Price

€1.499,00 price per person (4 days - max. 3 persons)

Guide

Stefan Gerrits

Tour description

Finland is not only the land of a thousand lakes, it is also blessed with some of the most striking natural landscapes on Earth, especially in winter. Amidst this frozen beauty live some of the most extraordinary bird species, none more captivating than the owls.

In the vast silence of Finland’s northern forests live two birds that feel like legends. The Great Grey Owl, ghost of the Taiga, drifts between snow-laden pines , silent, immense, and otherworldly. To see one is to witness the forest itself take shape and move. The Northern Hawk Owl is its restless counterpart: bold, nomadic, and unafraid. Perched high on a lonely spruce, it scans the white plains with piercing eyes, a wanderer that appears and vanishes with the turning of nature’s cycles.

Both are bound to the rise and fall of the vole. When prey is plentiful, they stay and reveal themselves; when it disappears, they vanish as suddenly as they came. That is why photography tours for these owls are never announced long in advance, but only when they are truly present, and can be photographed respecting their rhythm, their mystery, and their myth.

Northern Hawk Owl - Arrow of the Taiga

Unlike most owls, the Northern Hawk Owl thrives in daylight. With sharp, hawk-like wings and a long tail built for speed, it cuts across the open skies of the Taiga like an arrow, scanning snow-covered plains from the crown of a solitary spruce. Its piercing gaze and lightning-fast dives make it one of the most striking owls of the north. But the Hawk Owl is a wanderer. It follows the rise and fall of vole populations, appearing in certain areas one year and vanishing the next. In winters rich with prey, they can be seen actively hunting from February to April. During the breeding season, if food is abundant, they may hold small territories, though their secretive nature keeps them well hidden.

For this reason, photography workshops are never fixed far ahead. They are announced only when Hawk Owls are present and conditions allow for respectful encounters and photography opportunities in their natural habitat.

Additional

In winter, the spruce forests are transformed into fairytale landscapes, their branches heavy with condensed frost. These conditions offer endless opportunities for landscape photography, from wide vistas to intimate forest scenes. Small streams weave through the snow, perfect for experimenting with long exposures and capturing the graceful movements of White-throated Dippers as they fish.

At different hotspots, we’ll encounter local birdlife such as Siberian Jays, Willow Tits, and perhaps Siberian Tits. There may also be the chance to spend time in a hide with a breathtaking backdrop, where species like Grey-headed and Black Woodpeckers often appear.

Program overview

Below you’ll find a general itinerary for the trip. The program serves as a guideline, but nature always has the final word. Weather conditions, including temperature, and wildlife behavior, especially in winter, can shape our daily schedule and priorities. While no species can ever be guaranteed, this flexibility is what often creates the most memorable and unique encounters. Rest assured, we will do everything possible to provide you with the best photography opportunities throughout the tour.

Day 1: Arrival

Your journey begins as you arrive at Helsinki, Kajaani, or Kuusamo Airport, the exact location depends on where the owls have revealed themselves this season. From the moment we meet, the adventure begins. We’ll head straight toward the forests and fields where Northern Hawk Owls roam their winter territories. If conditions allow, we won’t waste a moment: stepping right into the field to search for these remarkable hunters in, hopefully, the golden afternoon light. We’ll photograph until dusk before retreating to our cozy accommodation, where a hearty dinner will be served.

Day 2-3: In the field

For the next two days, it’s all about the owls. After breakfast, we’ll head out into the crisp northern air, spending the daylight hours tracking Northern Hawk Owls as they perch high on spruces, scan the snowy plains, and launch into their lightning-fast hunts. To make the most of every moment, we’ll enjoy lunch in the field, surrounded by winter silence and the rhythm of nature. As darkness falls, we’ll return for dinner together, sharing stories, images, and the highlights of the day’s encounters.

Day 4: Farewell session

On our final morning, we’ll head out once more, making the most of the final chances to photograph the owls and their winter landscapes. After a warming lunch, we’ll begin our journey back toward Helsinki, Kajaani, or Kuusamo Airport. You’ll leave with memory cards full of images, stories to tell, and the lasting impression of days spent in the company of one of the north’s most remarkable hunters.

General Travel Information

Participant Meeting

Before the trip, we will organize an online participant meeting so you can get to know your fellow travelers and ask any questions about the trip.

Maximum group size

You can book this trip individually or with your own group. The group size is a maximum of 3 people excluding the guides.

Guidance

Depending on your place of departure, you will either travel alone or with a group to Helsinki, Kajaani or Kuusamo, Finland.

Accommodation

We will stay in a clean and comfortable accommodation with the necessary amenities, including bathrooms and toilets. The accommodation will be booked based on where the owls have revealed themselves this seasonon. Accommodation is based on shared double rooms, but for a small additional fee, you can book a single room. There are a limited number of single rooms available.

Passport and Visa

You must have a valid ID card or passport. These must remain valid throughout your stay. A visa is not required for Finland.

Extra costs

This trip is available to book starting at €1,499. The supplement for a single room or private use of a double room is €215. There are limited single rooms available.

• 1 person in a shared double room

  If you book this option, you'll share your room with someone of the same gender. The room will have separate beds. If no one of the same gender is available, you'll need to pay the supplement for a single room.

• 2 people in a double room

  This option is perfect for couples or friends traveling together. You can indicate in the booking notes whether you'd like a double bed or two separate beds.

• 1 person in a single room

  This option provides you with your own room, with a supplement for single use. If you are in a double or triple room alone, the same supplement applies.

Materials

We are happy to provide advice on which equipment and other necessities you should bring. Of course, you are free to make your own choices, but always be mindful of the maximum allowed weight for your flight.

Flight and Transportation

You will book the flights yourself, and they are not included in the price. However, we will provide you with ample notice before departure regarding the best flights to book, and we will inform the hotel of your estimated arrival time.

Health and Difficulty

Finland does not have any specific health risks different from those in countries like the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany. If you do wish to have more information, we recommend consulting the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your departure to stay informed about the latest developments in the country.

Remember to bring any necessary medication with you.

Difficulty: easy/medium

During the hikes to the sights, we may have to walk through deep snow, which can be intensive though rarely longer than 10 to 15 minutes. The days can be very cold, even down to -25°C.

Cancellation Policy - Owl Photography Workshops

If you need to cancel your owl photography workshop, please let me know as soon as possible. In addition, as these owl photography workshops depend on the unpredictable presence of the owls, they are only confirmed on short notice. Once the workshop is announced, or confirmed, and you secure your spot, the following applies:

• If the owls move on or the workshop cannot take place, your payment will be fully refunded or transferred to a future date.

• If you need to cancel after confirmation, we ask you to inform us as soon as possible. In that case, we will do our best to fill your spot. If the spot cannot be filled, a cancellation fee of 25% of the workshop cost applies.

• Cancellations made less than 3 days before the workshop are non-refundable.

This way, you keep full flexibility while also protecting the reserved time.

Extraordinary circumstances

In the event of trip cancellation due to exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, such as extreme weather conditions, death, conflicts, or airline disruptions, no refunds will be provided for those reasons. You can always consult your travel insurance provider for assistance.