Finland & Norway

• June 2022
  • Species List
  • Trip Report
• June 2023
  • Species List
  • Trip Report
• June 2024
  • Species List
  • Trip Report
• June 2025
  • Species List
  • Trip Report

Spitsbergen

• June 2022
  • Trip Report
  • Species List
• June 2024
  • Species List
  • Trip Report

This information is important for being prepared for your journey; we want you to have the best experience possible. If you only read one section, this one is key!

Ahead of Your Tour

• Make sure your passport will be valid at least six (6) months BEYOND the date of your scheduled return to the U.S.  See “Passports, Visas and Documents” section below for more details.
• No Visas are required for US citizens for stays of this tour's length for Norway or Finland.
• EES (Entry/Exit System): Starting Oct. 12, 2025, the EU began the rollout of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU/non-Schengen nationals at EU country border crossings for short stays.  See Entry/Exit System (EES).
• Travel insurance in case of serious medical emergency is strongly recommended. Full health coverage and repatriation is available through Allianz Travel Insurance.
• Please check current CDC recommendations for travel to Finland and Norway, and consult with your doctor about general travel vaccinations you should have as precaution for travel. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section below.
• Soft sided luggage/duffel bags are easiest for packing the vans. Pack essential medications in your carry-on luggage, as well as one day of clothing and optics in case of luggage delay. See "Packing List" TAB for details.

Passports, Visas & Documents

Guidelines and regulations can change. It is always advisable to double-check the destination country’s documentation requirements 60-90 days ahead of traveling.  Full details for U.S. citizens can be found at Travel Requirements for Finland and Travel Requirements for Norway.

If you are from another country, please contact the tour destination’s embassy website for guidelines.

Passport: You must have a passport that is in good condition and is valid for at least six (6) months beyond your scheduled return to the U.S. You should have at least two (2) blank pages per stamp. The blank pages need to say “Visas” at the top. Pages marked “Amendments and Endorsements” will not be accepted. Note: The 12-page U.S. emergency passport is not valid for visa-free entry into Norway.

Visa: At the time of writing, a tourist visa is not required of US citizens for stays of this tour's length.

EES (Entry/Exit System): Starting Oct. 12, 2025, the EU began the rollout of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for all non-EU/non-Schengen nationals at EU country border crossings for short stays. The initial border crossing will require collecting personal data such as fingerprints and/or a facial photo which will be used to be checked against at subsequent border crossings. See Entry/Exit System (EES).

As a precaution for lost or misplaced documents you carry on your person during travel, we highly recommend you keep hard and digital backup copies on your phone (either photo or PDF scan), as well as a hard copy left with your emergency contact at home. The recommended important documents to copy include, but are not limited to; your passport ID page, travel visa, the front and back of your credit card(s), the airline barcode on your luggage. This will greatly expedite getting new ones if necessary – we hope everyone will always keep travel documents close so that losing them will not be an issue.

General Health & Inoculations Information – Be Prepared!

Health requirements for entry to any country can change. It is always advisable to double-check the country’s health requirements and recommendations 60-90 days ahead of traveling. Review the CDC for Finland and CDC for Norway webpages. You may also contact them by phone at (800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636 if you have any unanswered questions.

We will share your health information with your guide. This information will be kept confidential but is very important as we want to be best prepared in case of a medical emergency.

Vaccinations: Please bring your up-to-date vaccination records with you.  Although at the time of writing there were no required vaccinations to enter Finland or Norway, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers be up to date with routine vaccinations and basic travel vaccines (such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid) before traveling to any destination. Please check with your doctor for recommendations at least 6-8 weeks before departing on your trip, as some vaccines may require more than one dose and time to become effective prior to your departure.   

