Finnish Spring Special: Awakening of the Wild North
Early spring in Finland offers a rare and compelling insight into the resilience of Europe’s greatest apex predators. As winter slowly releases its hold on the boreal forest, the giants of the north emerge from hibernation to reclaim their wild domain. After almost six months without food, brown bears can lose over half of their body weight and are understandably eager to feed, with large males typically being the first to appear. Their rich, earth-toned coats stand out beautifully against the lingering snow and fairytale-like winter landscapes, offering exceptional photographic opportunities for dedicated wildlife photographers.
This tour has been carefully designed to deliver the ultimate Finnish wildlife experience during the early spring months. By visiting two of the very best wildlife regions in the country, we maximise our chances of diverse encounters and photographic variety. Our target species include Brown Bears, Wolves, Wolverines, Eagles, Capercaillie and Black Grouse. This is a truly action-packed wildlife tour, rich in both species and behaviour. Our first location is renowned for holding one of the healthiest brown bear populations in Finland, particularly females with cubs. Here, our primary focus will be on photographing mother bears as they navigate the snow-covered landscape with their young - a rare and emotive subject that offers powerful storytelling opportunities.
On day three, we travel south to our second location, situated along the Finnish–Russian border in an area often referred to as ‘no-man’s-land’. This vast, untouched wilderness is characterised by old-growth forest and supports a strong population of bears, especially large males that benefit from the excellent hibernation conditions these forests provide. Wolves also roam freely here, and our guesthouse is located within the territory of an established pack, offering the exciting possibility of encounters close to base. By working between these two contrasting yet complementary locations, we are able to build a rich and varied portfolio of Finnish wildlife imagery. This second region also boasts a healthy population of Capercaillie, supported by the surrounding ancient forest. During this time of year, the birds are lekking, giving us the option to dedicate time to photographing this iconic and highly sought-after species.
Group Size: 8 People
2027: April 19th - 25th - NEWLY RELEASED
Location: Finland
Tour Cost: £2,495 (£300 Deposit)
Cost Includes:
✅ Accommodation on a twin-room basis at both lodges: Martinselkonen and the Boreal Wildlife Centre.
✅ Airport transfers to/from our Kajaani
✅ Transfers between lodges
✅ Hide rentals and local guide
✅ Snowmobile transfers to and from the wildlife photography hides.
✅ All meals included at both lodges, including breakfast, lunch and packed lunches where applicable.
Cost Excludes:
❌ Internatinal Airline Flights
❌ Travel Insurance
DAILY ITINERARY
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19th – Arrival
We arrive in Kajaani on an early evening flight, where our journey into Finland’s deep wilderness truly begins. From the airport, we transfer together to our first base: the legendary Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre. By the time we reach camp it will be around 20:00, with the forest already settling into its nocturnal rhythm.
On arrival, we will share our first meal together, outline the adventure ahead, and then retire to our rooms for a well-earned rest after a full day of travel - ready to meet the wild days to come.
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20th - 21st - Martinselkonen Wilderness Centre
Breakfast will be served at approximately 08:00, followed by unhurried free time to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the immediate area or make use of the established bird-feeding station just outside our accommodation. At this time of year, bird photography here is exceptional, with regular visitors including Bullfinch, Siberian Jay, Crested Tit and, of course, the ever-entertaining Red Squirrels.
The lodge is nestled within pristine boreal forest, and guests are free to wander and explore without restriction — an immersive introduction to Finland’s wild heart.
Around midday we will gather for a prepared lunch before turning our focus to the afternoon’s hide session. Travelling by snowmobile, we journey deep into the ancient forest, pushing towards the remote wilderness close to the Russian border. Upon arrival at the hide site, everything required for a comfortable overnight stay will be provided, including packed meals, heaters, and specialist Arctic winter bedding.
We will have several hours of evening light, followed by further opportunities at first light. Our aim is to photograph bears emerging into the soft blue glow of dawn, their forms etched in hoar frost and fresh snowfall. Each hide is equipped with basic facilities, including bunk beds and toilets, ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the frozen night.
Martinselkonen is renowned for sightings of mother bears with their cubs, and this will be our primary focus during our time at this exceptional location.
Shortly after sunrise, we return to base by snowmobile, where a hot breakfast awaits. The following days will follow a similar rhythm, allowing us to settle fully into the wilderness routine.
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22nd – Transfer South
After breakfast, we prepare to move on to the second lodge of our journey. Travelling south, we enter a new region of Finland known for its larger male bears, as well as being a stronghold for both Wolverines and Wolves. In recent years, this area has supported a highly reliable wolf pack, regularly active in the surrounding landscapes.
We will arrive in time for dinner, followed by a brief return to our rooms before once again preparing our equipment for the next hide session. As before, the hides are of high quality, and everything required for a comfortable and productive night is provided.
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23rd–24th – Southern Region
Our nights here will follow a similar pattern to the 22nd. During our stay, we will have the flexibility to choose between overnight sessions in the bear hides or visits to nearby Black Grouse and Capercaillie lekking sites. Decisions will be guided by recent activity and conditions, but in previous years these locations have proven highly reliable, offering remarkable photographic opportunities.
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25th – Departure
After our final return to base, we will enjoy breakfast together, followed by time to refresh, reflect, and complete any last-minute packing. We then transfer back to Kajaani Airport for our return flights home via Helsinki — carrying with us unforgettable encounters from the boreal wilderness.
OTHER WILDLIFE
Beyond the predators, the Finnish boreal forest is alive with a rich cast of wildlife encounters, making the early spring season an ever-thrilling experience. Our first basecamp lies within Sámi land, where reindeer are a frequent and evocative sight as they move through the snow-blanketed forest. As we travel further south, the landscape transitions into true ‘moose country’, where these giants can be observed gliding silently between the trees, while Wolverines roam vast territories and the haunting calls of Wolves may echo across frozen lakes and forest corridors. Among the most compelling seasonal highlights, however, is the rare opportunity to spend time at Capercaillie and Black Grouse lekking sites — at this time of year the absolute pinnacle of their breeding season, when ancient courtship rituals unfold at dawn in one of nature’s most captivating displays.
How to Book
To reserve your place on this tour, please complete the contact form below to register your interest. We will then be in touch with the full tour brochure, detailed itinerary, and all relevant travel terms. Once you are happy with the itinerary and logistics, a 10% deposit will be required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due no later than 90 days prior to departure.