort and safety of our specially designed bear hides. The brown bear and other rare animals, such as the wolverine, wild forest deer or wolf can be seen from specially designed hides.

Hotel Kalevala boasts a unique architecture protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency. It is one of a kind in the world and truly worth seeing. It is important to remember that the animals are wild and have their own schedule. But Hotel Kalevala does have great success rates with a possibility to see bear(s) of 90-99%. Wolverines, wolves and other animals are also possible to see.

Explore Kuhmo by Bike:

Experience the serene surroundings of Kuhmo town from a whole new perspective on this guided cycling tour. Pedal past sparkling lakes, and along picturesque trails that wind through Finland’s breathtaking landscape. This leisure ride is suitable for all skill levels.

The expert guides will lead you on a journey through the natural beauty of the town, sharing fascinating insights into local culture, history and lifestyle. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to pause and take in the panoramic views, breathe in the crisp air, and fully immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings. You will also stop for a coffee break at local pastry-coffee shop.

DAY 4 UK

After breakfast, your return transfer will head for Kajaani airport in time for your flight home (via Helsinki)

Hotel Kalevala

The 47 room Hotel Kalevala lies on the shores of Lake Lammasjärvi, and offers a comfortable retreat for those wanting to explore the abundance of wildlife in the region. From the air the building is designed to look like and eagle with its wings spread, from the ground the unusual construction is said to resemble an ancient fortress. The acclaimed restaurant uses locally sourced products. A bar, outdoor terrace and lounge with log fire are all intended to make this a cosy and comfortable wilderness retreat. Wellbeing and Wellness facilities include 2 saunas, indoor jacuzzi and aromatherapy and massage treatments. There is a range of room categories, all with private WC/shower, flat screen tv’s and Wi-Fi, for those who cannot bear to be without.

Bicycle Tour

A guided countryside tour on a fatbike.

Tour Duration: 3 hrs

Includes: Guide, bike, helmet, soft drinks and snacks

Hike & Bike

A 7km bike ride followed by a 2½ km hike in the Kämärä forest path with coffee break.

Tour Duration: 3 hrs

Includes: Guide, bike, helmet, soft drinks and snacks

£40 pp

Nordic Walking Tour

Introduction to this national sport and guided tour around Kalevala.

Tour Duration: 2 hrs

Includes: Guide and poles

£25 pp

Husky Trekking

Hike on uncrowded trails with these lovely sled dogs. Although being on their summer holiday, the huskies are very eager to guide you through beautiful scenery and uncrowded trails.

Tour Duration: 5-6 hrs

Includes: Guide, transfers and picnic lunch

£95 pp

Swim in the Pajakkajoki Rapids

Don a floatation suit and swim down the Pajakkakoski rapids in the centre of Kuhmo. The trip culminates with a warming toddy, fireside coffee and a diploma for completing the course.

Tour Duration: 3 hrs

Includes: Guide, safety instruction, floatation suits, coffee and diploma

£125 pp