Mosquito and tick-borne illness: The CDC will have updated information regarding recent disease outbreaks, such as Malaria or other mosquito or tick-borne diseases, as well as extra precautions to take depending on the area(s) you will be traveling through. Travelers should reduce their risk of mosquito and/or tick-borne diseases by protecting themselves from bites using protective clothing, insect repellant (containing DEET, Picaridin, OLE, etc.) and prophylactics where applicable. Check the CDC and with your doctor to see whether your trip destination is currently at risk for malaria transmission and whether you should consider anti-malarial medication. For repellent permeated clothing, see Packing List for our recommendations. See the “CDC Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel” website for more information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/yellowbook-home.

Prescriptions: It is a good idea to pack any meds you take regularly in your carry-on luggage.  Bring an extra pair of your prescription glasses or contact lenses. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you use, a copy of the prescription(s) and a list of generic names of your medicines as “back-up” in case it is necessary to purchase drugs while abroad. Your doctor may also recommend some prescription medications to bring with you to treat possible illnesses that might occur, depending on your destination, such as an anti-malarial medication or an antibiotic. You’ll want to keep all medications in their original, labeled containers.

 Allergies: To be prepared for environmental triggers to allergies or breathing difficulties, please bring your allergy and/or asthma medication(s).  If you have severe allergies talk to your doctor about carrying an EPI pen and notify your guides. It is also recommended to carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies, chronic medical problems and Medic Alerts so that, if necessary, emergency treatment can be carried out without endangering your health.

 Common Ailments: We recommend that you bring a travel-sized first aid kit and a supply of standard over-the-counter medications for prevention or treatment of common ailments (such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, cough, congestion, head or body aches, motion sickness, insect bites and sunburn); as well as ointments, moisturizer, sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, band-aids, moleskin for blisters, cotton swabs, nail clippers, and tweezers, etc.

Altitude Illness: According to the CDC's website, day trips to high-elevation destinations less than 8000 ft. with an evening return to a lower elevation are much less stressful on the body, depending on the time provided for your body to adjust. However, overnights at higher altitudes may have more adverse effects on your body and you should be informed about altitude illness and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) (see CDC's information for Altitude Illness). The most general symptoms are headache and occasionally fatigue and dizziness. You’ll want to take it easy, particularly at first. The likelihood of these symptoms can be reduced by resting, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and taking aspirin.  In addition, we will optimize acclimatization by adjusting itineraries to avoid going “too high too fast." If you have worries about the altitude, ask your physician about medications (such as Diamox) that may be right for you. 

Weather & Climate

June in Finland and Norway offers mild to warm days, long daylight hours and rainfall is moderate. From approximately mid-May to late July the sun does not completely dip below the horizon - a polar phenomenon known as the midnight sun - making it ideal for travel, though weather remains changeable. Temperatures typically range from 50-73°F requiring versatile layers, rain gear, and a sleep mask for the near-constant daylight. Southern regions are warmer, while northern, mountainous areas remain cooler.

Annoyances & Hazards

Always listen carefully to any advice given by your local guide regarding pests and other biting insects or reptiles you may encounter, especially those that may be poisonous, though this may be rare.

Mosquitos, ticks and other insects: Even if you are traveling in the dry season, mosquitos, ticks and other insects can always be encountered in your travels, so don't risk illness. See the “General Health and Inoculations” section above regarding recommended preventative measures.

Chiggers are a part of lowland and mid-elevation habitats. You may encounter them at grassland or farm locations. Your guide should have a good read on whether chiggers are a concern. It is helpful to spray your shoes with repellent and tuck your pants into your socks .  When back, be sure to shower and air out your clothing.

Remember, sunburn at any altitude can be both an annoyance and a hazard, so be prepared with sufficient sun protection.

On particularly hot days be sure to increase your intake of fluids.

Food & Drinks

Menus at lodges and restaurants offer a delicious variety of regional flavors, sustainably based on the wonderful local ingredients available, and delightfully prepared in a sanitary environment. As with any case when traveling, we urge you to consider what your body is used to before you eat something. Trust your common sense when consuming food and beverages. This is the best way to avoid any unwanted problems. If you plan to eat out on your own, ask for recommendations from your hotel or refer to a guidebook such as Frommers.

