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.
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.
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.
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, & scavenging carcasses.
Capturing Finland’s Bears on Camera
With their imposing size & playful nature, Finland’s Brown Bears 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.
The hides in 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.
Bears display a wide range of behaviours around the hides — fishing, play-fighting, tree-marking, & nursing cubs.
Most photographers leave with strong images of Finland’s bears in a variety of poses & behaviours.
Popular Bear Photography Locations in Finland
Finland has some of the healthiest 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.
The main bear photography locations in Finland are:
Suomussalmi, in the Kainuu region, is one of the most popular locations for brown Bear photography in 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.
The Lapland forests & tundra offer different backgrounds — more open ground & varied light.
The terrain includes forest, open meadow, lakeside, & rocky ground, so you can work bears against a variety of backgrounds within the same session.
If you want to photograph brown Bears & the other predators that call Finland home, you’ll want to head to Viiksimo. Here, populations of large carnivores & bears are vibrant.
Importance of Preserving the Brown Bears of Finland
The 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.
As such, it is crucial to ensure their preservation, such as implementing land conservation measures, proper wildlife management strategies, & increasing education & awareness.
Continued conservation work is needed to keep bear populations stable for the long term.
Which Photography Holidays Does NaturesLens Schedule for Photographing the Brown Bears of Finland?
NaturesLens offers a range of Brown Bear photography holidays designed to allow photographers of all levels to capture images of Europe’s largest predator. These trips generally are conducted in June & July when the Brown Bears & their cubs are most active. If photographing the Bears & Wolves in Finland is your thing, we have a photography holiday.
Our photography holidays allow photographers to capture strong images of the Brown Bears of 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, wolves, White-tailed Eagles, & more.
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.
- 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.
