Arctic Animals Immersion

Immerse yourself in the fabulous world of Arctic animals! This tour is the only one in Lapland that really allows you to see and learn about the main animals that reside in the Arctic.

The trip will first start with a stop at one of the most authentic reindeer farms in Rovaniemi area. The herders have been living just outside of Rovaniemi on the lovely shores of a peaceful lake for more than 200 years. As you will be taken in the surroundings, you will learn about the reindeer from the herders. They will show you around the traditional farm and, because it is the first visit of the day, you will be given a chance to feed them their favourite food, lichen, which to reindeer is like chocolate! The visit will end with a very friendly time around the fire in the company of a herder who will answer all your questions and share their passion with you.

After this great time with the reindeer, your guide will drive you for a long ride in the direction of the Russian border. On the way, you will have the chance to stop by at the Auttiköngas national park and its waterfalls, where you can see a bit more of Lapland nature and get a light snack with a wonderful view. Before you finally reach your final destination, you will enjoy a filling 3-course meal that has been prepared for you in a remote wilderness lodge. (Note: Dinner is included only if you chose the extra option to stay at the local cabin accommodation instead of spending the night in the bear watching hut.)

After dinner, you will make your way to the bear-watching hut. There, surrounded by pure Lapland scenery, you can already hear the Call of the Wild! You are just 200 metres from the Russian border, but the first Russian village is 100 kilometres away!

A professional bear-watcher will greet you silently, giving you an understanding that you are now stood in the open with wild bears in the forest around you. As you walk to the bear look-out cabin, you may already spot some marks and footprints left by the bears. Inside the hut, there are many windows and places to put your cameras, plus lots of bunk beds to allow you to sleep when you need to.

The bear watching is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Quiet, calm, the bear-watchers will explain you more about the bears lives, waiting for them to approach the cabin. The white tailed sea eagles and rooks will start to gather, and you will soon hear from the squawk of the rooks that the bears are getting closer…

The next morning, after a quick breakfast, your guide will drive you back to Rovaniemi. You may have the option to visit the Ranua Wildlife Park on the way. We really recommend this option as it is a great opportunity to meet all the other Arctic animals, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, eagles and owls, moose, musks, otters, wolves, etc. You will sharpen your knowledge of animals that reside in the “Far North” and get a chance to take very great pictures of them. With this option, you will also have lunch at the restaurant of Ranua.

You will be back to Rovaniemi around 11:00 if you do not take the Ranua Wildlife Park option, and around 13:00 if you opt for the extra visit of the Park.

NOTE : The tour is running from Monday to Friday (and back the following day). If you wish to join this experience on a specific date, please send an email to sales@wildaboutlapland.com or give us a call (+358405688570) and we can talk about it! 

What’s included

• Hotel pick-up/drop-off for accommodations outside the city center
• Professional outdoor guide
• Morning visit of an authentic reindeer farm
• Visit of the Auttiköngas waterfalls
• Overnight in the bear-watching cabin in the wilderness
• Dinner and Breakfast
• Visit of the Ranua Wildlife Park with lunch in the restaurant (optional)
• Overnight in a lodge with shower and sauna (optional)

Requirements

Please bring your camera, your sleepwear and everything else that you would need for the night. We recommend to take some snacks, fruits and bottles with you for the drives.

And of course, don’t forget your good mood and your appetite for adventure!

Attention

The bear-watching cabin is located in the wilderness to be as close as possible to the bears that reside there. Bears can come as close as 15 metres ! The hut is nicely arranged and equipped with bunk beds, shared dry toilets, a heating system and a stove. There are also equipment for you camera, so you do not need to use a tripod. However, the cabin is not equipped with showers or private bedroom. If you wish to spend the night in a comfy lodge located 20 minutes from the cabin, you can select this option.

Hotel pickups commence prior to the start time, we will inform you about your pick up time by email one day prior to the activity.