Deep within Haltia's main exhibition, you'll find a bear's den. Inside, Halla the Bear sleeps through the long winter, and if you dare, you can sneak into its den to listen to its breathing. Some even say you might hear it snoring!

For ancient Finns, the bear was a revered and sacred animal. However, it was also feared, leading to the use of many euphemisms for the bear. According to legend, the bear descended from the sky, from the constellation Ursa Major. In the mythology of many northern peoples, the bear is considered a relative of humans, and perhaps the ancient Finns shared this belief.