7-day experience with brown bears in Finland
Take this opportunity to enjoy nature without getting too far away from civilization in fabulous Finland! Explore the land, pick wild berries or mushrooms, and spot wild animals with a professional guide. Embark on activities designed to enhance your well-being on this 7 day tour.
Discover the world of Finnish cuisine and traditional culture by going on a gastronomic journey through both Finland and its regional dishes.
Observe the native brown bear in their natural environment close to the Russian border in Kuusamo. Embrace the classic Finnish pastime of getting closer to nature as you stay overnight in a cabin.
Finland is a unique destination all year round, whether you come to watch the midnight sun and get close to wild bears during summer or stargaze into the northern lights while soaking in a Finnish hot tub in the winter.
Services
Included:
- 5 nights accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels
- 1 night accommodation in a wooden cottage
- 6 breakfasts
- Airport transfer on first and last days
- English-speaking guide on excursions
- Highlights of Helsinki
- Day trip to Porvoo, the Venice of Northern Europe
- Santa Express - night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
- Moose safari
- E-fatbike special tour
- Sauna Boat river cruise with traditional sauna
- Sparkling Summer Amethyst mine visit
- Midnight sun floating experience in forest lake
- 2-day overnight bear safari
Excluded:
- International flights
Optional:
- Surfing under the Midnight Sun (SUP) (59€ per adult)
- Sparkling Summer Gold Rush Tour (79€ per adult)
- Arctic River Rafting (89€ per adult)
- Delightful Quad Bike Ride in the Arctic Circle (159€ per adult)
Itinerary at a Glance
Helsinki
Welcome to Helsinki!
Porvoo
Take a Traditional Cruise to Porvoo, Finland's Second Oldest Town
Rovaniemi
Make Your Way to Magical Lapland and go on a Moose Safari
Rovaniemi
Hike the Trails at Ounasvaara and Get on the Fabulous Sauna Boat
Rovaniemi
Dig Out Your Own Amethyst and Enjoy an Arctic Evening
Rovaniemi - Kuusamo
Go on a Wild Brown Bear Watching Safari
Kuusamo - Rovaniemi
Experience a Real Lappish Picnic!
Detailed Itinerary
Helsinki
Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki!
A city of historic and modern architectural marvels, Helsinki is a visually exciting place.
Its position right in the Gulf of Finland gives the city a relaxed, maritime feel and an abundance of green space and forests makes it wonderful for those that love the outdoors.
Today you will begin your trip by visiting Helsinki's most known cathedrals and famous locations, such as the Kauppatori Market, Sibelius Park and many others.
Although in many ways Helsinki is a thoroughly modern city, there is an incredible sense of history at its many museums.
And of course, like any good Scandinavian city, the foodie scene is something to write home about. Dip in and out of its cafes and bars and set aside some time to simply sit and watch the world go by!
Porvoo
Day 2: Take a Traditional Cruise to Porvoo, Finland's Second Oldest Town
The traditional cruise with J.L. Runeberg takes you from Helsinki through the enchanting archipelago to Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest town!
In Porvoo you'll explore the charming ancient town guided by your guide.
The atmosphere of the Old Town is timeless and enchanting; unique buildings, cobbled streets, narrow lanes, idyllic parks, and the red shore houses on the riverbank are a delightful view.
No wonder a street by the name of Välikatu has been chosen among the 20 most beautiful streets in the world.
Wander around and let your thoughts take you to times past!
Rovaniemi
Day 3: Make Your Way to Magical Lapland and go on a Moose Safari
Whether you’re on a quest to find the real Father Christmas, or you happen relish unique and pristine Lappish nature, you will discover the magic of Finnish Lapland today.
Learn about the indigenous Sami people and their ancient traditions, endangered language, and culture. Their history stretches back to prehistoric times, and today’s community is working hard to ensure their customs, music, and beliefs are not forgotten.
In the evening, set off on a Moose Safari. The Moose is the King of Finnish forests because of its size and its prominent horns. In comparison with reindeer, the moose is an absolutely wild and humble animal.
Then a guide will make a bonfire and prepare BBQ with a breathtaking sunset.
Rovaniemi
Day 4: Hike the Trails at Ounasvaara and Get on the Fabulous Sauna Boat
The Ounasvaraa Hills in Rovaniemi feature dry pine forests and mountain biking trails.
You will pass the scenic city views of Rovaniemi and stop on the top of the hill (Tottorakka) to appreciate an astonishing view of the Kemijoki River and its surrounding nature, and taste a traditional Lappish blueberry tea to refresh yourself!
Ounasvaara has especially great trails. This e-bike adventure crosses the Ounasvaara area between the Sky Resort and outdoor trails.
Tonight, set off to cruise the river in style on the unique Sauna Boat equipped with a wood-heated sauna, which you can bathe in beneath the midnight sun.
This magical way of having a sauna bath is becoming a Finnish tradition, and you can become a part of it!
After the sauna, you can choose to swim in the pristine lake or enjoy the fresh air on the top of the boat!
Rovaniemi
Day 5: Dig Out Your Own Amethyst and Enjoy an Arctic Evening
Get your own amethyst on top of the hill with a stunning view of Lappish nature, and enjoy your lunch at the open fire.
The amethyst mine is located on the top of the hill. The owner will tell you the story behind it, as well as the process of mining.
After the introduction, you will go to dig out the lucky amethyst for yourself. You'll get the tools and guidance to dig out your very own rare, hidden gemstones.
Tonight, spend a special Arctic evening by the beautiful lake with a never-setting sun shining above you.
Get dressed in a floating suit that will keep you from getting wet, and loosen your body up as you stay on the surface of a calm Finnish lake gazing up at the bright sky.
Filling yourself with a Finnish breeze, you will be served a hot drink and gingerbread to enjoy.
Rovaniemi - Kuusamo
Day 6: Go on a Wild Brown Bear Watching Safari
During this safari, you will be able to get close enough to these the magnificent wild bears in their own habitat.
Relax and wait for the king of the forest to appear close to the hides. Karhu-Kuusamo is the northernmost bear-watching location in Finland, which means that during the summer there is midnight sun for most of the night!
About 1,500 – 2,000 brown bears live in the vast forests of Finland. Although they may also appear anywhere in mainland Finland, they usually avoid contact with humans. The virgin forests of Eastern Finland offer the best chances to meet them!
Kuusamo - Rovaniemi
Day 7: Experience a Real Lappish Picnic!
During the second day of activity, you can observe how the bears are eating from a wooden house in the forest, and during this time, it is very likely that they will capture other wonderful wild animals.
Don’t be afraid, the bear will never walk to the wooden house.
After the second day of the bear-watching tour, the tour guide will take you to the most beautiful forest park in Lapland to experience the harvesting of forest berries such as wild mushrooms and blueberries, allowing you to experience a real Lappish picnic!
