Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/08/21/amazing-brown-bears-of-finland/

# Photographing the Brown Bears of Finland

Published on August 21, 2023

[![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Alongside The Lake](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-alongside-the-lake-1024x684.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-alongside-the-lake.jpg)

Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by [Johnny Södergård](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/johnny/).

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Strides Directly Towards The Bear Photography Hides](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-strides-directly-towards-the-bear-photography-hides.jpg)

 

 This article covers the Brown Bears of Finland, whose numbers have dwindled recently. Found mainly in the remote forests of northern Finland, the Brown Bear population is declining due to the human-caused destruction of their habitats. To help protect & preserve this species, the Finnish government has taken measures to protect the habitats & reduce interactions between the Bears & humans. With the help of wildlife conservation efforts, it is hoped that the Bears in Finland will continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
 

 

![A Finnish Brown Bear Strides Through Cotton Grass In The Meadow Area](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-finnish-brown-bear-strides-through-cotton-grass-in-the-meadow-area.jpg)

 

## An Introduction to the Brown Bear

 

Northern Finland offers reliable access to Europe’s largest predator. Here, opportunities are available for brown Bear watching & photography of the largest predator in Europe, all within its natural habitat of the remote northern forests.
 

 

![One Of The Brown Bears Of Finland Strides Out Of The Forest](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-brown-bears-of-finland-strides-out-of-the-forest.jpg)

 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Splashes In The Swamp Area](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-splashes-in-the-swamp-area.jpg)

 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Strides Out Of One Of Finland Taiga Forests](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-strides-out-of-one-of-finland-taiga-forests.jpg)

 

 Brown bears are intelligent, unpredictable subjects. Finland is one of very few places in Europe where you can reliably photograph them at close range from purpose-built hides.

 

## Appearance of the Brown Bear

 

The brown Bear has incredibly dense fur, giving it an almost spherical appearance. It has small, rounded ears that are visible despite its full coat. The colour of the Bear can range from dark brown to pale yellow-brown.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Wanders Through Cotton Grass In The Meadow Area](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-wanders-through-cotton-grass-in-the-meadow-area.jpg)

 

## What Is The Diet of the Brown Bear?

 

The brown Bear (Ursus arctos) is an omnivorous creature that eats a variety of food sources. Its diet primarily comprises plant matter such as berries, grain, & other vegetation, but the Bear also consumes a significant amount – around 30% – of meat. This includes fish, insects, birds & [mammals](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/mammal/), & scavenging carcasses.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Walks Through The Undergrowth](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-walks-through-the-undergrowth.jpg)

 

## Capturing Finland’s Bears on Camera

 

With their imposing size & playful nature, [Finland’s Brown Bears](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland//) evoke both awe & admiration. Capturing the characteristics of the brown Bears of Finland on camera is an exceptional experience few people enjoy. The brown Bears of Finland are unique, as they are found only in the Northern parts of the country, where the climate & terrain provide excellent habitat for them.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Strides Through Cotton Grass In The Meadow Area](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-strides-through-cotton-grass-in-the-meadow-area.jpg)

 

 The hides in [Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland/) are comfortable enough for overnight stays, which is when the best light occurs — the midnight sun keeps the sky lit well past 23:00 in midsummer. Bears often appear within the first hour & stay active through the night.
 

 

![One Of The Brown Bears Of Finland Rubs It Back Against One Of The Trees Of The Forest](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-brown-bears-of-finland-rubs-it-back-against-one-of-the-trees-of-the-forest.jpg)

 

 Bears display a wide range of behaviours around the hides — fishing, play-fighting, tree-marking, & nursing cubs.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Scratches It Back Against A Tree In Finland Taiga Forests](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-scratches-it-back-against-a-tree-in-finland-taiga-forests.jpg)

 

 Most photographers leave with strong images of [Finland’s bears](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-Bear/) in a variety of poses & behaviours.

 

## Popular Bear Photography Locations in Finland

 

Finland has some of the healthiest [brown bear](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-bear/) populations in Europe. The main photography regions are the forests of Suomussalmi in Kainuu, & the taiga of Finnish Lapland — both areas support bears in good numbers.
 

