FLIGHT MADRID – IVALO

Our destination will be Ivalo Airport in northern Finland. From there we will continue by road to our first accommodation in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

This accommodation specializes in boreal forest birdwatching and photography. It offers several hides and photography options to work with different species; it is advisable to check in advance which option is most suitable for our group.

We will have dinner at the accommodation.

After arrival and some rest, we will make optional night outings to try to photograph the Northern Lights if weather conditions allow.

FOREST BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY

After breakfast at the accommodation, we will dedicate the morning to photographing characteristic species of the boreal forest. Among the birds we may observe and photograph are the Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), Siberian Jay (Perisoreus infaustus), Gray-headed Chickadee (Poecile cinctus), and Willow Grouse.

In the afternoon we will begin our journey towards Båtsfjord, making stops along the way whenever good photographic opportunities arise. After arriving at the hotel, and if weather conditions are favorable, we will head out at night to try to photograph the Northern Lights.

FLOATING HIDES IN BÅTSFJORD

We will wake up before sunrise to access the floating hides, from where we will photograph iconic Arctic species such as the King Eider, Common Eider, Steller’s Eider, and the Long-tailed Duck in their natural environment.

After this first session, we will take part in a second outing focused on photographing birds in flight from a zodiac, accompanied by a specialized guide who will allow us to approach different seabird species safely.

It is recommended to have breakfast at the accommodation beforehand and bring a picnic to eat inside the hide during the session.

In the evening, there will be an optional outing to search for and photograph the Northern Lights, if weather conditions allow.

HORNØYA ISLAND

After breakfast at the accommodation, we will head to the harbor to take the boat to Hornøya, one of the most important seabird colonies in northern Norway. We will spend most of the day on the island, allowing plenty of time to photograph the seabirds nesting along its dramatic cliffs.

Among the species we may photograph are Atlantic Puffins, Common Guillemots, Razorbills, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Great Black-backed Gulls, and European Shags, among other seabirds that breed on the island.

At the end of the day we will return to the accommodation. In the evening, optional outings to search for and photograph the Northern Lights may take place if weather conditions are favorable.

Additionally, there is the possibility of organizing a night hide session for Arctic Hare, with a chance of encountering Arctic Fox if it appears in the area. This activity could be offered as an optional experience for those who wish to make the most of the night hours.

HORNØYA ISLAND

We will repeat the activities of the previous day, once again dedicating the day to working at the best photographic locations in the area in order to maximize our opportunities and improve on the images captured previously. This additional session will allow us to refine compositions, work with different light conditions, and continue photographing the species present with more time and flexibility.

In the evening, and provided that weather conditions and solar activity are favorable, optional outings will be organized to search for and photograph the Northern Lights

RETURN TO KAAMANEN

We will depart early in the morning to begin our journey back to Kaamanen, in northern Finland. The drive will once again take us through the vast Arctic landscapes, where we will remain attentive to any photographic opportunities that may arise along the way.

We will make stops whenever we encounter interesting landscapes, wildlife, or special light conditions, making the most of this final journey through the far north of Scandinavia. The route will remain flexible so we can adapt to whatever the environment offers at each moment.

DAY 8 — IVALO – MADRID FLIGHT

After breakfast at the accommodation, we will transfer to Ivalo Airport to take our return flight to Madrid, marking the end of this photographic expedition through the Arctic landscapes of northern Finland and Norway. Depending on the flight schedule, there will be time to prepare luggage and complete the transfer calmly.