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Summer Bear Cubs – Finland Photography Tour

    Thrilling Wildlife Holidays Worldwide

    Summer Bear Cubs – Finland Photography Tour

    Join professional wildlife photographer Kyle Moore for an unforgettable summer wildlife photography adventure in the Finnish wilderness, where July offers exceptional opportunities to photograph wild brown bear cubs alongside an abundance of magnificent adult bears.

    During this exciting Finnish summer predator adventure, we spend long sessions in specially designed photography hides, surrounded by ancient boreal forests, open wetlands and the beautiful light of the Nordic summer. Here, patience can suddenly be rewarded with the silent appearance of a Brown Bear, a Wolverine moving cautiously through the forest, or a pack of Wolves emerging from the shadows.

    For Roger, wildlife photography is about much more than simply getting close to an animal. It is about understanding behaviour, reading the landscape and using light, perspective and composition to tell a story.

    Throughout the workshop, Roger will share more than two decades of experience photographing wildlife in Finland. You’ll work on camera settings, composition, low perspectives, backlighting, understanding animal behaviour and, perhaps most importantly, how to react when those magical moments suddenly unfold in front of you. And they often happen quickly.

    One moment, the forest can appear completely empty. The next, a Wolf may be standing directly in front of your camera.

    The Brown Bear offers endless opportunities for powerful portraits, intimate behavioural images and wider environmental photographs that place the animal within its wild surroundings. The Wolverine, one of Scandinavia’s most secretive predators, is fast, unpredictable and incredibly exciting to photograph. And then there is the Wolf. To see a wild Wolf emerge silently from the Finnish forest is an experience that is difficult to describe. To photograph one is a moment you are likely to remember for the rest of your life.

    Of course, these are truly wild animals, and no sightings can ever be guaranteed. That element of uncertainty is part of what makes wildlife photography so special. You never quite know what might appear from the forest, or when it might happen.

    Three predators. Countless possibilities. One unforgettable Finnish wilderness adventure.

    Trip Highlights

    What makes this experience different

    Predator icon · Wildlife hide icon · Summer season icon

    Expert Photography Guidance

    With more than two decades of professional wildlife photography experience in Finland, Roger brings a wealth of knowledge to the adventure, sharing his expertise in animal behaviour, light and making the most of fleeting moments in the field.

    Expert briefings

    Nature sound system

    A state-of-the-art system streams live forest sound into the cabin — every rustle and bird call, as if you were sitting outside.

     
    Meals included

    Chef-prepared dining

    Exquisite meals made with the finest locally sourced ingredients, showcasing authentic flavours of the Finnish wilderness.

    Photography

    Complimentary hide nights

    Panoramic glass frames the boreal forest, letting you watch bears, wolves and eagles at close range from inside your cabin.

    Itinerary

    The following suggested itinerary is designed to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your individual requirements. Speak to one of our Finland specialists to create your perfect wildlife adventure.

    Accommodation

    The Luxury Bear Cabin

    Throughout this tour, we stay at Basecamp Kuikka, situated in Finland’s remote Kuhmo region. Originally built as accommodation for local forestry workers, the lodge occupies a peaceful headland surrounded by Lake Kuikka and seemingly endless boreal forest. Its traditional Finnish log construction and wonderfully secluded setting give the property a warm, authentic character. The atmosphere feels more like staying in a large family home than in a conventional hotel.

    The lodge has nine simple but comfortable guest rooms, with shared bathroom facilities, hot showers and a traditional Finnish sauna. It can accommodate up to 30 guests and offers a friendly, sociable atmosphere in which groups can relax and share stories between wildlife-watching sessions.

    Basecamp Kuikka is the most rustic of the Finnish properties used by Natures Thrill. The bedrooms and facilities are basic, so guests should not expect hotel-style luxury. However, we believe its exceptional location and wildlife-viewing opportunities more than compensate for the modest accommodation. From our extensive first-hand experience of photographing Finland’s wildlife, Kuikka offers some of the country’s finest opportunities to observe and photograph wild brown bears, wolves and wolverines.

    The lodge operates more than 20 specialist wildlife hides across a variety of carefully selected habitats, including open wetlands, atmospheric boreal forest and picturesque lakeshores. The hides vary in size and can generally accommodate between two and five guests. Toilet facilities are positioned at the rear of each hide, usually within a separate covered area to provide privacy when sharing. While the hides are designed primarily for wildlife observation and photography rather than luxury, they provide an extraordinary window into Finland’s wildest landscapes.

    Good to know

    Although these luxury cabins provide outstanding opportunities to observe wild Brown Bears at close range, they are primarily designed for those who wish to enjoy the experience in complete comfort. For keen photographers and guests seeking an even more immersive wilderness experience, those staying for multiple nights may choose to spend one or more complimentary nights in one of the lodge's traditional bear-watching hides, positioned deeper within the forest or overlooking a tranquil lake. These purpose-built hides offer an entirely different perspective, providing exceptional opportunities to observe wildlife at eye level and capture remarkable photographs of Finland's iconic predators in their natural environment.

