Scan Magazine | Issue 76 | May 2015

Page 89

10_ScanMag_76_May_2015_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 06/05/2015 18:21 Page 89

Scan Magazine | Attraction of the Month | Finland

Every hide has been carefully designed and placed to offer the enthusiast a oncein-a-lifetime experience of getting close to the bears, wolverines and wolves frequenting the area. As the animals can walk right up to the hides, wide angle lenses are as useful as telephoto ones. Enjoying nature in comfort The centre is housed in a former border control centre, transformed into a rustic, cosy lodge. What is unusual about this type of holiday is that nights are mostly spent wildlife-watching in the hides, and rooms used for sleeping and recuperation during the day. The lodge is fully equipped and has an auditorium as well as meeting room. Meals are served in the dining hall. For some well-needed rest and relaxation, the centre has two saunas available: one electric, the other a traditional smoke sauna ideally situated by the lake.

ice, snow and wetland as they roam the area in different weather conditions. Snow helps reflect the available light, making for well-exposed photographs of the animals. During May, it is possible to see mother bear bring her second-year cubs into the area, which makes for interesting observations of family behaviour.

and stoats, to name a few. Birdwatchers have a field day spotting owls, goshawks and golden and white-tailed eagles, all residents of the forest. In wintertime it is also possible to spot grouses.

For more information, please visit: www.wildbrownbear.fi

Midnight sun…and bears If you travel to the Wild Brown Bear Centre between May and August, you will be able to enjoy the superb conditions provided by the inextinguishable midnight sun. 24 hours of daylight allow for wilderness photography throughout the night, when the animals are active. The green foliage, beautiful light and general inquisitiveness of the exploring bears make for some excellent shots. Nighttime temperatures are still quite low, allowing for misty mornings to stunning photographic effect.

Springtime in Bear Country Ideally for the wildlife photographer, winter lasts a long time in these parts. The snow begins to fully retract only in May. In April to May, bears can be seen on both

The fascinating taiga forests of Kuhmo also offer potential sightings of many other species, such as moose, wild forest reindeer, red foxes, lynx, weasels, beavers

Issue 76 | May 2015 | 89


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.