Bears, Wolverines and Wolves

Finland

Date. 10 - 16 August 2026 5 nights/ 6 days

Cost. £1750

Group Size 7

Activity Level: Low - some walking required to reach hides

Venture deep into Finland's pristine boreal wilderness for an extraordinary photographic expedition focused on Europe's most magnificent predators, Bears, Wolverines and Wolves.

Based at the renowned Boreal Wildlife Centre in Kuhmo, this six-day adventure offers unparalleled opportunities to photograph brown bears, wolverines, and wolves in their natural taiga habitat—one of the continent's last true wilderness strongholds.

The forests around Kuhmo, positioned on the Finnish-Russian border within the Friendship Park area, have been carefully managed for wildlife observation and photography for over a decade.

This remote location, requiring special permits to access, remains undisturbed and provides exceptional encounters with large carnivores that have largely vanished from the rest of Europe.

Primary Species

Brown Bear - Finland supports a healthy and growing population of European brown bears. During our August expedition, bears are highly active, and it's not uncommon to observe multiple individuals simultaneously—from large males to mothers with cubs. The extended twilight of Finnish summer provides beautiful, soft light for capturing these magnificent animals as they forage and interact.

Wolverine - The wolverine remains one of Europe's rarest and most sought-after subjects for wildlife photographers. Boreal Wildlife Centre's locations are particularly renowned for wolverine sightings, with these elusive predators regularly visiting the hide areas. Photographing a wolverine in the wild represents the pinnacle achievement for many wildlife photographers.

Wolf - Encounters with grey wolves add an element of unpredictability and excitement to every session. While wolves are less frequently seen than bears, sightings do occur, and the possibility of photographing these intelligent apex predators moving through their natural territory makes every moment in the hide compelling.

Additional Wildlife - The boreal forest ecosystem teems with life. White-tailed eagles, black kites, capercaillie, elk, Finnish forest reindeer, and numerous smaller species all frequent the area, ensuring constant photographic interest even during quieter periods.

Our base at the Boreal Wildlife Centre places us at the heart of Finland's wild taiga, where vast expanses of pine heath, pristine lakes, and ancient forests create ideal habitat for bears, wolverines, and wolves.

The centre's founders bring decades of combined experience in wildlife observation and nature documentary filmmaking, ensuring that every aspect of the trip is designed around genuine photographic opportunities.

The specialist photography hides are positioned in locations where wildlife naturally congregates, offering close-range encounters while maintaining complete respect for animal welfare.

Each hide is equipped with comfortable seating, individual photography positions with shooting holes, heating, toilet facilities, and refreshments. During Finland's bright summer nights, you'll have extended hours of perfect photographic light, allowing for night-long sessions that maximise your chances of exceptional imagery.

What Makes This Expedition Special

The combination of accessible yet genuinely wild terrain, professionally managed hides in prime locations, Finland's magical summer light, and the real possibility of photographing all three major predators makes this one of Europe's premier wildlife photography destinations.

These are completely wild animals in their natural environment—authentic, unpredictable, and utterly compelling subjects.

August represents an excellent time to visit, with active wildlife, comfortable temperatures, and the stunning light of late summer creating ideal photographic conditions. The long hours of daylight mean you'll spend entire nights photographing, with bears particularly active throughout this period.

We've partnered with Boreal Wildlife Centre specifically because their approach to wildlife observation perfectly aligns with our ethical values. Their hides are positioned at appropriate distances, their methods respect natural animal behaviour, and their commitment to conservation ensures that wildlife photography supports rather than harms the ecosystem.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Monday 10th August: Arrival

We will meet at Kajaani airport in Finland (via Helsinki) where we will be collected for an approximate 2-hour transfer to the Boreal Wildlife Centre near Kuhmo. This will be our base for the duration of the trip.

We will arrive in time for dinner and a welcome briefing where we'll discuss what to expect over the coming days, review the hide positions, and answer any questions. Breakfast and dinner times will be confirmed, and you'll have the opportunity to settle into your accommodation and prepare your camera equipment.

