Spring time in Finnish Lapland – brown bears, wolverines, capercaillie and black grouse

*Documentation/video blog of the test visit April/May 2025

Test trip to Kuusamo, Finland - preparation for future photo events
At the end of April 2025, I traveled to Kuusamo in north-eastern Finland to assess the region in terms of its suitability for future photo trips. The aim was to assess the photographic opportunities in relation to the local wildlife as well as the organizational conditions on site. The focus was on preparing photo events that focus on wildlife in its natural environment.
1. general impressions of Kuusamo
Kuusamo was in an exciting transition phase from winter to spring at the end of April. Snowfields still lay in shady areas, while the landscape was slowly recovering from the long winter. The combination of clear light, tranquil nature and animal activity provided ideal conditions for nature and wildlife photography. The region is known for its biodiversity and largely undisturbed wilderness.
2. photographic highlights
Birds and smaller mammals
Birds of prey: numerous sightings of sea eagles, hawks and buzzards. Local providers operate well-developed hides that offer ideal conditions for professional photography.

Owl species: The Ural owl and pygmy owl in particular have been heard and sighted several times – a highlight for lovers of Scandinavian bird species.

Large Mammals
Bear: A special experience was observing the first active brown bears, which had already ended their hibernation. From prepared hides, the first encounters were captured on camera – a clear indication of the early start of the bear season in Kuusamo.

Wolf: Although wolf sightings are very rare, fresh tracks and the knowledge of local guides give reason for hope for special tours with a focus on tracking and wildlife behavior.

Wolverine: Wolverines showed up at Bear Hides in the evening – a spectacular motif.

Other wildlife: Tracks of elk were documented and free-roaming reindeer provided several photo opportunities.

3. organizational aspects
The cooperation with local nature guides, hide operators and accommodation providers was consistently positive. There is a stable infrastructure for small photo groups – including transfers, fully equipped hides, accommodation with sauna and typical local food. The journey via Kuusamo Airport via Helsinki is easy to make and can also be organized without any problems for international participants.
4. conclusion & outlook
The trip to Kuusamo at the end of April confirmed the region as an excellent location for photo trips. The early activity of the bears, the sightings of wolverine and the potential for further wildlife spotting make this period particularly attractive. The next phase will be the concrete development of a travel program with a focus on wildlife observation.

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Photo adventure in the taiga

Date for spring adventure: 2.5. – 8.5.2026
Predators and Raptors Special at the Arctic Circle with the camera to Finland/Finnish Lapland to the northernmost bear photo hideout and specialised hides for capercaillie and black gouse mating rituals!

Transfers, accommodation and meals included!

Price

PRICE: 2950 € in a double or twin room
Single room supplement: 300€
Minimum number of participants: 5 participants

Flights
Flight with Finnair
Price incl. taxes & fees & luggage from 399 Euro
Luggage: 1 x 23 kg plus 8 kg hand luggage
Flights from other airports on request.
Tour description

Travel highlights for an “all-round carefree package”:

Intensive nature and animal photography with a focus on large carnivores, capercaillie aand black grouse

Stays in quiet, untouched wilderness

Small group for an individual experience

Support from a very competent team

All transfers are included – in some areas you’ll be glad you don’t have to use your own car.

All meals included

Comfortable accommodation is of course also included

Fancy real wild animals in front of your lens? Then join us on a very
special photo trip to the deep forests of Finland! Awaiting you there: Brown bears,
wolves, wolverines and even golden eagles – all in the wild and up close.

We spend many hours in cozy photo huts in the middle of nature – quiet, warm, with a perfect view of the animals. All you need is your camera and curiosity – everything else is prepared.

For whom? For everyone who loves animals and enjoys taking photos – whether beginner or professional.

Where? In the far north of Finland in Kuusamo and Kuhmo
What can you expect? Unforgettable encounters, the competent Kuusamo Nature Photography team, great photo opportunities and a relaxed group of like-minded people.

So if you’re in the mood for pure nature, powerful images and a bit of adventure – then you’ve come to the right place.

Get in touch – places are limited!

Accommodation

Accommodation and meals in a typical local atmosphere – Hotel Kuusamon Portti https://www.kuusamonportti.fi/ 

 

 

 

 

Online registration form

Here you can easily register online for the trip or ask questions.

Data protection: The data will be stored until the request is answered!

This post is also available in: German