Exciting Locations for Bear Watching in Europe

Europe’s wildlife observation facilities are some of the best in the world and, specifically, established bear hides in Sweden and Finland have some of the highest instances of Brown Bear sightings. These facilities are renowned for a success rate of up to 80% and are highly regarded by wildlife enthusiasts. When it comes to bear watching, Europe offers the perfect opportunity to appreciate spectacular botanical surroundings with the excitement of observing some magical wildlife.

Boreal Wildlife Centre Finland

The Boreal Wildlife Centre is found within the peaceful forests of the western taiga. The area provides a thriving environment for Brown Bears, most of which migrate from the Russian border and provide such a high success rate when it comes to bear watching. Europe has seen the decline of Brown Bears with the expansion of the human population, but Boreal Wildlife Centre often sees up to 20 bears a night, thanks to its location.

The Eurasian Brown Bear requires large areas of untouched forest for its habitat, meaning they now make their home in some of the more inaccessible areas of the continent. This makes the opportunity to observe them in Boreal all the more special, and visitors are able to enjoy the sight of the majestic creatures in the most natural of environments.

The Boreal Wildlife Centre has a purpose-built hide located deep in the taiga forest, which accommodates visitors for an overnight stay to participate in bear watching. European Brown Bears are nocturnal so are most likely to be seen at some point during the night, although there is always chance they may be seen from late afternoon onwards.

Visitors will often get the wonderful opportunity to see cubs accompanying their mothers as they forage and hunt near the hide. During the high summer months, salmon is left as bait to lure out foraging Brown Bears who have consequently identified the Centre as a great place for food, adding to the high success rate for sightings.

Bear Lodge - Sweden

This Swedish lodge is a very popular choice when it comes to bear watching in Europe. The wilderness facilities in Sweden are renowned for their natural beauty and this one is especially regarded for its stunning lakeside position. Located outside the small town of Bollnäs, the lodge has an 80% success rate for Brown Bear sightings and welcomes guests with authentic Swedish food and wonderful views.

The hide is located a short distance into the forest and the walk itself is a fascinating insight into Brown Bear behavioural patterns, and visitors will be able to see tracks, tree scratchings and demolished anthills. Guests then overnight in the cosy hide as Brown Bears are most likely to appear in this area between 9pm and midnight. Multiple bears often emerge, as if by magic, from the forest enclave, before ambling off as dawn approaches.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for a holiday involving bear watching, Europe offers excellent opportunities. Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.