Bear Essentials: Hotels for Wildlife-Spotting in Finland’s Wild Taiga

“There are few places left in Europe that can claim to be true wilderness, but the Wild Taiga in the east of Finland is certainly one of them. From these five hotels you can explore the unspoiled beauty of this unspoilt region, from hiking through a landscape of lakes and forests to tours in search of bears, wolves and other wildlife. Smartphones not needed.

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Hotelli Kainuu, Kuhmo, Finland
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You’ll find the three-star Hotelli Kainuu in the centre of Kuhmo, at the heart of the Wild Taiga. With a view across the lake, the hotel can organise fishing trips, canoe rental or hiking tours any time of the year – after a day exploring, retreat to the bar and lounge area for a relaxing drink. The hotel is also well placed for the Kuhmo Visitor Centre, where you can learn all about the four large carnivores that call Finland home: brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine.

If you want to see more hotels in Kuhmo, visit our Kuhmo hotels page.

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Hotel Kalevala, Kuhmo, Finland
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The many lakes and rivers of the Wild Taiga mean that one of the best ways to explore the region is to take to the water. Hotel Kalevala in Kuhmo is on the lake shore with its own private beach – it’s a great base for fishing, canoeing or rafting. In the spa area at the hotel you’ll find two traditional Finnish saunas, a peat sauna and indoor and outdoor hot tubs – especially welcome in the winter after a snowmobile or husky safari, both of which can be organised by the hotel.

If you want to see more hotels in Kuhmo, visit our Kuhmo hotels page.

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Original Sokos Hotel Valjus, Kajaani, Finland
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A popular base from which to explore central Finland and the Wild Taiga is the town of Kajaani, where you’ll find Original Sokos Hotel Valjus, a four-star hotel close to the waterfront and landmarks such as Kajaani Castle. Activities in the area include kayaking courses, wildlife safaris and seemingly endless hiking trails, and the hotel has everything you could want after your adventures, including traditional Finnish saunas and a restaurant serving regional specialties.

If you want to see more hotels in Kajaani, visit our Kajaani hotels page.

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Scandic Kajanus, Kajaani, Finland
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Located right on the lake in Kajaani, Scandic Kajanus is a three-star hotel with a bar, restaurant and Finnish sauna. The hotel is next to the Kaukavesi Watersport Centre and there are numerous hiking and cycling trails leaving from the front door. In the winter the area is known for its excellent cross-country skiing. For those interested in Finland’s wildlife, there are various safari trips on offer from Kajaani that will take you deep into the Wild Taiga.

If you want to see more hotels in Kajaani, visit our Kajaani hotels page.

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Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki, Kuusamo, Finland
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Between the towns of Kuusamo and Hossa in the north of the Wild Taiga, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring everything the region has to offer, including dog-sledding, wildlife tours, canoeing, hiking and more. Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki has plenty of activities of its own, from cross-country skiing trails and snowshoeing routes in the winter to mountain biking and hiking in the summer. The hotel also features three indoor swimming pools and a full-service spa with Finnish saunas.

If you want to see more hotels in Kuusamo, visit our Kuusamo hotels page.”