The Brown Bear and the Midnight Sun

Finland’s northernmost bear watching venues are in Kuusamo Lapland, in the deep forests close to the border to Russia. I will never forget the sight of the mighty brown bear in his natural environment. The bear’s are best sighted at night, so that is why the bright nights of Lapland serve very well in bear watching. I am told that it is 99% sure of seeing the fantastic brown bear during your visit to the wilds. Make sure to bring your camera and binoculars (there are a spar pair of binoculars at the hide), as the watch-out hides have large windows and provide a spectacular view of the wildlife.

We started our wildlife experience by checking in to Isokenkäisten Klubi Wilderness Hotel Kortteeri. The wildlife guide met us at Isokenkäisten Klubi, we got a snack to bring to the watch-out hide. We will spend several hours watching nature’s own show in the light of the midnight sun.


The last bit to the watch-out hide is done by foot. I had no thoughts of possible encounters with bears as we walked to the hide, I was enjoying the peaceful forest walk, we were asked to be quiet. That is the key: to be quiet, as bears will escape as soon as they sense humans nearby. The brown bear might look like a teddy bear, it has a round and a bit clumsy appearance, but it is a fast runner and a predator and like most animals, protective of its little ones. So it is wise to stay out of the way of the bears – stay safely in the watch-out hide.

We had a nice show of five (yes indeed, FIVE) adult bears, the largest is about 100 kg, according to our guide. There were also a few White-tailed eagles; I was quite surprised to spot them here in the forests of Lapland as I thought they are coastal habitants. Apparently there are about 20 pairs of them here in Lapland, they live by large waterways and there is no lack of such in Kuusamo!


Amazing! We all sat in silence, just watching these wild animals, listening to the sounds of the summer night. For many of us it was first time to see any wildlife in its natural environment. Shortly after midnight the wildlife had left us and we walked back to the car to return to Isokenkäisten Klubi. Even knowing that this walk is done safely every night during the summer season, I was looking around and hoping not to see anymore bears tonight. Actually, we had learnt during the night that silence is the most important factor in watching wildlife. Bears are shy of humans and will stay away if they can hear humans around.

I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow and woke up to birds’ song late the next morning. Mmm, I look forward to a yummy breakfast and a large coffee on the terrace of Isokenkäisten Klubi. Actually, I enjoyed the peace and quiet so much, that I stayed one more night...

The changing of seasons – from a guide’s perspective

Here in Lapland we are blessed with four true seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall. Actually, according to the Laplanders, we have eight seasons, that gives you an idea of the continuous change of the nature. Activity-wise we have two seasons. Snow based activities are offered in the winter and spring months and summer activities in summer and fall. This means, that the gear and equipment changes twice every year. The snowmobiles are parked in the garage and the rubber rafts taken out, the overalls are put away on the attic and hiking outfits taken into use. But the guides are the same all year around.

Most of the programs that we offer our guests take place outdoors. The nature gives us such a fantastic playground, an amazingly beautiful stage and pampers us with fresh air, pure waters and calmness. The guides that work with us are talented and experienced outdoor guides, they are out there in all the seasons taking care of guests and presenting the fun and excitement of our programs as well as the stunning nature to the guests. A guide’s role is very versatile and requires technical, outdoor and social skills. A guide is a “good guy”, a nice person who is able to be in charge without being bossy, a person that likes to smile.

The winter’s most popular activity is snowmobiling. We offer several safaris and excursions and on a snowmobile you can get to places that might be out of reach otherwise. The summer’s most popular activity is river rafting. The rivers in Kuusamo are among the best in the country and apart from the excitement and fun; river rafting offers a sightseeing tour in our amazing nature park.

How does it feel from a guide’s perspective to be out on the free river with a boat full of guests when last time was eight months ago and all you have been doing is snowmobiling in-between? And do they have a favorite activity and season?

I asked Markku and Risto, our main guides, fantastic guys both of them, very experienced and always smiling. I have seen them and joined their safaris both in the summer and winter; they seem to be just as good and happy on the snowmobiles as in the rubber raft.

