Ural Owl
Oulu, Finland
Explore Finland's birds, wildlife and landscapes independently by car
A self-drive tour is a budget-friendly way to combine the best birdwatching and wildlife watching in Finland. Finland is full of natural sights and experiences, and we help you to choose the best ones. Our self-drive tours offer you exceptional opportunities to get to see the most attractive birds of the north and biggest predators in Europe – at your own pace.
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 example itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Oulu and relaxed walk along a nature trail through marshlands to seek Shorebirds, Marsh Harrier and Common Rosefinch.
Day 2
Guided birdwatching excursion 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
Drive to Kuusamo. 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
Guided birdwatching excursion with Finnature in Kuusamo region for Owls and eastern bird specialties such as Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Red-flanked Bluetail and Rustic Bunting.
Day 5
In the morning, visit to Oulanka National Park where possibilities include Parrot Crossbill, White-throated Dipper, Merlin and Capercaillie. Evening excursion to see Brown Bears from a hide, with possibilities for White-tailed Eagle, Black Kite and Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Day 6
Departure from Oulu / Kuusamo.
Price: 660 €/person
Price includes: Birdwatching excursions in Oulu and Kuusamo, Brown Bear watching on 1 evening, itinerary with suggested birding and landscapes sites along the route.
Please notice: Our birdwatching excursions are filling up fast. Please check the availability in Oulu and in Kuusamo!
Oulu - Kuusamo - Kuhmo - Lieksa self-drive tour, 7 days example itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Oulu and relaxed walk along a nature trail through marshlands to seek Shorebirds, Marsh Harrier and Common Rosefinch.
Day 2
Guided birdwatching excursion 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
Drive to Kuusamo. 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
Guided birdwatching excursion with Finnature in Kuusamo region for Owls and eastern bird specialties such as Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Red-flanked Bluetail and Rustic Bunting.
Day 5
In the morning, visit to a nature trail through Taiga forest to look for Red-flanked Bluetail, Capercaillie and Hazel Grouse. Drive to Viiksimo where local guides will take you to the wildlife hide for Brown Bears, and with luck, for Wolverine and even Wolf. Birds possible from the hide include White-tailed Eagle, Black Kite and Lesser Black-backed Gull. Overnight in the hide.
Day 6
After breakfast, drive to Lieksa. Along the way we suggest to visit a lake and forest area, where possibilities include Black-throated Diver, Whooper Swan, Capercaillie and Parrot Crossbill. In the afternoon, enter another wildlife hide. Here, Wolverines visit frequently, and there are possibilities for Brown Bear and even Wolf, with good luck. Overnight in the hide.
Day 7
After breakfast, drive to Joensuu / Oulu for your flight back home.
Price: 840 €/person
Price includes: Birdwatching excursions in Oulu and Kuusamo, 1 night in Brown Bear hide and 1 night in Wolverine hide, itinerary with suggested birding and landscapes sites along the route.
Please notice: Our birdwatching excursions are filling up fast. Please check the availability in Oulu and in Kuusamo!
What does a self-drive tour include?
Self-drive tours include birdwatching excursions and wildlife viewing hide sessions according to your wishes. In addition, we provide you with information about interesting stops along the route. We will provide hotel and car rental recommendations as well – these are note included in the price.
If you want to explore Finland’s birds, wildlife and landscapes on your own, self-drive tour is a perfect solution for you!
See what it’s really about
Check more photos of the birds you might see during Finnature’s birdwatching excursions from our Flickr gallery:
Birdwatching early summer in Finland
See more photos of different Brown Bear sites and Wolverine sites also from our Flickr!
Book a tour
Discover the tour of your dreams - Finnature's famous bird & wildlife tours await
Birdwatching Excursions in Finland
Finland is a dream destination for a birder - enjoy the iconic northern birds with Finnature
Wildlife Watching
Experience the best wildlife watching of Europe with Finnature - Wolverines, Brown Bears and much more
Self-drive tours
Easy way to combine birdwatching and wildlife watching in Finland - explore Finland independently by car
Private Bird & Wildlife Tours
Finnature team is happy to arrange private and tailored bird and wildlife tours in Finland
For tour operators
Finnature provides all land arrangements for tour operators - take advantage of our knowledge on bird and wildlife sites