Fly and drive in the Taiga Spirit
Experience the Finnish wildlife during the Taiga Spirit week!

This is a unique chance to observe the brown bear and the wolverine in Finland. During the week, you will also discover the bird species of Finland.

Finland and especially the region of Kainuu and Karelia are well known from the population of great predators and others mammals. In Finland, there are around 800-900 bears, 200-240 wolves, 120-150 wolverines, 1000-1200 lynxes and thousands of other animals.

During the night, you can observe up to 5 bears a night. All the hides are comfortable and secure and are equipped with toilet, sleeping places and hearing system. During the night, the wolverine can also appear.  Experience an unforgettable night in the world of bears – it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!

Program:

Day 1: Oulu – Liminka  28 km

Arrival to the Oulu airport. Transfer by a rented car to the accommodation, which is situated at sea side.

Day 2: Liminka bay  28 km

Breakfast and bird watching program. Accommodation at Henkilä cottage, which is situated near the Liminka bay and is well-known among bird wathers. You will get the possibility to go to different bird watching towers and visit the Liminka nature center (optional activity: guided excursion). Dinner.

Day 3: Wolverine at Lieksa (Oulu - Lieksa)  334 km

Breakfast. From Oulu you will take a six-hour drive south to Lieksa. You will arrive to the  lodge, situated in a nice pine forest area. After we have enjoyed a meal all the necessary information will be given. You will observe and photograph the wolverine on a guided observation night. You will spend the night in a wooden chalet with simple comfort and toilet.

Day 4: Patvinsuo National park (Lieksa) 60 km

Breakfast. A day trip to the National park of Patvinsuo, 60 kilometres south from Lieksa.  The national park is a magnificent place for observing nesting birds.  Dinner. Second night in the hide.

Day 5: The Visitor Center of Petola (Lieksa-Kuhmo-Lentiira) 174 km

Breakfast. A drive up to north to Lentiira. On your way you can stop at Kuhmo, at the Visitor Center of Petola, where you can learn about the life of the Finnish carnivores (bears, wolves, wolverine and lynx) as well as the wild forest reindeer. Accommodation in a B&B in Lentiira (optional activity: beaver, flying squirrel, wild forest reindeer observation trip in the evening).

Day 6: Hike in the forest and bear watching (Lentiira)

After breakfast, your host will take you to the Finnish forest for a nature and culture walk for about 2-3 h. Early dinner will be served. Information about the hide and bears will be given. You will spend the night in a comfortable bear hide.

Day 7: Iso-Palonen protected area (Lentiira) 

Breakfast, return to Lentiira. You can either rest or go for a hiking trip. If you wish, you can explore the nature reserve of Iso-Palonen with a walk of 5, 12 or 16 km. There you can explore the secret places of the wild forest reindeer and the habitat of the beaver and the moose. Accommodation in a B&B in Lentiira (option: beaver, flying squirrel, wild forest reindeer observation trip in the evening).

Day 8: Lentiira – Oulu 

After breakfast you will head back to Oulu. There are two routes that you can take. The northern route is a faster route, it is a 3,5-4 h drive to Oulu. On the southern route you can stop at  a bird sanctuary near Kajaani with various water birds (grebes, ducks, sterns, gulls) as well as raptors (buzzard, harrier, golden eagle). The southern route will take you to Oulu in about 4,5 hours.