11 –  16 May 2024
FINLAND: Oulu region

A self-drive photography tour is a perfect solution for you who want to explore Finland’s photo opportunities on your own!

This self-drive tour includes the the delightful Black Grouse lek, elegant Ruff and the mystical Eagle Owl photography in Oulu region. Visit our great hides and explore the Finnish nature on your own!

Tour duration 6 days:

11th May
Arrival to Oulu region, nearest airport is Oulu.

12th May
The Black Grouse lek is filled with action! Imagine this beautiful grouse dancing, giving bubbling echoing calls and spreading their lyre-shaped tails for the females to see. Very early morning at Black Grouse hide (3 am). Photography session until 8 – 9 am depending on the morning. In afternoon time to explore the Finnish spring.

13th May
Another early morning at Black Grouse lek. Drive to Liminka for Ruff in their breeding plumage. Ruff hides from 5 pm until sunset (10:30 pm).
We have set up Ruff photography hides in Liminka Bay wetlands. Our shore hides are located by a shallow flood pool. There are excellent chances for beautiful backlit images with reflections on water on clear nights here!

14th May
Again very early morning at Ruff hides (3:30 am) in different light and weather conditions. If you wish it is possible to stay overnight in the hide but there is no heating and you will need your own sleeping bag. Day break and meeting Finnature guide at Liminka Bay Nature Centre at 6pm. Short drive to Eagle Owl hides for the night. Eurasian Eagle Owl is the biggest Owl of Europe. It is a powerful bird and characterized by its large size, prominent ear tufts and large orange eyes. We have set up a led lights to photograph Eagle Owls during the night. But often they are active in May also during the light hours. Also Goshawk is a possible visitor.

15th May
Morning at Eagle Owl hide. Day break and second night at Eagle Owl hide.

16th May
The last morning at Eagle Owl hide. Departure from the hide after noon.

If you wish a bit more – book an additional night for Brown Bears, Wolves and Wolverines from the site where it is possible to see all three with luck. It is also possible to book more than one night at the wildlife site – just contact Finnature’s office. The site is located in Kuhmo – about 4 hours drive from Oulu.

Group size: 1 – 5 photographers

Landcost price: 1030 € / person

Price includes: 2 mornings at Black Grouse lek hide, evening and morning at Ruff hide and 2 nights at our Forest feeder hide for Eagle Owl. Written instructions to Black Grouse and Ruff hides and guidance to Forest feeder hide.

Extension: Brown Bear, Wolf and Wolverine. Additional night(s) in Kuhmo.

Please have a look at our Flickr gallery: