Step into the world of Baltic-Finnic mythology and experience a deep connection with nature and culture at the Bear Day Celebration in UkkoHiisi, Tervo. Guided by the theme “The King of the Forest,” the day features enchanting stories, art, music, and a spirit of togetherness that pays homage to the power of the wild.
Now held for the second time, Bear Day is a family-friendly event offering activities for all ages, immersive local food, wellness for mind and body, and thought-provoking encounters inspired by the spirit of the bear. Come and spend an unforgettable summer day with nature!
Event Program – July 13, 2025
12:00
Gates open at UkkoHiisi Resort and Yritystalo.
Bear and nature-themed art and photography exhibition at Yritystalo.
14:00–17:00
Experience Buffet – locally sourced food in line with the event theme. Licensed bar service available.
15:00–17:00
THE BIRTH OF THE BEAR
– Kaisa Juntunen Elo: The Bear in Visual Arts – new works exhibited at Yritystalo.
– Ilkka Elo: Musical compositions inspired by the art pieces (20 min performance).
Panel Discussion:
- The History, Present, and Future of the Bear – Marko Haapakoski, Chief Curator of Ähtäri Zoo
- The Connection Between Nature and Humans, Then and Now – Seppo Laaksonen, “The Shaman of Love”
- Spirituality and Nature in Ancient Times – Mikko Keinonen, researcher of ancient customs, Heinävesi Ancient Society
Children are especially encouraged to ask questions about bears.
17:00
Juha Kuosmanen – Mythological instruments and stories of the bear from a mythological perspective. Presentation of handcrafted instruments.
Seppo Laaksonen – “The Shaman of Love” encourages listening to nature and learning from its wisdom.
17:30
Jouni Tossavainen, award-winning author and poet – Observing and interpreting nature through literature.
19:00
Event ends
Ongoing Activities (12:00–19:00)
Visitors are free to explore various points of interest throughout the day:
- Bear and nature-themed art & photography exhibition (Yritystalo)
- 15:00 Panel discussion: The Bear in Folklore and Modern Times
- 14:00–17:00 Experience Buffet – Local food with meat, fish, and vegetarian options
- Head Chef: Aki Hiltunen
- Licensed bar service
- Café and traditional Finnish pancakes
- Forest Spa & wellness treatments (Tarja Tirkkonen, Bene Statera®)
- Chainsaw sculpture: Bear carving by Jorma Väätäinen
- Tuija Sahi, drum maker & instructor. The drum brings powerful spiritual energy from ancient rituals to the present day. “Over 15 years of experience with drum journeys has been rich and enlightening. I’ve explored both shamanistic and medical worlds through drum healing and relaxation sessions. Join me at 12:15 for a Drum Journey at the Karhunpäivä Celebration. Come early (by 12)”. Duration approx. 45 min. Entry fee €10/person on site
- Magic Valley: Unique drums and performances (Kati & Teemu Paananen, Taikalaakso, ShamanDrumsFinland)
- Ring workshop – Design by Paretskoi
- Market stalls and shopping opportunities
- Children’s activities: face painting, cone toss, environmental education (“What do bears eat?”), watercolor painting station
Ticket Prices
Advance Booking (includes admission, program & buffet): Reserve by July 1, 2025.
- Adults: €65.00
- Ages 8–14: €30.00
- Ages 3–7: Free
Admission without buffet:
- Adults: €15.00
- Ages 8–14: €8.00
- Ages 3–7: Free
- Family Ticket: €30.00 (2 adults + 2–4 children under 15)
Buffet on-site purchase:
- Adults: €55.00
- Ages 8–14: €30.00
- Ages 3–7: Free with a paying adult
Organizers:
UkkoHiisi Resort & Visit Ähtäri
Location: UkkoHiisi Resort & Yritystalo, Tervo (Repohäikäntie 1, 72210 Tervo)
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Time: 12:00–19:00
Tickets available at: Visit Ähtäri’s online store.
Tickets will also be sold at the entrance on the day of the event.
More information and group bookings:
📧 info@visitahtari.fi | 📞 +358 40 500 3933
We reserve the right to make changes to the program.
Stay in Ähtäri before or after the event – find the accommodation that suits you or your group best!
DAY PACKAGE FOR GROUPS – Bear Day celebration on July 13, 2025 in UkkoHiisi, Tervo – In honor of the King of the Forest!
Step into the world of Baltic-Finnic mythology and experience a deep connection with nature and culture at the Bear Day Celebration in UkkoHiisi, Tervo. Guided by the theme “The King of the Forest,” the day features enchanting stories, art, music, and a spirit of togetherness that pays homage to the power of the wild.
Now held for the second time, Bear Day is a family-friendly event offering activities for all ages, immersive local food, wellness for mind and body, and thought-provoking encounters inspired by the spirit of the bear. Come and spend an unforgettable summer day with nature!
