Suomussalmi, Finland: Bear Watching and Photography Night offers a chance to peer into the quiet, mysterious world of Finland’s wild brown bears. This tour, based in the Kainuu region near Suomussalmi, invites travelers to spend a night in a specially designed wooden hide, observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. With over 2,000 bears roaming Finnish forests, this experience provides a rare glimpse into the life of one of Europe’s largest land mammals, making it perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and curious travelers eager for an authentic adventure.
What we love about this tour: First, the opportunity to see multiple bears in one night is quite remarkable—something that’s tough to guarantee in the wild. Second, the chance to possibly observe bear cubs born in the winter adds an extra layer of excitement and a heartwarming aspect to the experience. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the cold Finnish night, which requires being prepared with suitable clothing. This tour suits those who enjoy nature, are comfortable spending a night outdoors, and don’t mind a bit of wilderness adventure.
Key Points
- Authentic Wildlife Experience: View wild bears in their natural environment from a secure wooden hide.
- Photographic Opportunity: Each person has a dedicated seat with a photography hole, ideal for capturing memories.
- Guided Expertise: An English-speaking guide provides insight on bear behavior and safety throughout the night.
- Comfort & Simplicity: The hide offers bunk beds, a dry eco-toilet, and basic amenities like coffee and sandwiches.
- Timing & Season: Starting at 16:00, the best chances of seeing bears and cubs are from late June onward.
- Preparedness Needed: Dress warmly, wear suitable outdoor shoes, and be ready for possible mosquitoes in summer.
An In-Depth Look at the Finland Bear Watching Tour
A Night Among the Bears in Finland’s Wilderness is a truly special experience, especially for those who want to see these large mammals without disturbing their natural routines. The tour starts with a short drive from the Martinselkonen Wilds Centre—roughly two hours from Kuusamo or Kajaani airports—setting the stage for a night immersed in Finnish nature. Once at the site, a brief walk through the forest trail leads you to the wooden hides, which are designed to comfortably accommodate 12 people, each with their own photography hole and seat.
The Wooden Hide: Comfort in the Wilderness
The hide itself is surprisingly well-equipped considering its remote setting. It has bunk beds with sleeping bags, a dry eco-toilet, and a small space to rest when not actively watching for bears. During the night, you’ll be offered coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sandwiches, and cookies—simple yet effective for staying warm and alert. It’s worth noting that there’s no electricity or running water, so this is true rustic wilderness lodging, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
Reviews mention that the guide is a key part of the experience, not just for safety but also to share insights about the bears’ behavior and environment. “The guide was there to tell us about the bears and guarantee our safety,” one traveler recounted, emphasizing the importance of having an expert present in this kind of close wildlife encounter.
What You Might See During the Night
While there’s never a guarantee in wildlife watching, the likelihood of spotting several bears is high—especially during the peak months. The guide’s experience and knowledge of bear activity patterns greatly increase your chances. Many guests have reported seeing not just adult bears but also bear cubs, particularly from late June onward, a period when bears born earlier in the winter are now active. The possibility of photographing young cubs makes this tour even more memorable and emotional.
The Experience in Practice
Starting at 16:00, your evening begins with a quick transfer and a bit of anticipation as you settle into your hide. As night falls, the forest becomes quiet, save for the occasional rustle or call from the woods—these are the sounds of Finnish nature at its most peaceful. When bears approach the feeding area, the guide will help you observe from a safe distance, ensuring everyone gets a good view and the best chance to capture photographs.
Photographers will appreciate the individual shooting holes, which are designed to facilitate picture-taking without disturbing the animals. Many guests have praised the opportunity to take stunning pictures of bears in natural light, especially in the soft evening or early morning hours.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Practical Side: Timing & Weather
The 15-hour duration includes the drive, walk, overnight stay, and morning departure. It begins at 16:00 and ends around 07:30 the next day, giving you a full night immersed in wilderness. Keep in mind that Finnish summers can be surprisingly cold at night, even in June or July, so packing warm clothing is essential. Rain gear and waterproof shoes are also advisable, especially since the trail to the hide can be muddy during wet weather.
Mosquitoes can also be a nuisance from late June to July, so insect repellent and full-coverage clothing are recommended. Despite the rustic setting, the overall experience is well-organized, with a focus on safety and comfort within the limits of wilderness camping.
The Cost & What’s Included
Considering the cost of the tour—which covers the overnight stay in the hide, guide services, transportation to and from the center, and basic refreshments—it offers good value for wildlife enthusiasts. The guide’s presence and the guarantee of multiple bear sightings, combined with the opportunity to photograph and learn about these animals, make the experience compelling.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is best suited for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and curious travelers eager to see bears in their natural habitat. It’s ideal for those comfortable with outdoor overnight stays and prepared for Finnish weather. Children under 10 years are not recommended, and it’s not wheelchair accessible or suitable for people with respiratory issues or colds. If you’re seeking a quiet, authentic encounter with Finnish wildlife, this is a memorable and unique way to spend a night.
The Sum Up
The Finnish bear night tour in Suomussalmi is a charming blend of adventure, education, and wildlife observation. It offers a rare peek into the world of some of Europe’s largest land mammals, all from the safety and comfort of a well-designed hide. The experience’s strength lies in the combination of expert guidance, the chance to see multiple bears—sometimes including adorable cubs—and the opportunity for memorable photographs.
For those who cherish authentic outdoor adventures, value expert insight, and want to experience the quiet beauty of Finnish nature, this tour delivers. It’s a practical choice for travelers willing to embrace the rustic, sometimes chilly, outdoor life in exchange for a night of genuine wildlife encounters. With the right clothing and a bit of patience, you’ll return home with stories and images that will last a lifetime.
FAQ
What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 16:00 and typically ends around 07:30 the next morning, including drive, walk, overnight stay, and breakfast.
Where does the tour meet?
It starts at the Martinselkonen Wilds Centre, Pirttivaarantie 131, Suomussalmi. Look for signs indicating Martinselkosen Eräkeskus.
Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old due to the overnight wilderness experience and safety reasons.
Do I need special clothing?
Yes, bring comfortable, weather-appropriate, and warm outdoor clothing. Rain or mosquitoes may require additional gear like waterproof shoes, insect repellent, and full coverage.
Will I see bears every night?
While sightings are common—especially late June onward—there’s no strict guarantee. The guide’s expertise and bear activity patterns influence the chances.
Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides light evening snacks, including coffee, tea, sandwiches, cookies, and water, along with sleeping bags for overnight comfort.
Is there any electricity or running water in the hide?
No, the hide is rustic—lacking electricity and running water—so prepare accordingly.
Can I take photos?
Yes, each seat has a photography hole, making it easy to capture images of bears in their natural setting.
If you’re eager for a truly immersive wildlife experience in Finland, this bear night tour offers a fantastic blend of adventure, education, and nature photography. Just remember to come prepared for a night outdoors and keep an open mind—sometimes, the bears are shy, but with patience, they can be unforgettable guests in your Finnish adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here: