Wildlife Photography in the Finnish Wilderness: Bears and Wolves

Into the Finnish Wilderness: Bears, Wolves, and Wolverines

The pursuit of extraordinary wildlife photography often leads us far off the beaten path, where nature remains raw and unspoiled. This time, my travels brought me to Finland’s remote forests, just a stone throw away from the Russian border, home to powerful brown bears, elusive wolves, and the legendary wolverine. My days were spent in specially designed photo hides, capturing rare glimpses of this northern haven.

Arriving in Kajaani

Our journey began with a flight into Kajaani Airport—a small yet efficient gateway to the pristine woodland of eastern Finland. After touching down, we picked up our rental car and drove past expansive pine forests and sparkling lakes until we reached a wildlife reserve near the Russian border.
We checked in to our cabin, where we would keep most of our gear, and grab some sleep between the sessions, during the day when the light is no bueno for photography anyway. Here I would also charge my camera gear, as there of course is no power in the photo hides – they’re in the wilderness after all.
Every evening, night, and morning was spent in photo hides – even before entering the hides, I could sense the wild spirit of this land.

Settling into the Photo Hides

Upon arrival, we were introduced to our accommodations for the coming nights: photo hides nestled deep in the wilderness. Designed to minimize disturbance, these hides feature narrow, tinted windows and discreet camera ports, allowing us to observe animals up close without alerting them. The key to success here is patience—once inside, we had to remain quiet and wait for nature to unfold around us.

Day 1: Bear Encounters and a Wolf Pack

The first evening felt almost surreal. As I stepped into the hide, I immediately noticed a massive brown bear roaming just 60 meters away. Watching it sniff the air and explore the clearing, my heart pounded with excitement. I hurried into the hide. Before long, more bears appeared—at one point, up to eight roamed in front of us, each offering a fresh angle for my lens.

Later that evening, the atmosphere shifted as a wolf pack emerged from the shadows. Their leader appeared first, scanning the surroundings with keen, intelligent eyes. Moments later, the rest of the pack followed, including playful cubs bounding behind the adults. Their synchronized movements were mesmerizing—like a carefully choreographed dance in the twilight.
And as the night and darkness fell, we even got a visit from the lady Aurora herself, the aurora borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights. The beauty of the Finnish wilderness just kept on giving.

Day 2: A Lakeside Hide and the Elusive Wolverine

On the second day, we moved to a hide overlooking a tranquil lake. Its glassy surface reflected the surrounding pines, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. After a couple hours of patience, a large brown bear arrived at the water’s edge, wading in for a leisurely bath, and swam across the lake! The sight of such a powerful creature so at ease—snorting and splashing in the moonlit water—was simply unforgettable.

The evening grew even more magical when a wolverine made a brief appearance along the shoreline. Its rugged coat and confident stance hinted at its legendary tenacity. Later two wolves arrived separately, each pausing for a drink, their sleek silhouettes mirrored in the still water. Each encounter felt like a precious secret shared by the Finnish wilderness.

Day 3: Returning to the Lake Hide

After some debate, we decided to spend our third day back at the same lakeside hide—our previous experience had been so rewarding, we couldn’t resist another chance to get better images of the elusive wolverine. Our instincts proved correct. Once again, bears ventured to the water’s edge, providing fresh photographic opportunities. We also got what we came back for, another glimpse of the wolverine skirting the treeline, as elusive as ever. At least this time I managed to get a couple of decent images of this beautiful creature.

The biggest surprise, however, came in the form of a sparrow-hawk darting over the lake. It swooped low, scanning for prey and then disappearing into the canopy, a sudden burst of energy amid the stillness. Unexpected moments like these reminded us that the Finnish wilderness is teeming with life at every level, from apex predators to swift-winged birds of prey.

The Trials and Triumphs of Wildlife Photography

Photographing animals in their natural habitat is both challenging and immensely rewarding. We faced long, silent hours in cramped hides, unpredictable weather, and the constant need for absolute stillness. Yet every bit of discomfort melted away whenever I pressed the shutter. Each photo felt like a testament to nature’s beauty and resilience.

Immersion was perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of this journey. Enveloped by rustling leaves and distant bird calls, I felt more like a respectful guest than an observer in the animals’ world. These experiences reaffirm why we embark on such adventures: to witness and preserve fleeting moments of untamed grace.

Reflections on a Wild Experience

As I departed Kajaani, memory cards brimming with images and my mind alive with memories, I couldn’t help but marvel at Finland’s pristine landscapes. This corner of the world stands as proof of what can happen when nature is allowed to flourish, thriving under a sky that never fully darkens in summer.

For those with a love of the untamed, Finland offers an experience unlike any other. It’s a place where, with patience, passion, and respect for wildlife, you can capture images that tell the story of an untouched wilderness—an experience I won’t soon forget.

 Espen Lossius

Espen Lossius is a Norwegian wildlife photographer whose travels this time has taken him to Finland photographing bears, wolves and wolverines.