    Private shower
    Hot water
    Campfire
    Dinner
    Daylight hours
    Natures Thrill logo mark

    Gallery

    Plan Your Trip

    Travel Resources

    Everything you need to prepare for your expedition — downloadable guides, essential pre-departure information, and answers to the questions we’re asked most.

    Wildlife & Seasonal Guides

    From our blog

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    Brown Bear Photography in Finland

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    Downloadable Guides

    Grab these before you go

    Trip details

    Trip Information Pack

    Full trip overview, meeting points, what's included and day-to-day flow.

    PDF · 2.4 MB

    Packing checklist

    Packing Checklist

    Clothing layers, footwear and cold-weather essentials for the field.

    PDF · 1.1 MB

    Photography

    Photography Gear Guide

    Recommended bodies, lenses, settings and accessories for wildlife hides.

    PDF · 3 MB

    Pre-departure information

    Pre-Departure Guide

    Visas, health, insurance and everything to sort before you fly.

    PDF · 1.8 MB

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    Not at all. Our guides help photographers of every level, from first-time hide users to professionals. We’ll advise on settings and positioning throughout.

    A telephoto lens (300mm+ recommended), spare batteries and plenty of memory cards. Full details are in the downloadable Photography Gear Guide above.

    Wildlife is wild, so sightings can never be guaranteed. That said, our locations and hides are chosen for some of the best predator-viewing odds in Europe.

    Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.

    Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical and emergency repatriation is required for all trips. We recommend adding camera equipment cover.

    Full arrival and transfer details, including the nearest airport and pickup arrangements, are in the Trip Information Pack. Our team will confirm timings after booking.

    Wildlife & Seasonal Guides

    Dates, Prices & Info

    Your luxury cabin, priced per cabin rather than per person — available through the Finnish bear season from April to August.

    FROM

    £595

    per cabin / night

    Sleeps 1–2 guests. The price stays the same whether one or two people stay in the cabin.

    1-night packages

    Multi-night stays

    Free hide night
    Trip dates

    Season

    April – August

    Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Private luxury cabin

    Small group size

    Occupancy

    1–2 guests per cabin

    Location

    Location

    Kuhmo, N. Finland

    Important pricing information

    All rates are per cabin (1–2 persons), not per person. The price remains the same whether the cabin is occupied by one or two guests — ideal for couples travelling together.

    When To Go

    Availability through the year

    Available to book

    Closed / out of season

    Jan

    Bears in hibernation

    Feb

    Bears in hibernation

    Mar

    Season not yet open

    Apr

    Bears emerge · aurora chance

    May

    Spring cubs · long light

    Jun

    Midnight sun · peak activity

    Jul

    Warm nights · lush forest

    Aug

    Berry season · dark returns

    Sep

    Season closed

    Oct

    Season closed

    Nov

    Bears denning

    Dec

    Bears in hibernation

    The cabins operate from April to August, when Finland’s brown bears are most active. Early spring and late summer also offer the best chance of catching the Northern Lights from your cabin windows.

    Trip Type

    Tailor-made

    Trip options

    Hand-picked, built around you

    This holiday is one of our hand-picked tailor-made experiences. Speak to one of our Finland specialists today about creating your bespoke travel package — from cabin nights and hide sessions to transfers and dining.

    Flexible dates

    Private cabin

    Optional hide nights

    Chef or self-catering

    Speak to a Finland specialist

    Speak to a Finland specialist

    Tailor-made advice from people who know Finland’s wild places. We’ll help you plan a wildlife holiday that’s perfectly suited to you.

    *Complimentary hide night available on selected multi-night stays. Prices are per cabin per night and may vary by date; final rates are confirmed at the time of booking.

    Roger Brenhagen in cold-weather expedition gear

    Speak to a Finland Specialist

    Plan your trip with an expert

    Roger has been photographing Finland’s wildlife professionally for more than two decades. Speak with our Finland travel specialists today for friendly, expert advice and start planning your perfect Finnish wildlife photography adventure.

    Tailor-made advice from people who know Finland's wild places.

    Description

    Experience the iconic Masai Mara with thrilling safari drives, Big Five wildlife encounters, sweeping savanna landscapes, and unforgettable views of the Great Migration in one of Africa’s most spectacular nature reserves.

    See Trip Details

    At first glance, you might wonder why BearPhoto is leading an African safari, after all, bears don’t roam the savannahs of Kenya. But at BearPhoto, our passion has never been limited by geography or species. We are driven by one thing above all else: the pursuit of extraordinary wildlife encounters and unforgettable photographic experiences. This journey to the Masai Mara represents exactly that – and more.

    We are thrilled to introduce this exceptional photographic safari to Kenya’s legendary Masai Mara, one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations on Earth. For photographers, the Mara needs little introduction. Vast, open plains stretch to the horizon, alive with staggering numbers of wildlife and an unrivalled concentration of big cats. The scale, drama, and raw beauty of this ecosystem offer some of the most powerful natural spectacles anywhere in the world.

     

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