Day 1 – Arrival in Finland

You will travel individually to Rovaniemi. After arriving at the airport, you will transfer to your accommodation in Ruka.

In the small ski resort of Ruka, a relaxed, Nordic atmosphere awaits you, surrounded by deep snow-covered nature. It is the perfect starting point for our photo tour of Finland.

You will check into your accommodation for the next few days. At a welcome dinner, you will get to know the group and learn important information about the itinerary of the photo tour.

Day 2 to 7 – Exploring Wintery Lapland

We will be spending the next few days exploring the beautifully snow-covered winter landscape around Ruka. You will visit various national parks in the region and photograph the breathtaking Lappish scenery in its deep winter coat, featuring magical frozen trees, stunning rapids with floating ice and charming little wooden cabins.

Weather permitting, we will take you to a particularly beautiful spot each day to photograph the sunrise. Afterwards, you will spend the day exploring selected locations to capture wintery Lapland in its best light. Since the days are very short, we will be out until sunset. On one of the days, you will also visit a special photo hide where, with a bit of luck, you can get fascinating close-up shots of native bird species. Also on the agenda is an excursion to a remote forest with impressive tykky trees, accessible only by snow sled. Enjoy and photograph the enchanting winter landscape in its most beautiful pastel hues.

If the night sky is clear and there’s a Northern Lights activity, we will also go in search of them.

Due to the small size of the group, we can optimally respond to your individual needs and discuss photographic topics of your choice and immediately put them into practice (e.g. long exposures, use of filters, etc.).

Day 8 – End of the photo tour

Today the photo tour ends. You will be transferred to Rovaniemi airport in good time for your individual onward journey home or further travel.

For whom is this photo tour suitable?

This photo tour is aimed at both beginners and advanced photographers. You have a basic knowledge of shutter speed, aperture and ISO and are able to set these on your camera. On this photo tour, you will be individually supervised according to your photography skills.

Participants

On this trip you will be travelling with like-minded people who love nature and photography and want to deepen their own photography skills.

Weather in january

Average temperatures in Ruka in January range from -10°C to -15°C, but it can sometimes get colder, reaching -25°C to -35°C. Snowfall is still relatively frequent in January. The days are short, with only about 4-5 hours of daylight, but the light is particularly soft and therefore ideal for atmospheric photography.

Travel time & light

We deliberately scheduled the photo trip very early in the year to maximize our chances of seeing Tykky trees. While the days are very short during our travel period, with only about 4.5 hours of daylight, the light is exceptionally soft and therefore ideal for photography. The blue hour is also particularly intense in the far north, displaying beautiful twilight colors, especially under clear skies.

Northern Lights

Ruka is not a typical Northern Lights destination, as it’s located slightly outside the aurora oval. However, with sufficient aurora activity and clear skies, there’s a very good chance you will be able to observe and photograph beautiful Northern Lights in and around Ruka.

Clothing

We highly recommend warm and breathable functional clothing worn in layers. This clothing transports sweat without trapping heat and dries quickly. Well-worn, waterproof winter/hiking boots with appropriate tread are also essential. To protect against snow and wind, ensure that your outermost layer (top and bottom) is waterproof. At this time of year, be sure to pack long underwear, gloves, a hat, a scarf and warm wool socks (ideally two pairs worn together).

Our guests receive comprehensive travel documents with detailed equipment and clothing recommendations before the photo tour.

Fitness level

You should be fit enough to undertake short hikes of approximately 1-2 hours with a camera backpack. Hiking in deep snow with snowshoes poses no problem for you.

Photo tour itinerary

We will put together the exact daily program on site at short notice in order to be able to deal with the respective weather and light conditions. Depending on the weather, we will head out during the blue hour and return after sunset.

Half double room

Single travellers can book half of a double room. If there is no other guest who wants to share the room, the single room surcharge will apply.

Insurance

We strongly advise you to purchase insurance for cancellation and return journey costs, which will be needed in the event of a secluded region being evacuated, a local hospital stay or return travel costs to your home country.

Travel information FDFA

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) regularly publishes information on countries where there are potential security or other risks. The FDFA’s travel advice is based on its own sources of information that are considered to be trustworthy. This travel advice can be found on the FDFA website: www.eda.admin.ch

The Terms and Conditions

TCs of Amazing Views Adventure Tours apply, as well as all other conditions which are listed in the descriptions for the respective trips.

Prices

We reserve the right to change prices (especially due to exchange rate fluctuations).