Tour Overview:
We invite you to join us on this unforgettable summertime wildlife adventure in the heart of eastern Finland's boreal forest, home to Europe's finest apex predators.
Summer in Finland offers almost endless daylight, lush green forests and extraordinary wildlife encounters. July is also the very best time of year to observe wild brown bear cubs exploring their natural environment. Thanks to our many years of experience, we carefully time our summer bear watching holidays to coincide with the peak period for cubs of the year. In fact, we are proud to have maintained a 100% success rate of observing bear cubs on every one of our previous tours to this destination. This remarkable journey takes you to one of the world's premier bear watching locations, famously featured in the acclaimed BBC Planet Earth series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
With the long days of the Nordic summer and its beautiful golden light, conditions are ideal for both wildlife photography and observation. Beyond brown bears and their cubs, there is also an excellent chance of encountering other iconic species, including wolverines, white-tailed eagles and, with a little luck, even wolves. Whether you're a wildlife photographer, a passionate nature enthusiast or simply someone seeking an authentic wilderness experience, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to witness some of Europe's most spectacular wildlife.
In addition to bear cubs, this region supports one of the highest densities of brown bears anywhere in Finland. Guests can therefore expect to photograph a wide variety of individuals, from playful cubs and protective mothers to some of the country's largest adult males. Each evening, we travel by vehicle to carefully positioned wildlife hides, where you'll settle in for an exciting overnight experience immersed in the wilderness. Here, you'll witness intimate moments of bear family life and enjoy exceptional photographic opportunities in complete comfort. It is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Why Book with BearPhoto?
BearPhoto is the UK's only specialist provider dedicated exclusively to Finland bear watching and photography holidays. For over a decade, we've been guiding guests through Finland's pristine wilderness, continually refining our itineraries to deliver exceptional wildlife encounters and outstanding photographic opportunities.
Our extensive experience, trusted local partnerships and in-depth knowledge of both the wildlife and locations enable us to offer a tour that stands apart from the rest. Below are just a few of the reasons why so many guests choose to travel with BearPhoto.
More Hide Sessions. Better Value.
Thanks to our long-standing partnerships with Finland's leading wildlife centres, we're able to offer exceptional value without compromising on the experience. While many operators advertise similar itineraries, a closer look often reveals fewer nights in the hides despite a higher price.
Every one of our Finland bear photography tours includes a minimum of five full overnight hide sessions, giving you significantly more time in the field and maximising your opportunities to photograph brown bears, wolves, wolverines and other iconic wildlife. Simply put, more time in the hides means more photographic opportunities.
Single Occupancy Included as Standard
Unlike many wildlife tours that charge substantial single supplements, single occupancy is included as standard for all solo travellers on this particular tour. This means you'll enjoy your own private en-suite bedroom throughout your stay, providing additional comfort after long nights in the hides. Even better, your overnight wildlife hide will also be exclusively yours. Every guest is allocated a private two-person hide, giving you ample space to spread out your equipment, work with multiple camera bodies and lenses, and photograph in complete comfort without compromise.
Airport Transfers Included
Travelling to a remote wilderness destination can often involve expensive onward transfers. To make your journey as seamless as possible, all scheduled airport transfers are included within your tour price.
From the moment you arrive in Finland, we'll take care of the logistics, allowing you to relax and focus entirely on the photography. Travelling as a group also enables us to offer excellent value compared with arranging private transfers independently.
Guides Who Truly Know Finland's Bears
Experience matters, particularly when photographing wildlife.
Our guiding team has been working in Finland for well over a decade, spending countless weeks in these forests every year. During that time we've developed an unrivalled understanding of the local wildlife, seasonal behaviour and the individual bears that regularly visit the hides.
Equally important are the relationships we've built with our trusted Finnish partners over many years. This local knowledge allows us to adapt to changing conditions, anticipate wildlife activity and ensure every guest enjoys the very best experience possible.
When you travel with BearPhoto, you're joining guides who know the country, the locations and the wildlife exceptionally well - knowledge that only comes from years of genuine experience in the field.