Tap water in both Finland and Norway is highly regulated and is among the cleanest in the world and entirely safe to drink. You can drink directly from the tap in hotels, restaurants, and public fountains. 

One of the many ways we strive to do our part for the environment is by intentionally reducing our consumption of single use plastics (such as bottled water), so we appreciate you bringing and using a reusable water bottle.  Though you will have ample sources to refill your reusable bottle, bottled water will be available for field trips where refilling your personal bottle is not an option. 

There are some great reusable water filtering bottles on the market today that are great for travels abroad. We encourage you to invest in one (such as Lifestraw or GRAYL Ultrapress or SteriPen). A little research will be well worth the effort to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics when purified water refills are not readily available.

Packing, Clothing & Laundry

In summary, we emphasize that you pack light in soft-sided luggage (easier to load in vans and charter planes), plan for dressing comfortably in layers (for managing varying conditions in any given day), and please pack your personal medication, travel documents, optics, and other essential items in your CARRY-ON, not in your checked luggage. Laundry services are available at most lodgings for an additional fee, but be prepared to hand launder if you need to. See “Packing List” tab for detailed information and packing checklists.

Spending Money

The official currency in Finland is the Euro, and in Norway it is the Norwegian Krone. We advise you carry a mix of different types of payments, such as cash, an ATM card, and a credit card. For the current exchange rate, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com, or your bank. U.S. dollars in good condition (no rips or tears) are taken as a form of payment but shopping for smaller handicrafts may necessitate using local currency. Bring large U.S. bills ($50 or $100) that will give you the better rate when exchanging to local currency.

When using the ATM to withdrawal cash, keep in mind it might only accept cards from local banks or not allow cash advances on credit cards. Many U.S. banks charge a fee of $1 - $5 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Check with your bank before departure. You must become familiar with how to use your ATM card and PIN number ahead of the journey.

We suggest you have more than one card available, if possible. You may want to bring more than one brand of card (VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted; American Express is less common). You can use credit cards at lodges to pay your bar and gift tabs. Not every shop will accept every card. Some smaller shops and restaurants, or taxis require cash, so it is always a good idea to ask before making a purchase. Also, we recommend that you advise your bank or credit card company that you will be traveling abroad to avoid questions, card freezes, or charges. If you have a choice of cards, bring one with no foreign exchange fees.

Traveler’s checks are not widely accepted. They can be difficult to exchange. We do not advise you use them.

Gratuities

We hope that you will be pleased with all professional services offered on this tour. All tips, with the exception of your NJ guide (optional) and local guide(s), are included in the cost of this tour (this includes tips for your driver, lodge and staff, day activities, meals and other services). 

Tipping your guide(s) to show your appreciation is entirely at your discretion and should reflect your level of satisfaction of the service provided. If you wish to offer a tip, know that they appreciate anything you care to give. Of course, you are welcome to give more in recognition of exceptional service.  Here is a guideline for tipping your NJ and local birding guide(s):

• US $10.00 - $15.00 per day, per guest. Note: If there is more than one guide, this can be split among them. 

*Please note that these suggested tips are quoted in U.S. Dollars. You will want to convert and tip in local currency. 

Cell Phones & Internet Service

Please check with your wireless provider to see if your phone and service will work in your destination country. Options include activating international roaming or you can buy a local SIM card at the airport and insert this in your mobile phone (just make certain your phone can accept one as technology is perpetually changing), or simply turning off cellular service and relying on Wi-Fi to make calls and access the internet.  If your phone can connect to Wi-Fi, you may be able to make voice and video calls free of charge.  Another option if you have access to Wi-Fi is to use smartphone apps like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber to send text messages, and make voice calls, or video calls. Many smartphones, tablets, or laptops come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download for free.

