COUNTRY: Finland PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife TRIP LENGHT: 6 days Dates: July 1-6 2026 GROUP SIZE: 8-14
I have photographed bears and wolves in Finland for over ten years, and during that time I’ve experienced many unforgettable encounters with these fascinating predators. The vast, silent forests and marshlands provide an atmospheric setting that makes every photo opportunity special. The conditions for capturing great images are therefore very favorable.
Roger Brendhagen
Experience magical encounters with bears, wolves, and sometimes even wolverines in the wild borderlands between Finland and Russia – an unforgettable photo expedition with Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen.
From our comfortable hides, we look out over the magnificent landscape stretching across the border between Finland and Russia. With anticipation and excitement, we scan the marshlands and forest edges – nature is still, yet charged with presence. Suddenly, as if emerging from the shadows of the forest, it appears – the majestic brown bear. We follow it through the camera’s viewfinder as it slowly moves toward the water in the soft, golden evening light. When it bends down to drink, its face is reflected in the mirror-like surface – a moment offering outstanding photographic opportunities. After quenching its thirst, the bear confidently steps into the water to cool off. The first encounter with this iconic creature is always a powerful and unforgettable experience. And the night in the realm of bears has only just begun.
Zoom Photo Tours gives you the chance to experience this up close. In modern, well-positioned hides, you’ll spend five nights photographing the mighty brown bear under the guidance of Roger Brendhagen – Nikon ambassador and one of the Nordic region’s most experienced wildlife photographers, with over ten years of experience capturing bears and wolves in this area.
The region is also home to a well-established wolf pack, and although wolves tend to be elusive, there’s a good chance to spot and photograph this fascinating predator in its natural habitat. With a bit of luck, the mythical wolverine may also make an appearance. Getting this close to these wild predators is as much a powerful nature experience as it is a photographic highlight.
Due to high demand, we extended the trip by an extra day in 2025 – a decision that was met with great enthusiasm. That’s why we’re continuing with the same format in 2026, offering you five full nights in the hides.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- One of the world’s best locations for photographing brown bears.
- Bears at very close range.
- Opportunity to photograph wolves and wolverines.
- Five nights in hides.
- Multiple hides with diverse surroundings.
- Lectures and photo editing sessions with Roger Brendhagen.
- Image reviews and constructive critique sessions.
COUNTRY: Finland PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife TRIP LENGHT: 6 days Dates: July 1-6 2026 GROUP SIZE: 8-14
I have been here in Finland photographing bears and wolves for more than 10 years, and I can confidently say that the conditions for capturing great images of bears, wolves, and sometimes even wolverines are exceptionally good.
Roger Brendhagen
Experience magical encounters with bears, wolves, and sometimes even wolverines in the wild borderlands between Finland and Russia – an unforgettable photo expedition with Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen.
From our comfortable hides, we look out over the magnificent landscape stretching across the border between Finland and Russia. With anticipation and excitement, we scan the marshlands and forest edges – nature is still, yet charged with presence. Suddenly, as if emerging from the shadows of the forest, it appears – the majestic brown bear. We follow it through the camera’s viewfinder as it slowly moves toward the water in the soft, golden evening light. When it bends down to drink, its face is reflected in the mirror-like surface – a moment offering outstanding photographic opportunities. After quenching its thirst, the bear confidently steps into the water to cool off. The first encounter with this iconic creature is always a powerful and unforgettable experience. And the night in the realm of bears has only just begun.
Zoom Photo Tours gives you the chance to experience this up close. In modern, well-positioned hides, you’ll spend five nights photographing the mighty brown bear under the guidance of Roger Brendhagen – Nikon ambassador and one of the Nordic region’s most experienced wildlife photographers, with over ten years of experience capturing bears and wolves in this area.
The region is also home to a well-established wolf pack, and although wolves tend to be elusive, there’s a good chance to spot and photograph this fascinating predator in its natural habitat. With a bit of luck, the mythical wolverine may also make an appearance. Getting this close to these wild predators is as much a powerful nature experience as it is a photographic highlight.
Due to high demand, we extended the trip by an extra day in 2025 – a decision that was met with great enthusiasm. That’s why we’re continuing with the same format in 2026, offering you five full nights in the hides.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- One of the world’s best locations for photographing brown bears.
- Bears at very close range.
- Opportunity to photograph wolves and wolverines.
- Five nights in hides.
- Multiple hides with diverse surroundings.
- Lectures and photo editing sessions with Roger Brendhagen.
- Image reviews and constructive critique sessions.
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
In the wild borderlands between Finland and Russia lies Kuikka Base Camp – a location ranked among the world’s best for photographing brown bears in their natural habitat.
