Witnessing magnificent brown bears in their natural habitat is one of Finland’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. At Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, we’ve spent decades perfecting the art of bearwatching, helping visitors create memories that last a lifetime. Understanding when to plan your visit can make all the difference in your experience. Each season offers unique opportunities to observe different behaviours, from playful cubs in spring to intense feeding frenzies in autumn. This comprehensive guide will help you determine the perfect time for your bearwatching adventure in the pristine Finnish wilderness.
Understanding bear behavior across different seasons
Brown bears (Ursus arctos) follow a fascinating annual cycle that directly impacts when and how you’ll see them in the wild. After emerging from hibernation in early spring, bears enter a period of recovery, followed by mating season, summer foraging, and finally hyperphagia—an intense feeding period before winter hibernation. This natural rhythm creates distinctly different viewing experiences throughout our operating season.
Spring sees bears recovering from winter weight loss, with males emerging first from hibernation dens, typically in March-April, followed by females with cubs in May. Research shows that Finnish bears lose approximately 20-40% of their body weight during hibernation, making spring a critical feeding period. During this time, bears actively search for winter-killed animals, early vegetation, and ant colonies as they replenish lost nutrients.
Summer brings expanded food sources with ripening berries becoming available across the Finnish forests. Bears become more active, often feeding for 20+ hours daily as they build fat reserves. Scientific studies indicate that brown bears consume up to 200,000 berries per day during peak season—creating excellent viewing opportunities as they frequent berry-rich areas. Summer also features important social interactions, including mating behaviours and territorial displays that fascinate wildlife enthusiasts.
Spring bear watching (April-June): Cubs and emerging activity
The summer bearwatching season offers perhaps the most magical experience of the year—the chance to witness tiny cubs experiencing the world for the first time. Females give birth during hibernation, and cubs typically emerge weighing just 3-5 kg. Statistics show that Finnish brown bear mothers have 1-3 cubs (rarely 4), with approximately 70% survival rate through their first year. Watching these playful youngsters learn survival skills under their protective mother’s watchful eye creates unforgettable wildlife observations.The cubs can be usually seen at the hides first time in June.
From Mid April till beginning of May there is usually still snow in the ground, which gives nice background to the pictures. During snow time mainly large males are moving. Late May to early June typically provides the most reliable spring viewing opportunities as bears establish consistent feeding patterns. This period features dramatic post-hibernation behaviours, including territorial marking and cautious first forays into open meadows. Weather conditions can be variable, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C.
Spring visits also benefit from fewer tourists compared to peak summer months, offering a more intimate experience with nature. The forest undergrowth remains relatively sparse, providing clearer viewing conditions between trees. Photographers particularly appreciate spring’s soft evening light and the dramatic contrast of bears against patches of lingering snow or vibrant new growth.
Summer bear watching (July-August): Peak activity period
July and August represent the pinnacle of bear activity in the Finnish wilderness. With extended daylight hours—sometimes approaching 20 hours of light—bears maximise feeding opportunities in preparation for the coming winter. Our visitor statistics show summer as our most popular period, with over 70% annual guests choosing these months and reporting a remarkable 99%+ success rate for multiple bear sightings during their stay.
End of Summer brings abundant food sources, particularly blueberries, lingonberries, and crowberries, which compose up to 80% of the bear diet during this period. During berry season some bears prefer the berries over the food served at the hides. Summer also reveals fascinating social dynamics as adult bears navigate complex territorial boundaries and young bears practice critical survival skills.
While summer offers comfortable temperatures averaging 15-25°C, it also brings Finland’s notorious mosquito season. You can use repellent and clothing to prevent the bites. At the hides the mosquitoes are not an issue. The lush summer vegetation creates stunning backdrops for wildlife photography, though the dense foliage can occasionally limit visibility compared to spring or autumn. Our professional photography guides recommend versatile zoom lenses (100-500mm range) to capture both detailed close-ups and environmental portraits during summer visits.
Autumn bear watching (August): Pre-hibernation feeding frenzy
Autumn transforms bearwatching in Finland as our brown bears enter hyperphagia—an extraordinary biological state where their sole focus becomes consuming enough calories to survive winter hibernation. During this period, bears eat practically non-stop, consuming up to 20,000 calories daily—equivalent to approximately 60 hamburgers! Scientific research shows Finnish bears must gain approximately 30% of their body weight in pure fat before winter, creating a remarkable viewing opportunity as normally cautious bears become boldly focused on foraging.
August feature bears at their heaviest and most magnificent, with thick, glossy coats developing for winter. The forest floor becomes carpeted with autumn berries, and bears supplement this diet with protein-rich ant colonies, creating diverse feeding behaviours for visitors to observe. With bears consuming up to 100,000 calories weekly, they become significantly less wary of normal disturbances, often providing our guests with extended viewing periods and closer observations than earlier seasons.
Autumn’s spectacular forest colours create a photographer’s dream backdrop, with Finland’s famous “ruska” painting the landscape in brilliant reds, oranges and golds. Though daylight hours decrease, the quality of light is extraordinary—soft, golden, and perfect for wildlife photography. Temperatures typically range from -5°C to 15°C, requiring warmer clothing but eliminating summer insect concerns. At Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, we find August visitors particularly appreciate the combination of comfortable viewing conditions, magnificent seasonal colours, and the impressive size of pre-hibernation bears.
What factors should you consider when choosing your bear watching season?
When planning your perfect bearwatching adventure, several personal factors should guide your seasonal selection. Photography enthusiasts should consider their specific goals: spring offers unique snow background and dramatic emergence behaviours; summer provides extended shooting hours with lush green backdrops and cubs; while autumn delivers spectacular forest colours and the year’s largest, most active bears. Each season requires different equipment considerations, from moisture protection in spring to insect management in summer and cold-weather gear in autumn.
Physical comfort plays a significant role in your enjoyment. Our viewing hides are comfortable but require sitting quietly for extended periods. Spring temperatures can fluctuate dramatically (0-20°C), summer averages 15-25°C with higher humidity, while autumn brings crisp 0-15°C days with occasional early frosts. Those sensitive to insects should consider spring visits, while visitors with circulation issues might prefer summer’s warmer conditions. Families with children typically find summer optimal for both comfort and reliable sightings.
Planning your visit to Martinselkosen Eräkeskus: Seasonal packages and preparation
At Martinselkosen Eräkeskus, we’ve developed specialised seasonal packages that maximise the unique opportunities each bearwatching period offers. Our Spring packages (April-May) are meant mainly for photographers who search pictures with snow. Summer Peak Season packages (June – August) include options for both overnight hide experiences and evening viewing sessions in tourist hides, with opportunities for complementary daytime nature activities including birdwatching and forest ecology walks.
Proper preparation ensures maximum enjoyment of your bearwatching adventure. Spring visitors should pack layered clothing (0-20°C), waterproof boots for potentially muddy conditions, and good optics for longer-distance viewing. Summer guests need insect repellent, lightweight breathable clothing, and sun protection for extended daylight hours. Most importantly, bring your patience and wonder—bearwatching rewards the quiet observer who embraces nature’s rhythms rather than rushing the experience.
Whether you’re drawn to spring’s new beginnings, summer’s abundant activity, or autumn’s dramatic feeding intensity, Martinselkosen Eräkeskus offers unparalleled opportunities to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Our decades of experience and intimate knowledge of local bear populations ensure the safest and most rewarding bearwatching experience possible. Contact us today to begin planning your perfect seasonal bearwatching adventure in Finland’s breathtaking wilderness.