Markku has been rafting for 10 years; he said it used to be his hobby, his passion. Now it is work, but work he likes a lot. He started as a rafting guide and as he proved to the liking of our guests, he stayed the winter as well and took on snowmobiling. Markku says the changing of the seasons provide a great alteration into the job. The base is always to join the guests on the activity and make sure everything is safe and fun, regardless if winter or summer. Markku goes out to the river in the spring several times, to see if the ice is gone, how much water there is, is it flooded or safe to go. The guides in our area do a common test-rafting the first thing in the spring (and they have great fun together). They check the river, any changes caused by floods etc and the information is shared among all companies that operate on the river. Even if the winter activities have grown on Markku, one can see that he gets a special sparkle in his eyes when he talks about rafting.



Risto does really not have a favorite season. But he certainly has a not-favorite season: the in-between-weeks. That is basically 1 - 2 weeks in the late spring and again in the late fall. That is when all gear and equipment is changed, when the annual maintenance takes place, things are moved in and out of storages. The season when he is not out there in the free, beautiful nature, giving our guests memorable experiences and inspiring moments.

Face to face with wild nature

The first rays of spring sun have reached Lapland. This is the time when Finns enjoy cross country skiing to the fullest – gliding away through the landscape and enjoying the fresh air. On the frozen lakes you see a lot of ice-fishers, especially on the weekends. Faces turned towards the sun, waiting for the fish to bite…

As we sit there, feeling the light of the sun, closed eyes, thoughts wander to the coming summer. I am sure not only Finns start to steer their thoughts to the summer already now. Let’s have a peek on what St Lapland has to offer the coming summer.





Fishing is great! The lakes and rivers of Kuusamo are abundant with fish. Thanks to clear and very pure water – actually so pure that it is drinkable – the fish of Kuusamo Lapland has a fantastic flavor. Our cabins are equipped with fish smoking pots and outdoor BBQ-areas where you can prepare the catch of the day.

Should you wish to have a tasty fish dinner served for you, we recommend the Fisherman’s Delicacy Buffet of Restaurant Juomuskota. The coming summer our Countryside Restaurants serve delicious local food – not only fish.

Finns love to cook outdoors in the summer, we really want to take in the bright nights and beautiful lush nature to the fullest. Restaurant Ukonkivi has changed from winter Game Fondue dinner to Tasty BBQ. Restaurant Ukonkivi is located on the premises of Oivanki. A beautiful way to spend a summer’s day is to go Nordic hiking in Oivanki (followed by a sauna bath) before the BBQ dinner. The hike over the stunning morrain ridges formed by the ice age is accompanied by tales of the history of Oivanki. This used to be the summer dwelling of ancient Sámi people, as they still inhabited the area.

For a real encounter with the wild nature we recommend wildlife watching. Close to Isokenkäisten Klubi by the Russian border lies the northernmost wildlife watching venue in Finland. Here the bright summer nights last until late August and offer perfect setting for wildlife watching.

Our summer programs will be online next week, so start to steer your thoughts towards the summer.

When I met Santa Claus

Imagine driving through countryside landscapes, in the dark night when only stars and the full moon as your lights. Imagine arriving at a cottage, a picture perfect red cottage with white window frames. The warmth from inside the cottage is tangible as you walk over the yard to the door.

“Welcome!” We take off our jackets and shoes; it feels like at home… stepping into the main room of the cottage, there is magic in the air, a smell of gingerbread cookies and Santa Claus himself in his rocking chair, with Mrs Claus next to him. We are warmly greeted; Santa was expecting us, of course. As we sit down in the cozy lounge, we let the unhurried atmosphere take a hold on us and let go of our everyday thoughts. This is a very special moment; we are guests at Santa Claus Cottage. Mrs Claus serves gingerbread and hot glögg (Finnish sweet mulled wine). Santa tells us stories of his fascinating life, all the places he has lived in, his travels with reindeer and he reveals some secrets as well. Did you know why Santa lives in Lapland? Well, there is a very good reason for that…

After a while we have to leave, continue our drive through the winter night. Santa Claus and Mrs Claus come out to wave for us and wish us all the best on our journey. No matter what goes on in the world, Christmas comes every year. It is a time to spend with family and friends, a time to relax and feel good. After my meeting with Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, the Christmas spirit slipped into my heart, the Christmas Season is here!!