Here, in the heart of the Finnish taiga, wolves and the elusive wolverine also roam – and with the right timing and patience, there’s a good chance to capture these predators on camera.
You’ll be photographing from well-placed hides located close to the Russian border. The hides are strategically positioned in a variety of environments – by water, in the forest, and on open marshlands – offering great diversity in background, lighting, and image composition.
In addition to the large predators, the area offers a rich and varied wildlife. You might spot everything from moose, reindeer, and beavers to birds of prey such as eagles and hawks – and with a bit of luck, even an owl gliding silently through the dusk.
More information about Kuikka Base Camp and the hides can be found further down in the program.
Learn more about the destination and the landscape in the borderland with Russia.
READ MORE
In the wild borderlands between Finland and Russia lies Kuikka Base Camp – a location ranked among the world’s best for photographing brown bears in their natural habitat.
Here, in the heart of the Finnish taiga, wolves and the elusive wolverine also roam – and with the right timing and patience, there’s a good chance to capture these predators on camera.
You’ll be photographing from well-placed hides located close to the Russian border. The hides are strategically positioned in a variety of environments – by water, in the forest, and on open marshlands – offering great diversity in background, lighting, and image composition.
In addition to the large predators, the area offers a rich and varied wildlife. You might spot everything from moose, reindeer, and beavers to birds of prey such as eagles and hawks – and with a bit of luck, even an owl gliding silently through the dusk.
More information about Kuikka Base Camp and the hides can be found further down in the program.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
JULY 1-6, 2026
DAY 1, (JULY 1) – ARRIVAL TO KUIKKA
In the afternoon, we gather at Kuikka Base Camp, where we are welcomed by Roger Brendhagen and our colorful Finnish host, photographer Lassi Rautiainen. We begin our days together with an inspiring lecture by Roger, who will showcase images from the bear-rich area where we will spend the next few days, offering tips and advice for our first photo session.
After dinner, we head out to our hides. From here, we eagerly and excitedly watch the beautiful surroundings that form the no man’s land between Finland and Russia. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the mighty brown bear appears before us. With our cameras, we follow it as it moves through the untouched nature in the soft evening light, providing us with fantastic photo opportunities. (D)
DAY 2-5, (JULY 2-5) – BEAR AND WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY
After a night filled with many photo opportunities, we return to Base Camp for a few hours of rest. During the days, we will work on image editing, and Roger will show us how to make the most of our photos using editing software. We will also listen to lectures and have group image reviews, where Roger will provide constructive and developmental feedback on our photos.
With new knowledge, we head back to our hides after dinner for more photography opportunities. In addition to bears, with a bit of luck, we might also photograph some of the area’s wolves and wolverines. During our sessions in the field, we will move between different hides, each offering unique surroundings, from wetlands to forest areas. Roger will rotate between the hides to provide personal guidance, helping you develop as a photographer in the best possible way. (B, L, D)
DAY 6, (JULY 6) – DEPARTURE
We return to Kuikka in the morning, just in time for breakfast. After breakfast, Roger will announce the “Photo of the Trip,” which will advance to the final in Zoom’s major photo competition “Photo of the Year.” After this, the journey home begins on your own. (B)
Zoom Photo Tours, in collaboration with Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen, offers you the opportunity to photograph brown bears and wolves up close from modern hides.
Read more
JULY 1-6, 2026
DAY 1, (JULY 1) – ARRIVAL TO KUIKKA
In the afternoon, we gather at Kuikka Base Camp, where we are welcomed by Roger Brendhagen and our colorful Finnish host, photographer Lassi Rautiainen. We begin our days together with an inspiring lecture by Roger, who will showcase images from the bear-rich area where we will spend the next few days, offering tips and advice for our first photo session.
After dinner, we head out to our hides. From here, we eagerly and excitedly watch the beautiful surroundings that form the no man’s land between Finland and Russia. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the mighty brown bear appears before us. With our cameras, we follow it as it moves through the untouched nature in the soft evening light, providing us with fantastic photo opportunities. (D)
DAY 2-5, (JULY 2-5) – BEAR AND WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY
After a night filled with many photo opportunities, we return to Base Camp for a few hours of rest. During the days, we will work on image editing, and Roger will show us how to make the most of our photos using editing software. We will also listen to lectures and have group image reviews, where Roger will provide constructive and developmental feedback on our photos.
