Join me in Finland from 25th to 30th April to photograph European Brown Bears as they awaken from their winter sleep and in the scenic Finish forests with snow on the ground. This trip is now Sold Out

Finland in Winter - April 2025 - Sold Out

Let’s go shoot:

The observation and photographing of large carnivores have been photographed for over 30 years in this location and the hides provide an excellent opportunity to see and photograph Bears, Wolverines, White-Tailed Eagles, Black Grouse and if we are lucky….Wolves

Reserve Your Space

The Itinerary:

25th April 2025
We take our flight to Kajaani airport, via Helsinki where we will meet our transfer and head to our Lodge (approx. 2 hours)
Flight recommendations will be sent upon booking confirmation.
Overnight: Dinner & Breakfast included
26th - 29th April 2025
For the next four days we will have an early dinner (around 2.30pm) and head out to the hides around 4pm and return around 7.30 am in the morning.
At this time of year it will be light enough to photograph until around 8pm. We will stay in the hides overnight to allow for some early morning photography time. Beds & Sleeping bags are provided.
We will be spending our time at the Swamp Hides as this will be offering the best light for photography
In the mornings after breakfast, there is a bird feeder near to our accommodation where you can photograph small birds & Red Squirrels
Overnight: Early Dinner, Evening Picnic & Breakfast included
30th April 2025
After Breakfast and check out from the Lodge, you will leave for the airport to catch your return flight home
*Please note: depending on the available flights, there may be a requirement for an overnight in Helsinki (at own cost) before connecting with the flight back to your final destination
Accommodation: Breakfast included

The Details:

Tour Overview:
Duration: 4 days/5 nights
Spaces: 3 Spaces
Join Tracey for an amazing opportunity to see and photograph Finland’s predators in their beautiful winter surroundings. The main species we aim to photograph are Bear, Wolverine, Eagles & Wolves (if we are lucky).
You will have 4 nights photographing in the hides. Given the time of the year we will be going, we will be spending the evening in the hides giving us early evening & morning photographic opportunities
At this time of year it will be light enough to photograph until around 8pm. We will stay in the hides overnight to allow for some early morning photography time. Beds & Sleeping bags are provided.
We will be spending our time at the Swamp Hides as this will be offering the best light for photography.
In the mornings after breakfast, there is a bird feeder near to our accommodation where you can photograph small birds & Red Squirrels.
At the end of each evening session you will return to the lodge for a well-earned breakfast and rest.
The accommodation location is in the middle of the Kuhmo wilderness.
It offers excellent settings for both summer and winter activities as well as offering peace and quiet for those searching for it.
The Centre has it own shore in Lake Viiksimo. Elimyssalo and Iso-Palonen Nature Reserves areas are near to the Centre.
Pre-trip advice
1 month prior to travel you will receive a comprehensive document that provides packing advice so you are prepared for your trip
Tour language
This tour is an English-speaking tour.
Vaccinations \ Health
Wild Aperture are not qualified or legally allowed to provide vaccination or medical advice. You should consult your travel nurse or doctors for specific medical advise and up to date advise on vaccinations required. We suggest doing this at least 2-3months prior to travel or sooner if this allows.
Fitness Level Required
This tour does not require a high level of fitness. The walking activities are not long or hard (local guides will drive you to each hide).
Camera Equipment
For this trip you ideally need a variety of lenses. Firstly the longest lens you have (300mm to 500mm). A 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens is great for flexibility. A wide angle lens would also be very useful in case of any close encounters in the hide and also for the northern lights if we get lucky
Further information on photography equipment will be supplied as part of your pre-trip advice.
Gratuities
Gratuities for the guides are not included in the cost of your trip. We will advise on this in your information pack.
Wi-Fi Network Access
Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel
Travel Insurance
It’s strongly recommended to purchase your own travel insurance at the time of booking to cover any eventualities should you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances as both the deposit and final balances are non-refundable. Guests travelling without their own travel insurance do so at their own risk.
Group Photo Workshop Cost: £1995
Single Occupancy Supplement: £320pp
£2315 for 1 x traveller in a single occupancy room
Secure your place with 25% non-refundable deposit of £498.75 / £578.75 (single occupancy) per person
Payments accepted by Bank Transfer
*Please see Terms & Conditions for payment details
Cost Includes:-
5-nights’ accommodation (including Early Dinner, Breakfast & Evening Picnic)
Transfer to and from Kajaani Airport
Transfer to and from the Lodge to the Hides
Services of a photographic host
NOT Included:-
International flights to/from Kajaani, Finland (via Helsinki)
Any other meals not mentioned above
Any personal expense such as beverages / drinks bill at the Lodge, snacks whilst travelling, telephone bills, airport tax etc
Tips & gratuities. E.g. local guides/drivers (amount to be advised at time of booking)
Personal Travel insurance
Depending the flight schedules, there may be a requirement for an overnight stay in Helsinki between flights. Hotel will be at own cost
Any other services not stated in the itinerary or above costs.