VANTAA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Ten Days on Finland’s Wild Edge — Photograph Seals, Eagles and Apex Predators
A focused, 10-day guided wildlife photography expedition from Helsinki through southeastern Finland to Wild Taiga and South Lapland, designed to place adult photographers at rare wildlife encounters.
Ten Days on Finland’s Wild Edge — Photograph Seals, Eagles and Apex Predators.
Breathtaking and deliberate, this 10‑day Wildlife Photography Expedition threads from Helsinki into South‑Eastern Finland, across Lake Saimaa and into the deep boreal reaches of Wild Taiga and South Lapland. Over ten days you’ll chase seals on inland lakes, wait in professional hides for wolves and brown bears, and photograph eagles, wolverines and dramatic northern scenes under long, clean light.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Saimaa Ringed Seal Encounters
Guided boat sessions on Lake Saimaa and visits to Linnansaari National Park offer opportunities to photograph the endangered Saimaa ringed seal alongside active waterbird and osprey activity.
Wolves, Brown Bears and Wolverines
Several days are devoted to large‑predator photography: a wolverine‑focused day in the Lieksa area and two immersive days in professional hides near Kuhmo for wolves and brown bears.
Eagles, Black Grouse Lek and Northern Forests
From white‑tailed eagles and osprey to an early‑morning black grouse lek near Oulu, the itinerary balances bird action with the quiet, vaulted landscapes of Oulanka and Kuusamo.
What the day feels like
What the Ten Days Feel Like
This is a photography‑first itinerary: long days in remote places, short sessions at dawn and dusk, boat runs on Lake Saimaa and stationary waits in professional hides for predators. The rhythm alternates active travel and deliberate stillness—moving from Helsinki to Savonlinna and Oravi, across Lieksa and Kuhmo, into Oulanka and Kuusamo, and finishing with a final sunrise session before departure from Oulu.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this expedition suits — and who it excludes.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The expedition runs for 10 days.
This is a photography‑focused program; participants should prepare camera gear appropriate for wildlife and hide work. Confirm specific gear guidance with the operator.
The itinerary begins with arrival in Helsinki and includes transfers through South‑Eastern Finland to Savonlinna, Lieksa, Kuhmo, Oulanka, Kuusamo and finishes with departure from Oulu Airport.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Wildlife Photography Expedition?
The expedition is 10 days in duration.
Where does the trip begin and end?
The program begins with arrival in Helsinki and concludes with departure from Oulu Airport.
Which species are highlighted on the itinerary?
Highlights include the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, ospreys and white‑tailed eagles, wolves, brown bears, wolverines, and the black grouse lek.
Are there hide‑based photography sessions?
Yes. Two immersive days near Kuhmo use professional wildlife hides to photograph wolves and brown bears.
Can minors join the tour?
No. The tour is for adult photographers and their adult family members only.
Is there any optional evening session?
An optional extra evening session for short‑eared owl near Oulu is listed on the itinerary.