With new knowledge, we head back to our hides after dinner for more photography opportunities. In addition to bears, with a bit of luck, we might also photograph some of the area’s wolves and wolverines. During our sessions in the field, we will move between different hides, each offering unique surroundings, from wetlands to forest areas. Roger will rotate between the hides to provide personal guidance, helping you develop as a photographer in the best possible way. (B, L, D)
DAY 6, (JULY 6) – DEPARTURE
We return to Kuikka in the morning, just in time for breakfast. After breakfast, Roger will announce the “Photo of the Trip,” which will advance to the final in Zoom’s major photo competition “Photo of the Year.” After this, the journey home begins on your own. (B)
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER
Roger Brendhagen • Wildlife photographer
After working as a journalist for five years, Roger Brendhagen spent the past 20 years working as a full-time photographer. With over three hundred travel days a year Roger has the entire world as his workplace, and he has taken photos everywhere from Mongolia to India and Africa.
For 16 years he has been one of Nikon’s ambassadors and is often hired as a lecturer. Roger is chairperson of Norske Naturfotografer / NN.
He is also highly appreciated for his workshops and photo expeditions. Roger has led photo expeditions around the world, including to Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and India. During his workshops at Dovrefjell, Roger has welcomed over seven hundred participants over the years.
Read more about Roger: https://rogerbrendhagen.com/
Read more about the award-winning nature photographer and Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen.
Read more
Roger Brendhagen • Wildlife photographer
After working as a journalist for five years, Roger Brendhagen spent the past 20 years working as a full-time photographer. With over three hundred travel days a year Roger has the entire world as his workplace, and he has taken photos everywhere from Mongolia to India and Africa.
For 16 years he has been one of Nikon’s ambassadors and is often hired as a lecturer. Roger is chairperson of Norske Naturfotografer / NN.
He is also highly appreciated for his workshops and photo expeditions. Roger has led photo expeditions around the world, including to Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and India. During his workshops at Dovrefjell, Roger has welcomed over seven hundred participants over the years.
LODGE & HIDES
LODGE & HIDES
KUIKKA BASE CAMP
The base camp in Kuikka consists of former lumberjack cabins located on a peninsula by Lake Kuikka, very close to the Russian border. There are seven rooms equipped with bunk beds. The rooms do not have running water, nor do they have toilets or showers. In the main building, where dinner is served and where we also conduct photo editing sessions, there is Wi-Fi. Adjacent to the main building, there are three toilets and four showers, as well as a lakeside sauna with a wood stove and a smoke sauna.
HIDES
All 14 hides are slightly different; some are quite large, accommodating up to five people, while others are smaller and designed for individual photography or filming. No tripod is needed as there are built-in mounts for cameras. In front of the camera, there is an opening in the fabric where you can extend your lens. You will spend the entire night in the hides, sleeping on soft foam mattresses (no sleeping pad is needed). It’s suggested that one person sleeps while the other keeps watch, taking turns throughout the night.
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING
PRICE
Price per person: USD 2 500
The price includes:
- Accommodation in multi-bed rooms at Kuikka Base Camp.
- Meals according to the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Photography from hides for five nights according to the program.
- Sleeping bags with sheets in the hides each night.
- Transportation to and from the hides.
- Participation of Roger Brendhagen throughout the workshop.
- Various lectures and workshops with Roger Brendhagen.
- Local taxes.
- Travel documents and information prior to the trip.
The price does not include:
- Flights to Kajaani.
- Single room supplement: USD 400. Note: Only two single rooms are available.
- Taxi transport from Kajaani to Kuikka (payable on-site).
- Personal expenses, such as drinks with meals, etc.
- Cancellation insurance/travel insurance. For more information, see our website under “Other.”
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation to Kuikka is arranged on your own. You can either take a boat to Helsinki and then drive to the base camp in Kuikka, or fly via Helsinki to Kajaani. You should arrive at Kuikka no later than 15:00 on July 1 and not book your return journey earlier than 12:30 on July 6.
If you need assistance with transportation from the airport to the base camp, Lassi Rautiainen can arrange a taxi transfer. The exact cost will depend on the number of people requiring the transfer. The exact cost will be communicated once we know the final number. The transfer fee is paid directly to Lassi Rautiainen upon arrival. Please note: Taxi transport is very expensive, so we recommend using your own car and/or carpooling from Sweden.
Since many prefer to arrange their own transportation, we have chosen not to include this in the price. If you would like assistance with booking your flight, we are more than happy to help. You are welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or indicate your preference when making the booking
FACTS
Target Group: Photographers interested in wildlife and nature photography.
Min/Max Participants: 8/14
Exchange Rate: Euro 11,60 (as of Aug 13 2025)
Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, delivery terms, etc., please visit our website under “Other.”
CAMERA EQUPIMENT
- A DSLR Camera.
- Telephoto lenses, at least 500mm and up.
- Teleconverter.
- 70-200 mm.
- A tripod or a monopod.
- A Laptop computer with any of the Photoshop or Lightroom software.
- Extra batteries, chargers.
BOOKING
You can book the trip by clicking on the button below. You are also welcome to call us on the phone +46 470 466 40 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com
Photo: Roger Brendhagen