Info & FAQ

Travelling to Kuusamo

You can reach Kuusamo by plane, car, train, bus, or a combination of these. The fastest way is by flying.

Accommodation

Kuusamo offers a wide range of accommodation options – from top-class hotels and spas to romantic lakeside cabins and rental apartments. Kuusamo is one of Finland’s most popular holiday destinations, so everyone can find suitable accommodation. For more information, visit www.ruka.fi or contact us directly.

Weather conditions

Kuusamo and North Ostrobothnia have a cold continental climate. Winters are long and snowy, with snow covering the ground for about 200 days a year from October to mid-May. Summers are usually mild, but it can also get very warm in midsummer.

The midnight sun season is in Kuusamo at 14. June – 29. June. but between 23. April and 21. Between August and August, the nights are bright. Even though the sun sets at night (except during the midnight sun period), it does not get completely dark even at midnight. There is enough light for photography and observation throughout the night!

• April: Daytime temperatures can be above 0°C, but nighttime temperatures are -10…-20°C. The length of the day is 17 hours.
• May: Snow melts by mid-May, temperatures range from -5…+5°C. The ground can be very wet. There are 21 hours of daylight.
• June: Temperatures are +10…+15°C, with 24 hours of daylight.
• July: Temperatures are +20…+30°C, with 21 hours of daylight.
• August: Temperatures are +10…+20°C, with over 16 hours of daylight.
• September: Temperatures are around +6°C, with 13 hours of daylight. Autumn foliage appears, nights are already dark, and the first northern lights can be seen.
• October: Temperatures range from -5…+5°C, with 12 hours of daylight. First snowfalls occur, and there is a chance to see the northern lights. The days shorten rapidly.

Wildlife Sightings – Probability and Guarantee

We work hard to ensure that our customers see as many different animals as possible. However, nature is unpredictable, and we cannot guarantee wildlife sightings. Based on our experience, there is a 99% probability of seeing bears during your visit! If no bears are seen during the evening, you can return the next day free of charge.

To ensure the best possible experience for you, we also need your cooperation. Wild animals are sensitive to sounds and strong scents, so we ask you to follow the guidelines below during your visit. Thank you for your understanding!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Read before you visit!

Bear watching and photography from our wildlife hides is safe and easy! Children are welcome, though we do not recommend this activity for kids under 8 years old. Since silence must be maintained in the hide, it’s a good idea to bring quiet entertainment for children, such as books or videos on a phone/tablet with headphones. Please note that we are not a zoo or petting farm – all animals are wild creatures in their authentic natural habitat.

INSURANCES

We recommend that all visitors have valid travel and/or leisure accident insurance. Taiga Bear Kuusamo Oy has liability insurance that covers damages resulting from possible errors on our part.

SAFETY

• We move outdoors only with a guide. Our guides will take you to the hides and back to the parking area.

• Using the restroom is possible during the observation.

• Always stay behind visual barriers and fences.

• Follow our guides’ instructions carefully.

• Pets must never be left in a passenger car in a parking area if there is even the slightest risk of the vehicle becoming too hot. A pet may be left in a motorhome (or camper van) as long as proper ventilation is ensured for its well-being.
• Bringing pets to hides or the bear watching area is strictly prohibited.

RESPECT FOR NATURE

• We are visiting a protected wilderness area. Be respectful of nature – don’t litter.

• Feeding animals is strictly prohibited!

• Talk very silently, whispering is recommended. Loud speech and noise scare animals away.

• Do not use flash when taking photos.

SCENTS AND HEALTH

• Come odor-free. Avoid using strong perfumes, colognes, or aftershaves.

• Our location is remote, and the distance to nearest health center is about 50 km. In emergencies, there may be delays in getting help. Inform your guides in advance of any health problems (e.g. heart disease, severe allergies or epilepsy). All our guides are first aid trained.

PROHIBITED

• Consumption of alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited in the area.

• Do not leave unpackaged or strongly scented food items in the car.

• Bringing pets to inspection buildings or the inspection area is strictly prohibited.

What to bring

The most important thing to bring is a smile and a cheerful attitude!

CLOTHING

• Dress according to the weather. The weather can change quickly, and summer nights can be chilly. An extra layer of warm clothing is a good idea.
• We walk about 350 meters on an easy trail through the forest from the parking area to the hides. Bring weather-appropriate shoes.
• Outdoor shoes are not worn inside the hides. You can borrow indoor shoes or socks from the hide, or you can use your own indoor shoes.

