WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

EXPEDITION IN FINLAND

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Experience the Ultimate Wildlife Photography Expedition in Finland!

Join us on a breathtaking 10-day adventure through Finland’s pristine landscapes, capturing the country’s most iconic wildlife—from the elusive Saimaa ringed seal to majestic brown bears, wolves, waterfowl, and soaring eagles.

This exclusive journey takes you deep into national parks and remote wilderness, offering expertly guided excursions, comfortable accommodations, and unique opportunities to photograph rare species up close. Whether it's witnessing the black grouse mating ritual at sunrise, capturing Nordic predators under the northern sky, or immersing yourself in serene forests teeming with life, this tour is crafted for nature enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.

Book your spot today for an unforgettable wildlife photography experience in Finland!

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A bear standing upright peeking from behind a tree in a dense forest, with trees and forest floor visible.
Three smews are swimming in a body of water, with two female ducks having brown heads and one male with a mostly white head.
A black and brown wolverine is sitting on the grass in a forested area.
A duck swimming in a calm body of water, with its reflection visible. The background is blurred with natural colors.
A Saimaa Ringed Seal resting on a rocky shoreline near water with a rocky background.
The young wolves are playing in a forest with small trees and shrubs, with sleet in the air.
A wolf is sitting on a grassy bog near the forest, howling at the sunlight filtering through the trees.
Saimaa Ringed seal resting on a rock by the water with tall grass and rocks in the background.
A loon swimming on a calm lake during golden hour, with reflections on the water and blurred background.
A Saimaa Ringed seal resting on a rock with dried grass in the background.
Female capercaillie with brown, black, and white striped feathers sitting among green foliage.
A bird of prey, likely an eagle, in flight with wings spread wide and talons extended downward against a plain light sky.
A camouflage-patterned camera objectives pointed outside of the photography hide.
A wolf is standing in a bog with a blurred background, looking directly at the camera.
A Great-grey owl peering out of a hole in a tree trunk in a forest setting.
A moose standing in a forest with tall trees and snow on the ground.
A close-up of a reindeer grazing on grass with blurred background.
Siberian Jay with brown and orange feathers flying in the rain with outstretched wings and tail, surrounded by raindrops.
Short Eared Owl
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Osprey_Fin-220725 4.jpg

Wildlife Expedition in Finland

FACTS AND ITINERARY

Embark on a breathtaking 10-day wildlife photography expedition through Finland’s most spectacular landscapes! Your adventure begins from Helsinki and continues to South-Eastern Finland, where an evening excursion, if flights fit perfectly, offers the first chance to capture beautiful Ospreys fishing in nature in a small pond with fish in their natural habitat!

Next, you’ll journey to Savonlinna and Oravi, settling into cozy apartments before setting sail on a guided boat tour in Linnansaari National Park. Here, you'll have the rare opportunity to photograph the elusive and endangered Saimaa ringed seal. The day continues with stunning bird photography, featuring majestic ospreys and more encounters with the seals.

On day four, the expedition moves to Lieksa, where wolverines roam, along with the possibility of witnessing wolves and bears in the wild. Then, it’s off to Kuhmo, where you’ll stay in a hotel but venture into hides for thrilling photography of rare wolves and bears. Another day is dedicated to birdwatching and capturing incredible shots of Finland’s iconic bears.

The journey continues in Syöte National Park, offering a serene day of relaxation with optional bird photography, followed by a trip to Kuusamo to photograph powerful eagles and towering bears. In Oulu, witness the mesmerizing black grouse mating display—a true spectacle of nature! The final day presents one last opportunity for photography at sunrise before departing from Oulu Airport. If you stay one more day, the last session in the evening is a wonderful encounter with the Short-Eared Owl near Oulu Airport!

This expedition is a dream for wildlife enthusiasts, combining excitement, tranquility, and the magic of photography. Are you ready to seize the perfect shot and create unforgettable memories?

  • Place: Helsinki, Hämeenlinna, Oravi, Lieksa, Kuhmo, Kuusamo, Pudasjärvi, Oulu

  • Dates: 1.–10.5., 12.–21.5.2026, 1.-10.5., 12.-21.5.2027

  • Availability: 1.5–31.5.

  • Duration: 10 days, 9 nights

  • Number of participants: Min 2 persons, max 14 persons

  • Accommodation: Hotels, cabins, hides (optionally, if you want to spend the whole night photographing)

  • Price: 4990 €/person

  • Price includes: Airport transfers, activities due to the program, guidance, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), accommodation in single or twin rooms, sauna, and a shower every day. (Optional accommodation in the gas-heated wildlife hides when available)

  • The price doesn’t include flights.

  • Equipment: Participants have their own boots, suitable clothing, warm underwear, etc., according to the cold weather. Please ask for the whole list of equipment during booking.