Welcome to the Bear Day celebration on the mythical grounds of UkkoHiisi in Tervo!
Now held for the second time, the Bear Day brings together nature-minded visitors, families, and lovers of culture to enjoy the mythology, art, delicious food, and connection to nature surrounding the King of the Forest. During the day, we’ll dive into the bear’s role in Finno-Ugric folklore – and its meaning in the modern world.
Schedule:
9:00 Arrival at Ähtäri Zoo and transfer to the bear enclosure
9:30 Guided Bear Tour at Ähtäri Zoo
Bear Tour at Ähtäri Zoo – Step into the Fascinating World of Bears!
Welcome to a unique 30-minute guided bear tour at Ähtäri Zoo! Meet the playful bear brothers Kasper, Jesper, and Joonatan. During the tour, you’ll hear stories about their personalities, eating habits, and behavior – and get an up-close look at their feeding.
You’ll also learn about the life of brown bears in the wild, their conservation, and why the bear holds such a special place in Finnish culture.
The tour is relaxed and interactive – feel free to ask questions!
Come to learn, be amazed, and gain a deeper understanding – the bears are waiting for you!
10:45 Departure for Tervo
(Self-funded coffee break along the way)
13:30 Arrival at the Business House in Tervo: group reception and introduction, followed by a short transfer to UkkoHiisi by group bus
14:00 Experience Buffet at UkkoHiisi
Meat, fish, and vegetarian options available. Buffet designed by top chef Aki Hiltunen, responsible for the Kuopio region’s local food offerings during the European Region of Gastronomy years 2020–2022. Licensed venue. Drinks at own expense.
Programme from 15:00 to 17:00:
THE BIRTH OF THE BEAR.
Kaisa Juntunen Elo: “The Bear in Painting.” Exhibition at the Business House.
Compositions by Ilkka Elo inspired by the artworks (20 min)
Panel discussion:
– The past, present, and future of bears – Marko Haapakoski, Head of Zoological Department, Ähtäri Zoo
– Nature and humans: the connection then and now – Seppo Laaksonen, “Shaman of Love”
– Nature and spirituality in interaction – Mikko Keinonen, ancient customs researcher, Heinävesi Ancient Society
Questions about bears from the audience, especially children, are welcome!
17:00 Juha Kuosmanen presents mythological instruments and bear-related stories from a mythic perspective, with handmade instruments. Seppo Laaksonen encourages us to listen to nature and draw wisdom from it.
17:30 Jouni Tossavainen – renowned and award-winning writer and poet, interpreter of nature and observer of life.
After the programme: free time to explore the area and its offerings.
19:00 End of event
19:15 Return journey
Attractions at UkkoHiisi (event starts at 12:00)
Bear & nature-themed art and photo exhibition (Business House)
Forest Spa & wellness treatments (Tarja Tirkkonen – Bene Statera®)
Chainsaw carving: bear sculptor Jorma Väätäinen
- Tuija Sahi, drum maker & instructor. The drum brings powerful spiritual energy from ancient rituals to the present day. “Over 15 years of experience with drum journeys has been rich and enlightening. I’ve explored both shamanistic and medical worlds through drum healing and relaxation sessions. Join me at 12:15 for a Drum Journey at the Karhunpäivä Celebration. Come early (by 12)”. Duration approx. 45 min. Entry fee €10/person on site
Magic Valley: unique drums and performances (Kati & Teemu Paananen)
Workshops: ring-making, children’s face painting, nature play zone
Stalls and local products: café, pancakes, and more
Group bookings by 1 July 2025
Minimum group size: 10 people
Billing: 14 days net
Transport: with the group’s own bus/private cars
Prices:
Groups of 10–20 people:
€78.00 / adult
€43.00 / children aged 8–14, free for children aged 3–7
Groups of 21–30 people:
€72.00 / adult
€37.00 / children aged 8–14, free for children aged 3–7
Groups of 31 or more:
€70.00 / adult
€35.00 / children aged 8–14, free for children aged 3–7
A €60.00 reservation and service fee by Visit Ähtäri will be added to all group bookings.
Includes: Bear tour at Ähtäri Zoo, entrance to UkkoHiisi, programme and Experience Buffet, and Visit Ähtäri services.
Organisers: UkkoHiisi Resort and Visit Ähtäri
Locations: Ähtäri Zoo, Karhunkierros 150, 63700 Ähtäri and
UkkoHiisi Resort & Business House, Repohäikäntie 1, 72210 Tervo
Date and time: Sunday 13 July 2025, 9:00–19:00
More info & group bookings: info@visitahtari.fi or +358 40 500 3933
Programme subject to change.
Tailored packages also available year-round – ask us!
For other dates than 13 July 2025, group prices and content will vary – request a quote!
Preview our Group Travel Terms and Conditions