Martinselkonen Wilds Centre
A bear night to remember In the vast Finnish wilderness, close to the country’s eastern border, the brown bear roams the boreal forests. They wake up from hibernation in early spring – and in the right place, at the right time, you can observe and photograph these majestic creatures. An exceptional place for bear watching and nature experiences is the Martinselkonen Wilds Centre, which offers unforgettable bear nights in the Kainuu wilderness. And the hulking teddy bear is not the only wild animal you can behold! By Nia Kajastie | Photos: Martinselkonen Wilds Centre & Boreal Wildlife Centre
Martinselkonen Wilds Centre is a familyowned company that has been offering versatile year-round nature experiences since 1991. Their animal watching and photography safaris are the summer highlight of many travellers to the region. A “bear night” or evening excursion at Martinselkonen will be spent in one of their bear hides close to a spot the animals have visited regularly since 1996. There are two types of hides available: the larger, more comfortable ones are ideal for animal watching, while the smaller hides that can also be moved around are meant especially for photographers. Experienced guides are also at hand to welcome guests, offer information and make everyone’s experience safe and easy. In addition to the brown bear, visitors to the centre can also catch a glimpse of
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other mammals and birds, including black kites, white-tailed eagles, Siberian jays, owls, grouse, and moose on special excursions. The bear season at Martinselkonen only lasts from the end of April until 10 August as it is located in a reindeer herding area.
Kuhmo-based Boreal Wildlife Centre, offers animal observation and photography services from February until October. At BWC, you can witness bears, wolverines, wolves, moose, Finnish forest reindeer, eagles, hawks and several other bird species; in the spring, you can take part in a grouse or capercaillie excursion. “Photographers often want to visit both places, which are about 170 kilometres apart,” explains Jani Määttä, who has worked for his family’s company for 20 years and now runs the Boreal Wildlife Centre. “Martinselkonen is definitely the best place to photograph bears, but you won’t be seeing wolverines or wolves. And when you come all this way, you should make the most out of your trip. We offer week-long packages that combine visits to both centres.”
However, as a natural continuation of their offerings, the family’s second company, Martinselkonen Wilds Centre and Boreal Wildlife Centre offer accommodation and dining services. Transportation can be arranged from and to the airports at Kajaani, Oulu or Kuusamo.
For more information, please visit: www.martinselkonen.fi www.viiksimo.fi