Finland Brown Bears & Wolverines Pre-Trip - May 2026
Dates: May 12 - 19, 2026
Leader: Andrew Whittaker
E-bird
Total Species: 73 birds
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Overall Summary
Our exploration of the Boreal Taiga forests of eastern Finland provided an unforgettable glimpse into the lives of three sought-after Arctic predators. Chief among them was the elusive Wolverine, followed by impressive Eurasian Brown Bears and, best of all, a magnificent pair of Gray Wolves. Along the way, we also enjoyed a fine selection of boreal birds and spectacular wilderness scenery.
After arriving in Helsinki and connecting to Joensuu, we transferred to our lodge in the heart of Koli National Park. Surrounded by spruce and pine forests still holding patches of snow, we spent our first afternoon exploring the trails around the lodge. Birding highlights included Eurasian Jay, Eurasian Bullfinch, Red Crossbill, Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, and a responsive male Gray-headed Woodpecker. The forests rang with the songs of Redwing, Willow Warbler, European Pied Flycatcher, Common Redstart, Goldcrest, Eurasian Wren, Tree Pipit, and Common Cuckoo.
The following day, we traveled toward Lieksa, enjoying productive birding en route. Highlights included displaying Red-necked Grebes, Whooper Swan, Western Marsh Harrier, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Kestrel, Common Crane, Eurasian Curlew, Northern Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Northern Wheatear, Mistle Thrush, and Yellowhammer. Several Mountain Hares, transitioning from their white winter coats to brown summer plumage, added extra charm.
That afternoon we headed deep into the Kontiovaara wilderness for our first Wolverine blind experience. Our comfortable private cabin overlooked a beautiful lakeshore bordered by endless taiga forest. As gulls gathered around the bait, we enjoyed close views of Baltic, Common, and Eurasian Herring Gulls while anticipation built. Over two nights, we were rewarded with exceptional Wolverine sightings, at times only a few meters from the windows. We watched them feed, climb trees, and even witnessed a rare interaction between two individuals, likely a male and a female.
An enormous bonus came in the form of a long-awaited lifer for many participants: a stunning pair of Gray Wolves. We enjoyed several minutes of observation as the beautifully marked animals moved along the lakeshore, providing one of the trip's most memorable moments.
Our next destination was the Boreal Wildlife Centre, set amid forests, lakes, and bogs near the Russian border. From spacious bear blinds overlooking a meadow and peat bog, we experienced outstanding Eurasian Brown Bear viewing. Soon after our arrival, a huge male bear approached and fed within 50 feet of the blind, providing unforgettable close-range views. Over two nights, we identified up to five different bears, including a dominant male closely following a female entering estrus.
During quieter periods, hundreds of gulls, Common Ravens, and White-tailed Eagles provided constant entertainment. Dawn brought beautiful light across the taiga landscape, while displaying Black Grouse, Taiga Bean Geese, Little Gulls, Ruff, Wood Sandpipers, and Spotted Redshank added to the birding excitement.
Back at the wildlife center, excellent homemade meals and comfortable accommodations complemented the experience. Around the lodge, we enjoyed singing Redwings and Fieldfares, a territorial Hazel Grouse, nesting European Pied Flycatchers, White Wagtails, Eurasian Siskins, House Martins, and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.
Our final morning left everyone thrilled with the extraordinary wildlife encounters and pristine wilderness of eastern Finland. After breakfast, we traveled to Oulu, stopping at Liminka Bay Wetland Reserve, where extensive reed beds and waterbird-filled wetlands provided one final birding opportunity before the start of the main tour.
The combination of Wolverines, Brown Bears, Gray Wolves, outstanding birdlife, and Finland's spectacular taiga landscapes made this a truly magical pre-tour adventure and an experience none of us will soon forget.
Day-by-Day Summary
May 12 - Arrive in Helsinki and connect to Joensuu. Transfer to our lodge in Koli National Park. Afternoon birding in the surrounding taiga forests, with highlights including Eurasian Three-toed, Black, and Gray-headed woodpeckers, Eurasian Bullfinch, Red Crossbill, and singing Redwings and Willow Warblers.
May 13 - Travel toward Lieksa, birding en route. Highlights include Red-necked Grebe, Whooper Swan, Common Crane, Eurasian Curlew, Green Sandpiper, and Mountain Hare. Afternoon transfer to the Kontiovaara wilderness for the first overnight Wolverine blind experience.
May 14 - Morning at the Wolverine lodge. Relax and enjoy local birding before a second overnight in the Wolverine blind. Excellent opportunities for close Wolverine encounters, along with gulls, shorebirds, and the possibility of Gray Wolf.
May 15 - Depart for the Boreal Wildlife Centre farther north. Settle into the forested lodge and enjoy afternoon birding. Late afternoon transfer to the bear blind for the first overnight session watching Eurasian Brown Bears.
May 16 - Return from the bear blind for breakfast and rest. Birding around the wildlife center, with species such as Hazel Grouse, European Pied Flycatcher, White Wagtail, and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Second overnight in the bear blind.
May 17 - Morning at the wildlife center after another successful bear-watching session. Additional opportunities to observe Brown Bears, White-tailed Eagles, Common Ravens, Black Grouse, and wetland birds including Taiga Bean Goose, Ruff, and Wood Sandpiper.
May 18 - Final morning in the wilderness. Depart for Oulu, stopping for birding as time permits. Arrive at the Finlandia Airport Hotel near Liminka Bay Wetland Reserve and enjoy an afternoon exploring the extensive wetlands and reed beds.
May 19 - Morning birding at Liminka Bay or departures. End of the Boreal Finland pre-tour extension.