*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

Termin: 26.9. – 2.10.2025
Prädatoren und Raptoren Spezial am Polarkreis mit der Kamera nach Finnland/ Finnisch Lappland ins nördlichste Bären Fotoversteck und zu dem Gebiet mit den meisten Wolfssichtungen!

Transfers, Unterkünfte und Mahlzeiten inklusive!

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

Reise Highlights für ein „Rundum sorglos Paket“:

Intensive Natur- und Tierfotografie mit Fokus auf Großraubtiere

Aufenthalte in ruhiger, unberührter Wildnis

Kleine Gruppe für ein individuelles Erlebnis

Betreuung durch ein sehr kompetenten Team

Alle Transfers sind inbegriffen – in manchen Gebieten ist man froh, dass man sein eigenes Auto nicht benutzen muss.

Alle Mahlzeiten inklusive

Gemütliche Unterkünfte sind natürlich auch mit dabei

Lust auf echte Wildtiere vor der Linse? Dann komm mit auf eine ganz
besondere Fotoreise in die tiefen Wälder Finnlands! Dort warten auf dich: Braunbären,
Wölfe, Vielfraße und sogar Steinadler – alles in freier Wildbahn und aus nächster Nähe.

Wir verbringen viele Stunden in gemütlichen Fotohütten mitten in der Natur – leise, warm, mit perfektem Blick auf die Tiere. Du brauchst nur deine Kamera und Neugier – alles andere ist vorbereitet.

Für wen? Für alle, die Tiere lieben und gerne fotografieren – egal ob Anfänger oder Profi.

Wo? Weit im Norden Finnlands in Kuusamo sowie in Kuhmo
Was erwartet dich? Unvergessliche Begegnungen, das kompetente Team von Kuusamo Nature Photography, großartige Fotomotive und eine entspannte Gruppe Gleichgesinnter.

Wenn du also Lust hast auf Natur pur, starke Bilder und ein bisschen Abenteuer – dann bist du hier genau richtig.

Meld dich gern – die Plätze sind begrenzt!

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