There are bird feeders near the accommodation which provide excellent opportunities to photograph Finnish forest species during any downtime.

Day 2 - Tuesday 11th August: First Night in the Hides

After breakfast, you'll have the day at leisure to rest, explore the surrounding forest, or edit photographs at the feeders near the lodge. Optional guided walks may be available in the pristine wilderness surrounding the centre.

Around 4pm, we will depart for the hides. You'll be positioned in one of several professionally designed hides—each offering different perspectives and backgrounds for your bear photography. The hides are equipped with heating, toilet facilities, and refreshments to ensure your comfort during the overnight session.

Photography continues through the evening and night, taking advantage of Finland's extended summer twilight. The magical light during these hours is perfect for capturing dramatic images of bears, and potentially wolverines and other wildlife, as they move through their natural habitat.

We return to the accommodation around 7-8am the following morning for a well-earned breakfast.

Days 3-4 - Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th August: Photography Sessions

These days follow a similar pattern to Day 2. After breakfast and a rest period, you'll have the opportunity to review and edit your images, catch up on sleep, or photograph the smaller wildlife around the lodge.

Each afternoon around 4pm, we'll head back to the hides for another overnight photography session. You'll visit different hides over these days, experiencing varied locations including woodland settings amongst pine trees, swamp hides, and pond hides which can provide excellent reflections of bears on calm evenings.

The multiple hide locations ensure you can capture diverse images and maximise your chances of different wildlife encounters. Each hide offers unique photographic opportunities and perspectives.

Day 5 - Friday 14th August: Final Photography Session

Following the same routine, you'll have one final overnight session in the hides. On this evening, you may have the option to choose your favourite hide from those you've already visited, allowing you to return to a particularly productive location or composition you want to capture again.

This final session provides one last opportunity to photograph the incredible wildlife of the Finnish boreal forest before our departure.

Day 6 - Saturday 15th August: Departure

After returning from your final hide session and enjoying breakfast, you'll have time to shower, pack your belongings, and prepare for departure. We'll then transfer back to Kajaani airport for your return flight home, carrying with you unforgettable memories and stunning images of Finland's remarkable predators.

What's Included:

Accommodation at Boreal Wildlife Centre (comfortable rooms)
All meals (breakfast and dinner at the lodge, refreshments and snacks during hide sessions)
Four overnight photography sessions in professional hides
Expert local guiding from experienced wildlife specialists
Transportation between Kajaani airport and the centre
Transportation to and from all hide locations
All necessary permits for the protected border area
Use of heated hides with toilet facilities
Photographic guidance and support

Not Included:

International flights to/from Finland
Flights within Finland (UK to Helsinki, Helsinki to Kajaani)
Personal equipment and camera gear
Travel insurance (essential and must include medical cover)
Personal expenses and additional drinks

What to Bring

Camera Equipment:

Camera body (and backup if you can)
Telephoto lens (400-600mm recommended, though shorter lenses work well)
Wide angle lens for environmental shots
Spare memory cards and batteries
Battery pack or multiple batteries (nights are long!)
Lens cleaning kit
Tripod head (tripods not required in the hides)

Clothing & Personal Items:

Warm clothing for evenings (temperatures can drop, even in August)
Waterproof jacket
Comfortable clothing for daytime
Warm hat and gloves for cooler nights
Insect repellent
Headtorch with red light function
Personal toiletries and medications
Snacks if you have particular preferences

Booking & Payment Information

The total price for this Bears,Wolverines and Wolf trip to Finland is £1750

A £500 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.

The remaining balance due 60 days before departure

Places are limited to ensure the best possible experience for all participants, so early booking is recommended.

To book click here

or for further information and to book for 2027 get in touch here

BOSWELL WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

Where deep knowledge meets wild places

Bears, Wolverines and Wolves

Finland

Booking & Payment Information

Bears, Wolverines and Wolves

Finland

Booking & Payment Information​

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Booking & Payment Information