Project Description

Arctic ducks in Norway 28.2.–6.3.2027

Northern Norway – King Eiders & Mountain Hare Photography Expedition

Experience the magic of Arctic winter on an unforgettable photography adventure to Northern Norway. This exclusive tour offers the rare opportunity to photograph some of Europe’s most sought-after Arctic wildlife in spectacular coastal landscapes.

Our mornings are dedicated to photographing King Eiders, Steller’s Eiders, and elegant Long-tailed Ducks from specially designed floating hides. Positioned at water level, these hides provide breathtaking eye-level perspectives as the birds display their stunning breeding plumage against the dramatic backdrop of the Norwegian coast. The calm Arctic waters create perfect reflections, making every sunrise a chance to capture truly unique images.

As daylight fades, we head into the Arctic tundra in search of the elusive Mountain Hare. Using carefully positioned lighting that minimizes disturbance while creating beautiful photographic conditions, we photograph these remarkable white hares as they roam the landscape beneath the northern sky. The combination of snow-covered mountains, dramatic coastlines, and the soft light of the Arctic night creates an unforgettable setting for wildlife photography.

With small group sizes and expert guidance throughout the tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to refine your techniques while enjoying close encounters with some of the Arctic’s most iconic species.

Highlights

  • Eye-level photography of King Eiders from floating hides
  • Photograph Steller’s Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks in breeding plumage
  • Night photography of Mountain Hares using professional lighting
  • Small group for maximum photographic opportunities
  • Expert guidance throughout the tour
  • Stunning Arctic landscapes and beautiful spring light

Whether you’re looking to add rare species to your portfolio or simply experience one of Europe’s finest wildlife photography destinations, this tour promises exceptional encounters and unforgettable images.

Dates: 28 February – 6 March 2027

Duration: 7 days

Who is this tour for?
The Båtsfjord winter photography tour is primarily based on photography from floating hides, with no long walks required, making it suitable for photographers of almost all fitness levels.

Group size: Maximum of 6 participants plus the tour leader.

Accommodation: Accommodation is in a hotel in twin rooms. Single rooms are available for an additional 400 euros supplement.

Activities: The tour price includes three photography sessions from the floating hides in Kiberg and Båtsfjord. Also two sessions of Mountain Hares and possible Arctic Foxes hide.

Equipment: A recommended equipment list will be provided closer to the departure date.

Meals: The tour price includes breakfast or lunch, as well as dinner.

Tour leader: Mikko Oivukka
Tel. +358 40 708 9722
Email: info@kuusamonaturephotography.fi

Booking: Binding reservations can be made directly through our online store or by email at info@kuusamonaturephotography.fi. The tour will be confirmed if a minimum of three participants have registered no later than 30 days before the departure date.

Sunday 28 February 2027

Meet in Ivalo, Finnish Lapland, on Sunday morning. We recommend arriving in Ivalo on Saturday, 27 February, and spending one night there before the tour begins. If you prefer to arrive on Sunday, the latest possible flight lands at 8:45 am. Once everyone has arrived, we begin our journey to Varanger. Along the way, we will stop to photograph birds, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and have lunch. We expect to arrive in Vardø in the evening.

Monday 1 March 2027

Before sunrise, we head to the floating hides to photograph Steller’s Eiders, Common Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks and other wintering seabirds. After the morning session, we return to our accommodation for some rest. In the evening, we photograph Arctic Hares from a dedicated hide, remaining there until around midnight.

Tuesday 2 March 2027

After a relaxed breakfast, we spend the day searching for Willow Grouse and Purple Sandpipers along the roads and coastline. We return to the accommodation to rest before another evening session at the Arctic Hare hide, where we stay until around midnight.

Wednesday 3 March 2027

After breakfast, we drive to Båtsfjord, a journey of approximately three hours. The road crosses the spectacular Båtsfjord highlands, where we will stop for photography if weather conditions allow. We expect to arrive in the afternoon. After checking into our accommodation, we enjoy dinner and prepare for an early start the following morning.

Thursday 4 March 2027

Before sunrise, we head out to the floating hides to photograph King Eiders, Steller’s Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks and other Arctic seabirds. After the morning session, we take a RIB boat trip along the shoreline to photograph additional duck species before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue searching for Purple Sandpipers and Willow Grouses. Dinner is served in the evening.

Friday 5 March 2027

We begin another early morning in the floating hides, photographing King Eiders, Steller’s Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks and other seabirds. Afterward, we take a second RIB boat excursion along the coast before returning for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to photographing Purple Sandpipers and Willow Grouse if conditions are favourable. We finish the day with dinner.

Saturday 6 March 2027

After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Ivalo, arriving there during the afternoon.

Payment

A €500 booking deposit is required at the time of registration. This deposit is non-refundable in the event of cancellation by the participant. The remaining balance will be invoiced later and must be paid no later than 45 days before the start of the trip.

If the booking is made less than 30 days before departure, the full amount of the trip will be invoiced immediately after registration.

Insurance

Participants are responsible for their own insurance. Leisure accident insurance is recommended, as well as insurance for photographic equipment.

Cancellation Terms

In the event of cancellation between 45 and 30 days before the start of the trip, the booking deposit will be retained.

In the event of cancellation between 30 and 14 days before the start of the trip, 50% of the total amount will be retained.

In the event of cancellation less than 14 days before the start of the trip, the full trip fee will be retained.

The organiser reserves the right to cancel the trip up to one month before departure. If the trip is cancelled by the organiser, all payments made will be refunded.

Additional Information

For any questions or requests for further information, please contact us by email at info@kuusamonaturephotography.fi

BOOK YOUR TOUR:

Price: 3150€. Price includes guiding services, transportation in Norway (from Ivalo airport to Ivalo airport), accommodation, meals and hide sessions.

If you have any problems with the booking, just send us an email – we’ll help you out!

The tour is organized by Suomen Luontomatkailu Oy, a package tour operator registered with the Finnish Consumer Authority and holding the required financial guarantees. Registration No. 208/24/Mj.

Photos: Mikko Oivukka and Pasi Parkkinen

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