Explore Nature’s Wonders in Finland: A Unique Travel Opportunity Awaits
The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum Beaufort are excited to announce an extraordinary travel opportunity for nature enthusiasts next year—a two-week adventure exploring the birds, wildlife, and rich natural history of Finland.
In collaboration with EcoQuest Travel, the nonprofit friends group is offering a tour titled “The Birds & Mammals of Finland — Brown Bears, Wolverines, and Boreal Birds,” scheduled for May 16-29, 2027. For those looking to delve even deeper into the Arctic wilderness, an optional six-day extension to the Varanger Peninsula in Norway is also available.
“Finland is an extraordinary country, reminiscent of an older, wilder Europe,” the friends group stated in a recent press release. “With its expansive evergreen forests, rugged coastlines, shimmering lakes, and remarkable wildlife, it offers a truly unique experience.”
Finland stands out as one of Europe’s premier destinations for observing brown bears, and it is perhaps the best place in the world to catch a glimpse of the elusive wolverine. The tour promises to focus on these magnificent creatures, taking advantage of springtime when visitors can also expect to spot owls, displaying grouse species, and a variety of migrating shorebirds.
The itinerary begins in Helsinki, Finland’s vibrant capital, before heading north to Savonlinna to seek out the rare Saimaa ringed seal. The journey will then lead further into the wilderness, reaching Koli—an ideal launch point for venturing into two remote areas. Here, specially designed hides will provide opportunities for exceptional views of the bears and wolverines. Wolves and even the enigmatic Eurasian lynx may surprise observers with occasional appearances, making this an unparalleled chance to witness and photograph these iconic northern mammals.
Next, the group will travel west to Oulu and the Baltic Sea, where the focus will shift to spotting owls, various grouse, woodpeckers, songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl. The adventure will culminate in Northeast Kuusamo, deep within the boreal forest, in search of specialty birds such as the willow ptarmigan and capercaillie.
For those not heading home just yet, the tour continues into Arctic Norway, opening doors to new habitats and the opportunity to observe a host of Arctic species, including willow ptarmigan, bluethroat, and the stunning Steller’s eiders against the striking tundra backdrop.
For more detailed information on this remarkable journey, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to JoAnne Powell at joannepowell1208@gmail.com. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Finland!