Wildlife and Bird Watching
There are still crystal-clear lakes and brooks and stretches of almost untouched wilderness in many parts in Finland where you can hear the sighing of the wind in the ancient forests and enjoy the clean air. Finland is one of the most northerly countries in the world so it's no wonder that its fauna should feature a number of northern and eastern species rarely encountered elsewhere in Europe.
Finland’s claim to be one of Europe’s last wildernesses is well-founded. The country, covered with broad lakes and enormous forests, is bigger than the UK but contains only a twelfth of its population, so getting away from the crowds is much easier here than in many other European countries. The forests, dominated by birch, pine and spruce, are also home to some exotic wildlife.
About 1,000 brown bears inhabit Finland, for example, but although they have grown bolder in recent years, they are essentially shy of humans and you are unlikely to encounter them in the forest. Elks are also very common: you should take the warning signs on Finnish roads very seriously, since these large animals can appear suddenly on the road and are slow to budge. In the far north, the lynx is still a native, but you’ll be very lucky to spot one in the wild. The reindeer, on the other hand, is extremely common in Lapland in the north, and you would be unlucky not to spot these creatures while driving above the Arctic Circle. These animals are semi-domesticated but are allowed to roam to find food. Reindeer herding remains an important source of livelihood for the Lapp population, and the round-ups in autumn are a dramatic spectacle.
In the Helsinki area – even in the central areas - impressively large hares are common, as well as pheasants and red squirrels. A rare species of flying squirrel also inhabits pockets of forest close to the capital. Finland’s birdlife includes the capercaillie and the magnificent whooper swan, which is the national bird. Completing the wildlife picture are Finland’s plentiful fish; the coastlines, lakes and rivers provide happy hunting for fishermen, with salmon, rainbow trout, Arctic char, whitefish, perch and pike-perch some of the more common species.
Most of the geographical area covered by Finland lies in the northern coniferous zone so forests make up 69% of its total surface area. In addition, the majority of our most interesting birds and mammals, that is, owls, woodpeckers, grouse, elk, bears, wolves, lynx and wolverines, live in the old forests.
Lakes and rivers make up some 10% of Finland's surface area: there are almost 200,000 lakes in the country. Our typical bird species that can be seen on lakes include the Black-throated Diver, Red-necked Grebe and Little Gull. The shallow brackish water bays on the Finnish coast feature a wide variety of waterfowl and waders.
Typical tundra species, such as the Dotterel, Ptarmigan and Gyrfalcon, the world’s largest falcon, are encountered on the treeless fells of Lapland in the northernmost part of Finland.
Go wild – bear-watching near the eastern frontier
Head for Kajaani in the northern part of Finland, and from there make your way to the Martinselkonen Wilderness Lodge or Wild Brown Bear Lodge for a night you’ll never forget! That’s because you’re at one of Europe’s finest locations for observing brown bears.
You’ll find plenty of other distractions as well. The lodge owners have established several walking trails, while for birdwatchers there is a hide nearby.
Next day it’s time for an afternoon transfer – either on foot or by boat – to the bear hide. The hide itself occupies an amazing location in a forest-clearing, making it perfect for bear-watching. It’s also perfect for taking photographs. It’s a roomy hide, as well – taking up to nine people. Thought has been given to every need to keep you comfortable for your night in the hide. The chairs are very comfortable, and there’s even an area set aside for sleeping and a private bathroom. It’s usually to spend two nights in the hide before returning to the lodge.
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| Half Day in the Finnish Forest
A unique half-day of walking, getting to know the nature, learning to use a map and
compass to fi nd your way in the Fi...
Read more... | | | | | SEAL SAFARI
Take a boat trip and visit the amazing kingdom of grey seals and white-tailed eagles in the outer archipelago.
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 | Capercaillie photographing
Martinselkonen Wilds Centre is located in peaceful surroundings next to Russian boarder in Suomussalmi. It is one of the...
Read more... | | | | | FOLLOWING THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE VIKINGS
A day trip in Turku Archipelago
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| ELK SAFARI
Experience the "King of the Forest" in its natural habitat; bike trip & picnic basket.
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| Braunbären und die Tiere des Nordens beobachten
Reiseprofil
In Finnland lebt die größte Population von Braunbären in Europa. Auf dieser Reise können Tierfreunde diese ...
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| Hiking Tour in Nuuksio National Park and Lunch in a Lapp Hut
This 2-hours guided hiking tour takes you to the magnifi cent Nuuksio National Park
area. Take the chance of experienci...
Read more... | | | | | Wild Night Safari
We will start off at the Safari House, dressed warmly, towards the dark
park. In the light of headlamps, we will try to...
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| VOYAGE NATURE spécial photographie animalière...
A l’heure où la taïga finlandaise perd peu à peu son manteau hivernal, des milliers d’oiseaux migrateurs annoncent leur ...
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| One night in Pro-Hide
Martinselkonen wildlife centre is located in a peaceful surroundings next to Russian boarder in Suomussalmi. The first b...
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