Finland Photography Expedition

1
Arrive at Kajaani

At Kajaani Airport, you’ll be met by our representative and be transferred to the Kuikka base camp on the edge of Finnish territory, only a few kilometres from the No Man’s Land between Finland and Russia. En route, visit the Predator Centre where you can get some first impressions of the Finnish wildlife. Kuikka is situated on a headland surrounded by a lake rich in fish and has a traditional log house of former forest workers. You’ll be served a savoury Finnish dinner on arrival at Kuikka and further taken for a nocturnal promenade in the boreal forest with an experienced guide. Later, you can enjoy a bonfire with the typical sausage and Finnish beer.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Photography Hide
2
Landscape Photography from Watchtower

Post breakfast, you will be given a brief introduction to Landscape Photography and to the former Finnish rural cultural setting, along with wolf, bear, wildlife photography highlights. After this, head towards the former watchtower by car. As you climb up, you can see the stunning forest and Finnish mires; The sight from above the reaches of Russia! Following this, is a brief walk, during which you can get acquainted with the Finnish farmer culture. After a picnic with tea and coffee on the way, return to Kuikka base camp, where a savoury dinner awaits you. Post dinner, a talk will be held about staying in a hide and also on predator photography.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and, Packed Supper
Accommodation: Photography Hide
3
Experience Authentic Finland

Start the day early and be transferred from the hide to the Camp. En route, pay a visit to the winter den of a bear. After breakfast at the camp, professional nature photographer, Lassi Rautiainen will tell you about his pioneer work of Finnish hide nature photography and his work on protecting nature (bear and wolf in particular). Following this, take a short course about bird photography. Later, a Traditional sauna and a wonderful refreshing swim in the peaceful lake await you. Also, you might want to relax or take a nap, since you probably haven’t slept much the night before. Dinner/information at 4 p.m. and take off to the wolf/bear/wolverine/eagle blind at around 5-6 p.m. Overnight in the hides.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and, Packed Supper
Accommodation: Photography Hide
4
Guided Photo Walk

Post breakfast, our photography specialist, Lassi Rautianien engages you in a course on detailed photography. Then set off on a guided “photo-walk” to the close by mires and forests. Picnic in the silence of the Finnish forests. Return to the Kuikka base camp where the old Finnish tradition of smoke sauna is expecting you. This sauna has a millennium old tradition in the region of Kainuu and Karelia on the other side of the border. Enjoy the delicious Kuikka classic “smoke sauna salmon” for dinner at 4-5 p.m. Set off for a beaver or bird trip.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and, Packed Supper
Accommodation: Photography Hide
5
Photo Competition or Optional Wolf/ Bear/Wolverine/ Eagle hide night

Post breakfast, you’ll have time to hand in your 4 best pictures (predator, bird, detail, landscape; filename: name of photographer category.jpg) until 12 p.m. sharp. Rest of the day is at leisure. Additionally, you can opt for an individual boat/canoe trip, fishing, sauna and swimming, small walk, garden bird photography. After Dinner at 4 p.m., there will be an announcement of the winning pictures (4 category winners and 1 overall winner). Optional hide night / extra hide night for the overall winner!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and, Packed Supper
Accommodation: Photography Hide
6
Departure

Post breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport to catch your onward flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions: 

  • Accommodation in Photography Hides
  • Meals as specified
  • Return Airport transfer from Kajaani Airport
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Taxes

Per person cost based on 4 Adults travelling together