  • Equipment included in the price: Sleeping bag and all other special equipment needed in the program.

  • By additional cost: Winter clothing, mittens, headwear, boots, 90 €/set/person/week. Camera equipment.

  • Supplement: Extra session + 250 € / person in Oulu (Short-Eared-Owl), night in a hotel, single room

  • Payment: Invoice, cash, credit card

  • Tour level: Easy. A moderate physical condition is desirable.

  • Languages: Finnish, English

  • Insurance: We require participants to have their own insurance for outdoor activities in Finland and arctic weather conditions.

  • Tour operator: Our tours are organized responsibly by Matexpro Oy, registered with the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) under registration number 322/21/Mj.

A bird flying low over a body of water with reeds and trees in the background.

ITINERARY

  • Arrival, transport & Evening Wildlife Excursion

    - Arrival: Helsinki Airport (HEL)

    - Transport by car approx 1,5 hours

    - Dinner & Accommodation: Stay at a comfortable local Bed & breakfast, enjoying a hearty Finnish dinner.

    - Evening Excursion: Visit to bird hide, a prime location for photographing Ospreys and grey herons in their natural habitat.

  • Lake Saimaa & The Endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal

    - Morning: Depart after breakfast for Savonlinna & Oravi (approx. 2.5-hour drive).

    - Accommodation: Twin-room vacation apartments featuring a sauna, shower, and WC.

    - Light Meal: Enjoy a snack before heading out for the seal photography boat tour.

    - Photography: Guided excursion by boat into Linnansaari National Park, capturing images of the Saimaa Ringed Seal from a safe 30–50 meter distance.

    - Additional Wildlife: Possible sightings of ospreys nesting in the area.

    - Dinner & Relaxation: Sauna and, optionally, a refreshing dip in Lake Saimaa.

  • Birdwatching & Evening Seal Photography

    - Morning: Drive to a nearby lake, target species: various waterbirds, red fox, white-tailed eagles, and ospreys.

    - Lunch & Preparation: Return to Oravi, followed by another seal photography boat tour focusing on a different location.

    - Dinner & Rest: Enjoy Finnish cuisine and relax in your apartment.

  • Journey to Lieksa – Wolverine Photography

    - Morning: Drive to Lieksa (approx. 3.5-hour drive).

    - Photography Focus: Wolverines—Europe's largest mustelid, along with wolves, bears, and birds of prey.

    - Accommodation: Stay in photography cabins, with snacks provided.

    - Key Wildlife: The wolverine is critically endangered in Finland due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting. In this place wolverine photography have been continuing nearly 20-years with very good possibilities to capturing wolverines and other wildlife.

  • Kuhmo – Wolves & Bears from the solid photography hides

    - Morning: Travel to Kuhmo (approx. 2-hour drive).

    - Accommodation: Stay in Hotel Kalevala, featuring a cozy spa area.

    - Evening, night and morning Photography: Wildlife hideouts with dinner provided before the session.

    - Focus: Rare wolves & brown bears, possibility to capture wolverine, eagles and black kite. .

    - Overnight Stay: Stay in the hideouts, capturing wolves howling under moonlight—a rare and unforgettable experience.

    - In the morning transport to hotel. Breakfast. Day sleep if needed.

    - Optional birdwatching expedition featuring migratory waterbirds, including ducks, goldeneyes, teals, and smews.

  • - Morning: Travel to Oulanka National Park after breakfast (approx. 4.5-hour drive).

    - Forest birds photography from the hide

    - Accommodation: Log cabin with twin rooms, multiple bathrooms, and sauna—set deep within a stunning pine forest.

    - Activities: Explore, edit photos, and enjoy the serene nature.

    - Dinner & Sauna: Traditional Finnish sauna experience before resting.

  • Kuusamo – White-Tailed Eagles & Brown Bears, wolverine

    - Morning: Travel to Kuusamo for white-tailed eagle and brown bear photography.

    - Photography Focus: The white-tailed eagle, Finland’s largest bird of prey, with a wingspan reaching 240 cm.

    - Evening: Return to Syöte log cabin for dinner and rest.

  • Oulu – Black Grouse Lek Photography

    - Morning: Drive to Oulu, capturing the spectacular black grouse courtship display at sunrise.

    - Wildlife Highlight: Male black grouse battle for dominance, creating fantastic early morning photography opportunities.

    - Accommodation: Rest early, preparing for the following morning’s intense photography session.

  • Final Wildlife Photography & Departure

    - Morning: Arrive at wildlife hideouts before sunrise (around 3 AM) to capture black grouse lekking.

    - Breakfast & Farewell: Enjoy a final meal before heading to Oulu Airport for departure.

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