Much of Finland snuggles under a blanket of dense, wild forest, providing habitats for diverse and magnificent species. The upshot is that the wildlife here is among Europe’s best: you can spot bears, wolves, and wolverines from remote hides, immerse yourself in Sámi reindeer herding life, or go husky sledding in the Arctic. Moreover, these experiences are as ethical as can be, as the Finns are remarkably in tune with nature. These experiences are our picks of the pack.

1. Brown Bear Watching

As spring melts into summer, the space and remote solitude of the country’s old-growth boreal forests and swamps beckon. Here you can spend the night in the grumbly company of brown bears at the conservation-focused Wild Brown Bear Centre. This nature reserve is out on its lonesome in Lentiira, where eastern Finland slips unobserved into the wilds of Russia.

The forests here are so unnervingly silent that you become aware of your own heartbeat, every rustle in the ferny undergrowth, and, perhaps, eyes hungrily watching you. However, don’t worry: the brown bears here are not as aggressive as their grizzly North American cousins. All the same, you’ll literally draw breath when a bear lollops up to your hide, getting close enough for you to hear its raspy snuffles. Seeing one lift itself onto its hind legs is pure magic.

Spring brings bouncy cubs into the equation – and seeing them play in the cottongrass-stippled swamps is like a scene from a bedtime story. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot one of Finland’s other “big five,” including wolverines, wolves, lynx, and elk. Go with a group and guide in one of the communal hides. Alternatively, if you’re a photographer, visit during the white nights of midsummer for thrillingly up-close encounters in a solo hide. The luxury lodges are perfect for families, with plenty of space for bear watching in privacy.

2. Husky Sledding

Dog sledding has been a way of life in Finland for centuries. Nowadays, it is not merely a method to zip from A to B; instead, it has become an industry largely supported by visitors eager to experience thrilling sled rides. Finland boasts some of the world’s toughest animal welfare legislation, and husky operations are routinely visited and assessed by authorities. While husky dogs thrive under the structured training of mushing, it is vital to understand their quality of life during downtime.

Bear Hill Husky provides an interactive experience at their family-owned kennel in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. Here, the focus shifts from sled rides to immersing in the life of a sled dog: taking forest walks, playing with pups and retired dogs, and understanding training methods. Each dog has a name and a backstory, and the staff are eager to share this enriching experience. The kennel emphasizes a “no hidden corners” policy, ensuring that all areas, as well as how the dogs are treated, are transparent at all times.

3. Wolf Watching

Prowling through the deep, dark forests of eastern Finland, the shy and elusive wolf stands out as one of the country’s greatest predators. Spotting one in the wild is an experience you will talk about forever. Nudging the Russian border, Lentiira offers some of the finest settings to spot these magnificent creatures, particularly from the hides at Wildlife Safaris Finland from June to September. Moreover, coming in summer grants the best light for photography.

Filled with layers of forest and water, this remote region offers a true wilderness experience where wolves roam freely. While there are no guarantees, multi-day stays significantly improve your chances of spotting wolves.

Wolves have been creeping across the border from Russia since the early 2000s, and they can be sighted four to five nights a week during the season. Wildlife-watching stays and photography hikes underscore the importance of conservation and have actively contributed to reducing poaching.

Opting for a private hide allows for optimal photography and exhilarating close encounters with wolves. In addition to wolves, expect to see brown bears, wolverines, reindeer, moose, and – if you’re particularly fortunate – Siberian flying squirrels. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the rich variety of avian species, including golden and white-tailed eagles, woodpeckers, and kestrels, commonly sighted in this area. Additionally, there’s no need to transport heavy equipment; you can rent sleeping bags, binoculars, and cameras on site.

4. Reindeer Herding

Reindeer herding has been the lifeblood of Lapland’s indigenous Sámi for centuries. The reindeer once played a crucial role in the survival of these nomadic people, providing food, clothing, trade, and transport within a remote, harsh environment. The relationship born from this kinship is extraordinary and reflected in nuance: the Sámi have around 1000 words to describe every aspect of reindeer behavior, appearance, movement, and personality.

While times have changed, reindeer herders like the Orbas family still live in harmony with their environment. Residing about 70km (43 miles) from Rovaniemi, this family has been herding reindeer for decades. They strive to live off the land without electricity while adopting a modern approach by snowmobiling to feed the reindeer. When you visit, you can help construct fencing, accompany them on forest walks, and savor meals of reindeer soup and sausages. These interactions often include long conversations with the family, revealing the fascinatingly complex, cyclical relationship between the animals and their handlers.