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Bring a camera – you’ll get great photos of bears, birds, and other animals. A smartphone also works perfectly for photography.
• Make sure to fully charge your camera and phone before your visit.
• If you’re shooting with a DSLR, check out the checklist for photographers!

SNACKS

• You can bring your own snacks, such as sandwiches and drinks.
• Coffee, tea, water, and juice are included in the price.
• We sell small snacks, such as chocolate bars and soft drinks.
• The most common debit and credit cards are accepted as payment methods.

FOR OVERNIGHT STAYS

• If you stay overnight in the hide, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks. The hides have coffee, tea, drinking water, sugar, and coffee creamer available for free use.
• A gas stove is available for heating water.
• The beds come with sheets and pillows. A sleeping bag can also be borrowed if needed.

Checklist for photographers

• Camera(s)
  • You can use multiple cameras if there are free camera slots available.
  • Make sure the camera is working, has power and a working memory card.
    PHOTOGRAPHER’S TIP: always take a test shot before you go out, so you know the camera is working, has power and a working memory card!
  • Superzoom cameras (e.g., Sony RX10, Nikon P900, P950, P1000, etc.) are excellent for animal photography.
  • You can also get great photos and videos with a smartphone.
• Accessories
  • Bring memory cards and spare batteries.
  • Camera head (e.g. ball head, video head or panhead). We have ball and video heads in our booth and you can borrow them if you need them.
  • A tripod is not necessary; you can attach the camera head to a metal plate (with a 3/8″ screw) or shoot from a beanbag.
• Lenses
  • The best lenses for wildlife photography are telephoto and super-telephoto lenses. The focal length is typically 200-600mm.
  • A teleconverter (e.g., 1.4x, 2.0x) can be useful, especially for bird photography.
  • The distance to the animals varies between 10-200 meters.
• Cleaning and Power Management
  • Lens cleaning cloth (especially in cold or wet weather).
  • Our hides offer the possibility to charge batteries using solar power (12V cigarette lighter socket and USB). We also have battery chargers for Canon and Nikon batteries available in the hides.
• Drone
  • Do not bring a drone. Flying drones is prohibited in our area, as our hides are located very close to the national border (2 km). It is practically impossible to obtain a flight permit for a drone. We also don’t want to disturb animals.

Photography and observation hides

• Hides: 3 separate buildings, with observation and photography spots for a maximum of 7 + 8 + 4 guests. Two of the hides also have shooting ports closer to the ground level.
• Camera ports: Photography is done through camera ports in our hides. The windows have films that prevent animals from seeing inside.
• Location: The buildings are located about 350 meters from the parking area. The trail through the forest is easy, with no significant elevation changes.
• Protection against mosquitoes: Our guests stay indoors, and mosquitoes stay outside – no mosquito repellents are needed!
• No Outdoor Shoes Indoors: Outdoor shoes are not worn inside our hides. You can borrow indoor shoes or socks from the hide if needed. You can also bring your own indoor footwear.
• Outdoor toilets: Two ecological, odorless composting dry toilets.
• WiFi: The observation site has a fast WiFi network, and you will receive the password on-site. You can use it without restrictions during your visit.
• Electricity: Solar power is available (12V DC and USB). You can charge your phone or camera batteries.
• Power Banks and Chargers: You can borrow power banks, USB charging cables (micro-USB, USB-C, and Apple Lightning) if needed. We also have 12V/USB chargers for latest Nikon and Canon camera batteries.
• Binoculars: Both observation buildings have binoculars for wildlife watching.

For Overnight Guests:

• Sleeping Spaces: 4 fixed beds (2 in each of the larger buildings). Additionally, camping beds are available.
• Equipment: Sheets, pillows, and pillowcases. If needed, you can borrow a sleeping bag.
• Heating: a gas heater can be used to heat the stall in cold weather.
  PLEASE NOTE! The gas heater must not be left unattended, e.g., overnight, if you go to sleep!

Food and Drinks:

• Gas Stove: For heating water.
• Purchase Options: You can buy snacks such as chocolate and soft drinks from us. We also sell Taiga Bear-branded patches and caps. Purchases can be paid for by card!
• Tea, coffee, and water: We enjoy tea and coffee together in the evening. Drinking water and juice are also available.