This self-drive tour includes guided birdwatching excursion in Oulu and in Kuusamo and one night in Brown Bear hide in Kuusamo. If you wish to make the most out of your stay, book also a night in our Eagle Owl hide and / or night for Wolves and Wolverines.

We at Finnature will make reservations for birdwatching and wildlife watching for you, and give you recommendations for hotels at convenient locations and for car rental. In addition, we provide you with interesting birdwatching, wildlife viewing and landscapes information between your stops. In the end, you decide where to stop! It is this freedom that makes self-drive tours so popular.

Oulu – Kuusamo self-drive tour, 6 days itinerary

Day 1 – 15th May
Arrival to Oulu and a relaxed walk along a nature trail through marshlands to seek Shorebirds, Marsh Harrier and Common Rosefinch.

Day 2 – 16th May
Guided birdwatching excursion (start at 3am) with Finnature in Oulu region for Owls and other birds. In the afternoon, visit to Liminka Bay Visitor Centre and other interesting sites in Liminka region. Target species Pallid Harrier, Ruff in breeding plumage, Common Crane, Whooper Swan and White-tailed Eagle.

Day 3 – 17th May
Drive to Kuusamo (3 hours). Along the way, interesting sites to visit are a nature trail through a mire to look for Taiga Bean Goose, Common Crane, Golden Plover and Golden Eagle. Alternatively, walk along a nature trail in Taiga forest with possibilities for Red-flanked Bluetail, Three-toed Woodpecker and Hazel Grouse.

Day 4 – 18th May
Guided birdwatching excursion (start at 3am) with Finnature in Kuusamo region for Grouse, Owls and eastern bird specialties such as Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Red-flanked Bluetail and Rustic Bunting.

Day 5 – 19th May
In the morning, visit to a nature trail through Taiga forest to look for Red-flanked Bluetail, Capercaillie and Hazel Grouse. In the evening, local guides will take you to the wildlife hide for Brown Bears in Kuusamo. Birds possible from the hide include White-tailed Eagle, Black Kite and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Overnight in the hide.

Day 6 – 20th May

Departure from Oulu / Kuusamo.

Price: 750 € / person

Price includes: Guided birdwatching excursions in Oulu and Kuusamo, Brown Bear watching on one night in Kuusamo, additional information with suggested birding and landscapes sites along the route.

Would you like to see some more?

Spend an unforgettable night in Eagle Owl hide in Oulu on 14th May as a pre-tour (200 – 300 € / person depending on your group size)  or extend your tour to another wildlife site where you have great chances of seeing Wolf and Wolverine during one night. Wolf and wolverine 20th May (215 – 290 € / person depending on your group size). Driving distance from Kuusamo to Kuhmo 4 hours.

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