 

![One Of Finland Brown Bears Strides Through Cotton Grass In The Meadow Area](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-finland-brown-bears-strides-through-cotton-grass-in-the-meadow-area.jpg)

 

 The main bear photography locations in Finland are:
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Stands Watching From Cotton Grass In The Meadow Area](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-stands-watching-from-cotton-grass-in-the-meadow-area.jpg)

 

 [Suomussalmi](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/suomussalmi/), in the Kainuu region, is one of the most popular locations for [brown Bear photography in Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland//) due to the notable Bear population in the area. The taiga forests here provide good habitat, & the hides are well-positioned for consistent results.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Strides Towards The Bear Photography Hides](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-strides-towards-the-bear-photography-hides.jpg)

 

 The Lapland forests & tundra offer different backgrounds — more open ground & varied light.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Against One Of The Trees Of The Forest](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-against-one-of-the-trees-of-the-forest.jpg)

 

 The terrain includes forest, open meadow, lakeside, & rocky ground, so you can work bears against a variety of backgrounds within the same session.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Rests Nonchalantly On A Bank](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-rests-nonchalantly-on-a-bank.jpg)

 

 If you want to photograph brown Bears & the other predators that call [Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland/) home, you’ll want to head to [Viiksimo](https://natureslens.co.uk/specific-location/viiksimo/). Here, populations of large carnivores & bears are vibrant.

 

## Importance of Preserving the Brown Bears of Finland

 

The [brown Bears of Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/brown-bears-of-finland/) are an integral part of the country’s ecosystem & are an important species that must be protected from extinction. These animals play an essential role in the food chain, consuming other species & ensuring the balance of their habitats. Furthermore, they are an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage & are one of the few remaining symbols of the nation’s traditional wildlife.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Runs Through The Undergrowth](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-runs-through-the-undergrowth.jpg)

 

 As such, it is crucial to ensure their preservation, such as implementing land conservation measures, proper wildlife management strategies, & increasing education & awareness.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Sniffing Cotton Grass In The Meadow Area](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-sniffing-cotton-grass-in-the-meadow-area.jpg)

 

 Continued conservation work is needed to keep bear populations stable for the long term.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Sniffing The Undergrowth](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-sniffing-the-undergrowth.jpg)

 

## Which Photography Holidays Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photographing the Brown Bears of Finland?

 

NaturesLens offers a range of [Brown Bear photography holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland//) designed to allow photographers of all levels to capture images of [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/)’s largest predator. These trips generally are conducted in June & July when the [Brown Bears](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-bear/) & their cubs are most active. If photographing the [Bears & Wolves in Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland//) is your thing, we have a photography holiday.
 

 Our photography holidays allow photographers to capture strong images of the [Brown Bears of Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland//) as they interact with each other, & traverse the forests. During some of our trips, photographers will also have the opportunity to photograph a wide array of other wildlife, including [wolverines](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/wolverine/), [wolves](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/wolf/), [White-tailed Eagles](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/white-tailed-eagle/), & more.
 

 

![One Of The Larger Brown Bears Of Finland Stands Watching From The Edge Of One Of Finland Taiga Forests](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/one-of-the-larger-brown-bears-of-finland-stands-watching-from-the-edge-of-one-of-finland-taiga-forests.jpg)

 

 Our trips are led by experienced wildlife photographers who know these locations & can advise on settings, composition, & how to read bear behaviour for the best photographic opportunities.
 

 

![A Wolverine On The Meadow Area Found In Front Of One Of Finland Taiga Forests](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-wolverine-on-the-meadow-area-found-in-front-of-one-of-finland-taiga-forests.jpg)

 

- NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access.
 
- Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance.
 
- Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips.

 

**Related Trips:** [Brown Bears of Finland Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/brown-bears-of-finland/)

**Explore by Country:** [Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland/)

**Related Species:** [Brown Bear](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-bear/), [Common Raven](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-raven/), [White-tailed Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/white-tailed-eagle/) & [Wolverine](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/wolverine/)

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In this article

1. [An Introduction to the Brown Bear](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/08/21/amazing-brown-bears-of-finland/#an-introduction-to-the-brown-bear)

1. [Appearance of the Brown Bear](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/08/21/amazing-brown-bears-of-finland/#appearance-of-the-brown-bear)

1. [What Is The Diet of the Brown Bear?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/08/21/amazing-brown-bears-of-finland/#what-is-the-diet-of-the-brown-bear)

1. [Capturing Finland's Bears on Camera](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/08/21/amazing-brown-bears-of-finland/#capturing-finlands-bears-on-camera)

1. [Popular Bear Photography Locations in Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/08/21/amazing-brown-bears-of-finland/#popular-bear-photography-locations-in-finland)

1. [Importance of Preserving the Brown Bears of Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/08/21/amazing-brown-bears-of-finland/#importance-of-preserving-the-brown-bears-of-finland)

1. [Which Photography Holidays Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photographing the Brown Bears of Finland?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2023/08/21/amazing-brown-bears-of-finland/#which-photography-holidays-does-natureslens-schedule-for-photographing-the-brown-bears-of-finland)

 

### Author

 

DM

 

[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme.

 

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