Welcome to Finland
A land where wilderness is never more than a stone's throw away.
The Land of a
Thousand lakes
While famous for its thousands of lakes, deep green forests, and the magic of the Northern Lights, Finland holds a special secret for nature lovers: it is one of Europe’s most spectacular bird-watching destinations.
Welcome to Finland, a land where wilderness is never more than a stone's throw away.
While famous for its thousands of lakes, deep green forests, and the magic of the Northern Lights, Finland holds a special secret for nature lovers: it is one of Europe’s most spectacular bird-watching destinations.
Here, the avian Worlds
of East, West and the Arctic converge.
The vast, silent taiga forests are home to magnificent owls and elusive grouse.
The coastline and wetlands serve as a vital superhighway for millions of migrating birds on their epic journey to and from the Arctic.
Whether you’re standing in a whisper-quiet forest hoping for a glimpse of a Great Grey Owl or witnessing the sky-filling spectacle of the spring migration, birding in Finland is an unforgettable experience.
A Seasonal Guide:
When to Visit
Timing is everything in the birding world. Finland offers unique spectacles in every season.
The Great ‘Arktika’Migration
This is the main event. As the snow and ice recede, Finland becomes the stage for the ‘Arktika’, one of Europe’s greatest natural spectacles. Millions of Barnacle Geese, Taiga Bean Geese, Whooper Swans, and Common Cranes surge northwards, their calls filling the air.
- Highlights: Witnessing massive flocks of migrating waterfowl and cranes. The courtship displays (lekking) of Black Grouse and Capercaillie. The arrival of summer migrants and the beginning of the chorus of birdsong.
- Prime Locations: The coasts of Virolahti and Kirkkonummi in the south; Liminka Bay near Oulu.
Birding in the Land of the Midnight Sun
Summer brings long, light-filled days—and in the north, the sun doesn’t set at all. This is the breeding season, a time of frantic activity. The forests are alive with the song of warblers, thrushes, and finches, while wetlands teem with waders and ducks.
- Highlights: Seeking out rare eastern gems like the Red-flanked Bluetail and Rustic Bunting in eastern Finland. Exploring Lapland’s fells for Dotterel and observing waders in their stunning breeding plumage.
- Prime Locations: Oulanka National Park, the Lakeland region, the fells of Lapland.
The Southern Passage
The energy shifts as birds begin their long journey south. The autumn migration is more protracted than the spring rush but no less exciting. This is the prime time for watching raptors soar along the coastlines and for seeing vast flocks of waders on the shores.
- Highlights: Excellent raptor migration, including eagles, buzzards, and hawks. Huge flocks of Common Cranes gathering before heading south. A great time to spot wandering Siberian Jays.
- Prime Locations: The southern and western coastlines, particularly the Porkkalanniemi peninsula.
Winter (November – March):
Secrets of the Silent Forest
While many birds have left, winter offers a unique, tranquil beauty. The silence of the snow-covered forests is broken by the calls of resident birds. This is the best time of year to focus on finding Finland’s famous owls and woodpeckers, who are more visible in the bare trees.
- Highlights: The chance to see magnificent owls like the Great Grey, Ural, and Pygmy Owl. Spotting colourful Bohemian Waxwings, Dippers in unfrozen rapids, and northern finches.
- Prime Locations: Forests around Oulu and Kuusamo; bird feeders anywhere in the country can attract interesting species.
Top Birding Regions & Hotspots
While you can find incredible birdlife almost anywhere in Finland, some regions are legendary.
- Helsinki & The South Coast
You don’t need to leave the capital to find world-class birding. The Vanhankaupunginlahti nature reserve is a wetland oasis teeming with life, easily accessible from the city center. The entire south coast acts as a migratory corridor.
- Key Sites: Vanhankaupunginlahti, Porkkalanniemi, Hanko Peninsula.
- Target Species: Bittern, Marsh Harrier, various geese and ducks, Terek Sandpiper (a rare visitor).
- Oulu & Liminka Bay (Liminganlahti)
Often called “Europe’s Birding Superhighway,” Liminka Bay is one of Europe’s most important wetlands. This vast area of coastal meadows and reedbeds attracts a staggering number of birds. The surrounding farmland and forests are also prime Great Grey Owl territory.
- Key Sites: Liminka Bay Visitor Centre, Hailuoto Island.
- Target Species: Great Grey Owl, Common Crane, Whooper Swan, Black-tailed Godwit, Terek Sandpiper, Pallid Harrier.
- Kuusamo & The Eastern Taiga
This is the quintessential Finnish wilderness experience. The ancient, moss-laden spruce forests of Oulanka National Park are home to some of Finland’s most sought-after species.
- Key Sites: Oulanka National Park, Riisitunturi National Park.
- Target Species: Red-flanked Bluetail, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Dipper, Capercaillie, Hazel Grouse.
- Finnish Lapland
The Arctic north offers a different landscape and different birds. Here you’ll find open fells, vast peatlands, and stunted birch forests. The experience of birding under the midnight sun is truly magical.
- Key Sites: Utsjoki region, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
- Target Species: Dotterel, Ptarmigan, Gyrfalcon, Bluethroat, various waders like the Broad-billed Sandpiper.
Finland's
"Most Wanted":
The Star Species
Here are some of the stars of the show.
- The Owl Kingdom: Finland is arguably the best place in Europe to see owls. With a good local guide, it’s possible to see Great Grey, Ural, Tengmalm’s, Pygmy, and Northern Hawk-Owls.
- Woodpecker Wonderland: The extensive forests are home to eight species of woodpecker, including the impressive Black Woodpecker and the sought-after Three-toed and White-backed Woodpeckers.
- Giants of the Forest: The Capercaillie, the world’s largest grouse, performs its incredible lekking display in the spring. The equally impressive Black Grouse is more easily seen.
- The White-tailed Eagle: A magnificent conservation success story. Once nearly extinct, these eagles are now a common sight, especially around the Archipelago and coastlines.
Planning Your Trip:
Practical Advice:
for Birders
Hiring a Guide: For elusive species like owls or for maximising your time, hiring a local birding guide is highly recommended. They have invaluable, up-to-the-minute knowledge.
Getting Around: Renting a car is the most effective way to explore the best birding sites, which are often located away from public transport routes.
Essential Gear: Pack good binoculars and a spotting scope. Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Waterproof boots are essential. In summer, effective mosquito repellent is non-negotiable!
Ethics & The Everyman’s Right (Jokamiehenoikeudet): Finland’s famous “Everyman’s Right” allows you to walk freely in nature, outside of private gardens and protected reserves. This is a gift for birders. Remember the responsibility that comes with it: do not disturb wildlife (especially nesting birds), leave no trace, and respect private property.
Our Skills
Shoot the Animals with the Cameras
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
