Non UK Bear watching - Finland or Sweden?

Alisonfd · 6 Jan 2016

I am debating whether where to go for bear watching. Originally I was thinking Finland but I am now debating whether Sweden would be better.

Does anyone have any experience with either?
Also any tour groups anyone would recommend? or should I just arrange to go on my own and not bother with a group?

markyboy.1967 · 10 Jan 2016

Im going with a friend to Finland, we are going to the brown bear centre which we chose after reading lots of reviews. Also there is Martinsekkinsen for bears in Finland. Just do your research before deciding but i will say tgere isnt many dates left for summer months this year. We dont do regular tours as we do iur research and books everything ourselves.

On another note we are off to Sweden in 3 weeks fir wild golden eagles and temps are really low just now ( -25 to -32).

Levidog · 11 Jan 2016

Oulu Mark?

markyboy.1967 · 11 Jan 2016

The Boreal Wildlife Centre near Khumo

Cheffievrs · 11 Jan 2016

I went to this place back in June, Riina was a fantastic host. I would strongly recommend them, I will be returning..

http://www.martinselkonen.fi/index.php?id=1&la=en

Levidog · 11 Jan 2016

Sounds excellent, I'm in Oulu week after next doing Golden Eagles, will be my first time in Finland so looking forward to it

markyboy.1967 · 12 Jan 2016

We are in Sweden the week after you go to Finland so would be good to hear your experiences.

Alisonfd · 13 Jan 2016

Thanks guys. I was looking at the brown bear centre as well as that did have good reviews, and I'll check out Martinselkosen.

Big Andy · 13 Jan 2016

Before making your decision it could be worth reading this:- http://safaritalk.net/topic/15280-finland-into-no-mans-land/ one of the regulars on that forum went to Finland last year and wrote a trip report so take a look.

Alisonfd · 22 Jan 2016

Thanks Andy. That really is helpful.