Group Size: 8 people total
2027: July 15th - 21st - SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour location: Finland
Tour cost: £1,795
Cost Includes:
✅ Airport transfers in Finland
✅ Professional guidance and advice
✅ All meals at base camp; breakfast, lunch and dinner
✅ Bear viewing hide fees and transfers to/from the hides
✅ Accommodation (Single Occupancy)
Cost excludes:
❌ Airline Flights
❌ Travel Insurance
Meet The Guide
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KYLE MOORE
Kyle Moore is a multi-award-winning nature photographer and wildlife guide based in the UK. Renowned for his work with bears across the globe, Kyle has documented species in some of the planet’s most remote and rugged environments, from the Alaskan wilderness and Canada’s Arctic tundra in pursuit of Polar Bears, to the dense boreal forests of Finland in pursuit of the elusive European Brown Bear. His powerful imagery and deep understanding of wildlife have led to collaborations with national tourism boards, major broadcasters including the BBC, and, most recently, a global campaign for Samsung promoting their latest mobile phone technology. Kyle’s photographs are represented by some of the world’s leading photographic stock agencies and are widely published in international media.
Base Camp
During your stay, you'll be based in a charming, family-run guesthouse nestled amidst the serene Finnish wilderness. The accommodation offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with comfortable en-suite rooms and traditional Finnish hospitality.
Each room is tastefully decorated in a rustic Nordic style, providing a cosy retreat after your evening in the hides. Wake up to the tranquil sounds of nature and enjoy hearty, home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients - perfect for fuelling your days of exploration and wildlife watching.
Daily Itinerary
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We will arrive on an afternoon flight via Helsinki, where you will be met by your guide. A transfer by bus will follow, taking us to our chosen basecamp where we will be based for the duration of the tour. Dinner is prepared for our arrival. After dinner the guide will deliver a short presentation detailing the week ahead. Our first night will be spent resting in our accommodation, after a day of traveling.
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Breakfast will be served early on, followed by a period of free time to spend as you wish. BearPhoto guides will offer optional daytime photographic opportunities including passerine birds and red squirrels. Feel free to explore the surrounding area, during the day as you wish. Dinner will be provided shortly after an optional presentation in the afternoon, at around 3:00pm. Your guides will lead you to your chosen hides for the night at 4:00pm. Sandwiches, flasks (tea/coffee) and bottled water will be provided for each individual whilst in the hide. Following a short drive and 1km walk to the hides, it is simply a case of getting set up, comfortable and waiting for the first Bears to appear. Each hide is equipped with basic beds and toilet facility. The following morning you will be escorted from your hides by the guides at 7:00am, followed by the short walk back to base camp where breakfast will be waiting. The following days and hide nights will all run in a similar pattern.
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This is the final day of the trip, and upon leaving the hides at 7:00 a.m. you will be guided back to basecamp one final time for breakfast. We will have just enough time for a shower and any last minute packing that may be required before our minibus arrives to transfer us back to the airport for our flights home.
Frequent Questions
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FITNESS LEVEL EASY
While the tour does not involve extensive physical activity, a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Accessing the bear-watching hides typically requires a short walk from the vehicle, which may include navigating uneven forest trails, soft ground, and occasional steep inclines or descents. Participants should be comfortable walking up to 1 km while carrying personal gear (such as a camera or daypack). Good balance and sturdy footwear are essential, as conditions can be slippery or muddy depending on the weather.
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To make the most of your bear photography experience in Finland, we recommend bringing the following equipment:
Camera Gear:
A DSLR or mirrorless camera
Telephoto lens (ideally 300mm to 600mm) – bears are often at a close distance, however a longer lens allows for close-up shots without disturbing them.
Spare batteries and memory cards – you'll be in the hide for several hours with no charging facilities.
Tripod hide or beanbag. The hides have platforms or ledges where you can steady your camera.
Clothing & Accessories:
Dark or muted clothing – to reduce visibility through the hide windows.
Snacks and water – you'll be in the hide for around 4 hours, and no facilities are available.
Optional but helpful:
Binoculars for spotting.
Remember to pack light but be prepared – once you're in the hide, you won't be able to leave until the session is over.
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Absolutely! We’re happy to cater to all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and any allergies or specific preferences. We just ask that you let us know in advance so we can ensure everything is prepared to suit your needs.
HOW TO BOOK
To secure your place on this tour, please follow the link below to complete your booking through our secure online payment portal.
Alternatively, we are happy to accept bookings via email, with deposits payable by BACS bank transfer.
Please note that your booking is only confirmed once a £300 per person deposit has been received. The remaining balance is then due 60 days prior to departure.
Before making your booking, please ensure you have carefully read the full tour itinerary, together with our Terms & Conditions.
Have a Question About This Tour?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about this tour, including availability, itinerary, special requests, or anything else, please complete the contact form. One of our team members will get back to you as soon as possible. We look forward to helping you plan your perfect adventure!