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In the vast boreal forests of eastern Finland, Kuikka Lake is a calming oasis and the perfect wilderness area to watch and photograph Eurasian brown bear, wolverine and Eurasian wolf.

Kuikka Topography

Situated close to the Russian border, the lake is surrounded by native forests and wetlands, providing a mosaic of habitats which support a wonderful array of sought-after species.

Wildlife hides in Kuikka

Several purpose-built hides provide the opportunity to photograph the area’s population of brown bear and wolverine. What makes this area a particular draw is the pack of wolves which are regularly seen and provide world-class photographic opportunities. Around the lake itself it's possible to enjoy views of European elk, white-tailed eagle, pied flycatcher, goldeneye and red squirrel. Summer is typically thought of as the best time of year to enjoy the area’s exceptional wildlife. Guests are usually transported to the hides in the late afternoon as most of the wildlife become active around this time, and return to Kuikka Base Camp early in the morning to rest and prepare for another evening observing wildlife from the hides.

When to visit Kuikka Lake

As spring turns to summer (May & June) the bear mating season is over, and their attention turns to focussing on feeding. The wolverines are also busy making the most of the warmer weather, always on the move as they look for their next meal. This time of year is when the wolves are denning, and they're busy raising their pups – they appear silently from the trees before disappearing as quickly as they appear. With near 24-hour daylight, it's possible to watch wildlife throughout the night.

With summer in full swing (July & August) the bears and wolverines are becoming more and more active. The meadows and marshes are full of wildflowers, and the warmer days mean that much of the predators’ activity is restricted to the evenings. The wolf pups start to venture away from the den and can sometimes be seen on the forest edge when the adults emerge in front of the hides searching for food.

September and October provide a very different experience as the rich greens of summer turn to reds, golden yellows and browns. It’s the last chance for the bears to fatten up before hibernation. The wolverine are still their usual excitable selves, always on the move as they look for an easy meal. The pack of wolves and their fast-growing pups start to grow their winter coat, changing their appearance. With the wonderful autumnal hues, and longer nights, this offers a very different experience from the summer months.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: brown bear, wolverine, white-tailed eagle, Eurasian wolf, Ural owl
  • Where: Kuhmo, Finland

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Boreal Predators Photography

Join us on this remarkable photography tour and capture images of Finland’s finest predators – brown bear, Eurasian wolf and wolverine – in the boreal forest. Accompanied by a photographer and using dedicated hides, this week makes the most of the late light from the long summer evenings. Find out more about Boreal Predators Photography

  • Price (inc. flights): 6 days from £2,895
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S

Bears, Wolves & Wolverines Self-drive

Brown bear, wolf and wolverine are among Europe’s top predators. All can be seen and photographed from specialist hides in the enigmatic taiga of Finland. Elk, reindeer, white-tailed eagle, capercaillie and other inhabitants of the far north can also be found on this self-drive wildlife adventure. Find out more about Bears, Wolves & Wolverines Self-drive

  • Price (inc. flights): 8 days from £2,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A

Boreal Predators Photography in Autumn

Photograph Europe’s elusive predators as the colours of Finland’s eastern forests change. With the colourful autumnal hues and wildlife busy preparing for winter, this is the perfect time for a photography tour using a number if purpose-built hides. This small group tour is guided by an expert photographic leader. Find out more about Boreal Predators Photography in Autumn

  • Price (inc. flights): 6 days from £2,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • S

Finland Videography Workshop

Northern Finland's remote boreal forest is home to exciting and iconic wildlife, and in the company of filmmaker Neil Aldridge this videography workshop spends several days filming and photographing brown bear, wolverine, wolf and a variety of birdlife in this remote landscape. Find out more about Z) Finland Videography Workshop

  • Price (inc. flights): 7 days from £3,095
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
  • When to go:
    • J
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Base Camp Kuikka

Base Camp Kuikka is a traditional Finnish log cabin situated on a promontory in Kuikka Lake, in the middle of the forest. It has just nine rooms accommodating 20 guests and offers a convivial, rustic atmosphere, with various photographic hides nearby where you can watch for bears, wolves and eagles. Find Out More about Base Camp Kuikka