In Salla, about a two-hour drive east of Rovaniemi, a collective of Sámi families preserves one of the world’s last wild reindeer populations at the Salla Reindeer Park. Guests can embark on self-guided hikes in the fenced-in forest and marshland, spotting reindeer in their natural habitat. Excursions with reindeer herders often include sleigh rides and opportunities to feed the animals amidst the breathtaking northern landscape.

5. Spotting Saimaa Ringed Seals

The Saimaa ringed seal is a stunning creature native to Lake Saimaa in southeastern Finland. The distinctive rings on their coats developed when the animals became separated from other seals during the Ice Age. Unfortunately, they are now one of the world’s most endangered seal species due to human activity. Although conservation efforts have led to a population of just over 400 seals, sightings remain rare. If you’re fortunate, you might catch a glimpse on a wildlife-watching excursion; nevertheless, it is crucial to follow your guide’s instructions and act responsibly to support population growth.

During molting season, from around May to June, the seals bask on the rocks to soak up the sun. As summer progresses, it becomes more challenging to see them because they might only surface every 10 minutes and typically do not come to land. Spotting pups is extremely rare.

From Puumala, you can hop on an eco-friendly seal-watching boat that focuses on sightings of the local population of about 20 seals. Guided cruises are also available in Linnansaari National Park. Before choosing an excursion, don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions regarding the tour operator’s philosophy on sightings and animal protection. Reputable companies ensure that watching excursions always take place from a safe distance, so bringing a good pair of binoculars is advisable.

6. Sighting Arctic Animals

The Arctic is home to an incredible lineup of wildlife; however, much of it is elusive due to the vast scale, bitter cold, and stark terrain. For an opportunity to glimpse animals often seen in documentaries, visit Ranua Wildlife Park, located 80km (50 miles) south of Rovaniemi. Nestled just south of the Arctic Circle, this Lapland animal sanctuary integrates seamlessly into the forest, preserving endangered Arctic species like polar bears, mink, wolverines, and otters. It also cares for species including brown bears, Arctic foxes, boreal owls, moose, musk oxen, and reindeer.

The park is affiliated with organizations such as the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and the European Studbook (ESB), and runs an animal clinic that treats lost and injured wildlife. Animals that regain their health are released back into their natural habitats, while others remain at the park.

There are no artificial lights after dark to respect the animals’ natural habitats; therefore, if you arrive at night (which is the case during winter for most of the day), you’ll need to bring a torch or headlamp or rent one from the park.

Guides can be hired for an additional fee, which is highly beneficial for gaining extra information about the animals and accessing special experiences like feeding Arctic foxes and other species.

7. Observing Wolverine

The forested expanses of Eastern Finland offer a wildlife spectacle, but encountering a wolverine is a rare delight, as this animal is now endangered in Finland. Related to weasels and badgers, these shy yet inquisitive creatures are solitary, adept climbers, and tireless wanderers. They possess the tenacity to take on animals much larger than themselves, including wolves, reindeer, elk, and even bears.

For those with a sense of responsibility towards wildlife conservation, Taiga Spirit in Kuhmo provides wolverine photo safaris running from March to October. In spring, you can observe them slink across the snow, while in fall, you may see them emerging from forests clad in beautiful gold and russet hues. In addition to wolverines, expect to encounter elk, caribou, brown bears, and capercaillie, creating an unforgettable experience.

8. Birding in Liminganlahti

Finland offers an abundance of birding opportunities, with top billing going to Liminka Bay, located southwest of Oulu, which gazes across the Gulf of Bothnia toward Sweden. This area is recognized as one of Europe’s most important wetlands, drawing in a plethora of waterfowl, rare waders, and birds of prey. Tens of thousands of birds stop here to nest, rest, and feed. Among them are the rare black-tailed godwit, Ural owl, yellow-breasted bunting, bittern, marsh harrier, and tern. Experience the wonder of witnessing the spring dance of the ruffs, the evening flight of geese, and the fall migration of common cranes.

Boardwalks lead to various birdwatching towers spread throughout the bay, where patience, silence, and a good pair of binoculars can yield delightful results. For deeper insight into the avian inhabitants and excellent photography opportunities, consider participating in one of Finnature’s guided hikes.