Miracle of Spring – Birds, Wildlife & Forests of North Karelia, Finland
Experience the magical moment when Finnish nature transitions from winter to spring.
The blue twilight of winter gives way to a brightening light, and nature slowly begins to open up after a long winter. This spring hike takes you into the midst of awakening nature – a time when the change of seasons is visible and felt everywhere.
We will walk to birdwatching towers in bird-rich wetlands to follow the hustle and bustle of spring migration. On the shores of the lakes, we see how the winter ice cover thins, turns to dark ice and finally releases the waters to flow again. The sounds of spring grow stronger day by day: the cries of swans and cranes and the first singers of the forests announce the beginning of a new season.
One of the highlights of the hike is a visit to an area where bears have awakened from their winter sleep. From the viewing booth, we will be able to see how these lords of the forests take their first steps towards spring and summer.
This journey is a celebration of the quiet but powerful changes in northern nature – experiences that can only be experienced for a short moment as spring progresses.
Travel dates: 16.- 23.4.2026
Group size: 6 - 12 person
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival at Pihlajapuu Guesthouse
Welcome to your Finnish home for the next few days!
- Dinner together and presentation of the week's program.
- Evening sauna
Day 2 – A forest walking trip into springtime nature
- Let's go and listen as nature awakens in spring, and watch the earth slowly become covered in fresh greenery and blooming flowers.
Day 3 – The migratory birds are returning!
- Let's go watch and listen as they arrive back at their nesting grounds.
Day 4 –Building Insect hotel and a birdhouse.
- We will build an for the first pollinators of spring and other small forest dwellers and birdhouse for returning migratory birds.
Day 5 – Wild animal waching tour
- In the mornig outdoor activity
- In the afternoon, we will go on an animal watching trip to see if the bears have awakened from their winter hibernation. From the observation hut, you can also see wolverines, wolves, and other wild animals, as well as several species of waterfowl on the spring pond.
Day 6 – Forest trip to the Raesärkkien nature reserve
- Get to know the diverse nature of the protected area.
Day 7 – Trip to the town of Nurmes and its charming Old Town
- Time for shopping and exploring local boutiques.
- Lunch in the city.
- In the evening, enjoy a traditional smoke sauna followed by a farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Departure
- Farewell breakfast and transfer for onward travel.
Price: 1700€/person
Single room supplement: 40€/person/night
Includes:
7 nights' accommodation at the cosy Pihlajapuu guesthouse
Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner – homemade and regional
Sauna every day
All programme items as described in the itinerary.
Travel information
The shared transfer from Kuopio Airport departs at approximately 5:30 p.m. on the Saturday of arrival (to coincide with the Finnair evening flight, which lands at 5:15 p.m.).
The shared transfer to Kuopio Airport leaves the guesthouse at around 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure (to coincide with the Finnair flight departing from Kuopio at 2:25 p.m.). If you arrive earlier or later, you can book an additional transfer for a fee. If you arrive by train, the transfer from/to Nurmes station is included.
Travel insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage.