An unforgettable night

As the end-of-the-year festive season approaches, the thought of doing something special for New Year's Eve comes to our minds. "This year we will do something extrodinary, it will be a New Year's celebration to remember..." A party under the northern sky, accompanied by all the fairytale figures of Lapland would surely be an unforgettable night.

Everyone knows that Lapland is the home of many fairy tales, myths and legends… On the magical night of New Year’s Eve they gather for a party under the stars. At Midnight festive fireworks will light up the northern sky and cover the stars and possible Northern Lights for a while.

The powerful Shaman greets you, that is how your New Year’s Saga begins… Mingle with the sparkling Snow Fairy, playful Elves and tricky Trolls at a stunning outdoors party area with ice bars, a Kota-lounge and arctic dance floor. The mighty Neptune usually rises from his kingdom and comes to Oivanki at New Year and So does Santa Claus together with Mrs Claus. Indoors soft music is playing and the fireplace is adding a touch to the atmosphere.

The Program - New Year’s Party Under the Stars with Festive Dinner
19.00 / 19.30 Departure from Ruka and Kuusamo
20.00 Dinner at a stylish grey log restaurant
Delicious starters of fish, salads and vegetables are served to the tables
Main course from the buffet: Sauteed Elk and Baked Salmon with potatoepuré
and roasted root vegetables
Desert buffet serves pudding, layered cake, cookies and fruit
22.00 Shaman’s greeting outdoors. The Shaman is in a ring of fire…
Meet and party with the fairy tale figures, chill at the ice-bar, hang out in the Kota-lounge, swing at the arctic dance floor…
23.30 Arrival of Santa Claus…
00.00 Splendid fireworks will light up the northern skies!
01.00 & 02.00 Return transfers

Price: eur 185 / adult
eur 115 / child (5-12 years)

Party Under The Stars
21.00 / 21.30 Departure from Ruka and Kuusamo
22.00 Shaman’s greeting outdoors. The Shaman is in a ring of fire…
Meet and party with the fairy tale figures, chill at the ice-bar,hang out in the Kota-lounge, swing at the arctic dance floor…
23.30 Arrival of Santa Claus…
00.00 Splendid fireworks will light up the northern skies!
01.00 & 02.00 Return transfers

Price: eur 130 / adult
eur 90 / child (5-12 years)

New beginnings

May is a wonderful month! Here in Kuusamo Lapland it means that the last of the winter disappears with the last patches of snow and ice and the nature awakens to a new growthperiod, the summer.

St. Lapland was founded in the beginning of 2010 and we have been working intensively eversince. Now we have put together a good selection of products, services and experiences and are launching a website where to present them.

The website will be launched tomorrow, 7th May 2010. It is a preview, the first page, our contacts, the links to the webisites of the individual St. Lapland companies... and some sounds and visions. If you think that sounds good, then you will probably love this: we will introduce tastes on our site, there will be more visions than the ones you will see tomorrow and we will present our versatile range of products for you. You can create your wishlist of the products that please you and send it to us and we will put them into practise for you when you come to Kuusamo Lapland.

You will be able to plan your stay or parts of it, how you wish to. In case you prefer to have an all inclusive holiday package, we have those too!

Happy landings in Kuusamo Lapland!

We wish you all a fantastic month of May!

Yours truly,
St. Lapland team

Tradition of hospitality

Our region in the border zone of Finland and Russia has always attracted visitors from near and far. The natural hospitality our guests will be treated with here is a tradition. St. Lapland consists of family-run businesses, owned by the people you meet during your stay.