Make sure if you do NOT want to use your cell phone that you turn off your cellular data. You could incur huge charges if you are not on Wi-Fi. Putting your phone in airplane mode if you mainly use it for photos will save the battery as well.  Your hotels and most local restaurants provide Wi-Fi at least in their common areas. Although it is generally a reliable service, it can be affected by adverse weather conditions due to the remote location.

Please refrain from taking or making cell phone calls in the vehicles when traveling with other passengers, unless it appears to be an emergency. This disrupts other guests, plan on cell phone call use on your own time.

Electricity

The standard for both Finland and Norway is 230 volts AC (50 cycles), so you will need an adapter to operate appliances from the US. Plugs are set up in the C and F styles. For more information: https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/finland/ and https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/norway/.

Time

Northern Finland and Norway are on Eastern European Standard Time with observations to daylight savings time. Check www.timeanddate.com before leaving home for your conversion.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone at our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey!

Pace of the Tour & What to Expect

You will receive a Schedule-at-a-Glance and list of hotels (our eContact List) a few weeks before your departure. This will serve as an outline for each day and alert you to any recent changes made in the schedule or to our hotels, if needed.

Our journeys are set up to follow the rhythm of nature. Our focus is on birding and nature; we offer full, well-planned field days and often get up early for that magical time around dawn. We generally follow the published itinerary, but we stay flexible to the weather, wildlife opportunities and the interests of the group. Your guide will keep you apprised of the next day’s schedule at each evening meal, noting what to bring and what to prepare for. Questions and/or concerns are welcome.

The pace of our Naturalist Journeys tours is moderate; to fully participate you should be able to get in and out of vehicles several times a day, and walk 1-3 miles over uneven terrain. It is important to participate with a flexible attitude as adjustments may be made in our schedule to make the most of our time in the field or for other purposes at your guide's discretion. We are not a “listing” bird company that drills down on target species, but at times we do wait for those special species unique to the places we visit. During the day, we take time to stop for photos and for educational opportunities to learn about conservation projects, landscapes, and geology. We appreciate other taxa as well as birds, with mammals often the biggest draw but plants and butterflies are also very popular. Our clients often lend their own expertise to the mix.

We like to make meals a fun and memorable part of the experience, too. Breakfasts are often at hotels, and we carry snacks, fruit, and water in the vans each day. Lunches are a mix of picnics in the field (weather dependent) and a chance to dine with locals at small cafes and restaurants. For dinner, we pride ourselves in our homework to keep up with the best choices for dining, choosing restaurants with atmosphere that specialize in local foods. On occasion we keep dinner simple to go back out in the field for sunset wildlife viewing or night walks. In some remote locations, our choices are limited. If you are tired, room service for dinner may be an option you can choose.

Naturalist Journeys International Trips: Guide Role

Naturalist Journeys supports ecotourism and the development of excellent local guides. Once we know our international partners and guides well, we can send out small groups working directly with these trusted partners, adding a Naturalist Journeys guide to assist the local expert when we have a group of 6-7 or more. This helps us keep your costs down while retaining tour quality. The local guide is your main guide. You can expect your Naturalist Journeys guide to be well-researched and often they are experienced in the destination, but their role is not to be primary, it is to help to organize logistics, help you find birds, mammals, and interesting other species in the field, keep reports, help facilitate group interactions, and to keep the trip within Naturalist Journeys' style. Local guides live in the countries we travel to, know the destinations intimately, and are often the strongest force for conservation in their countries. They open many doors for us to have a rich experience.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or in any situation where the group is participating in an activity together, such as a vehicle excursion or a guided walk. Please respect all designated smoking areas at hotels and restaurants.

Transportation

As a courtesy to each other, we ask that all travelers please rotate seating. On international trips we may all be in one small bus, on some trips we are in vans, particularly the roomy Sprinter Vans when available. Some areas require us to be in smaller 4-wheel drive or safari vehicles. Rotation allows you to sit with different drivers and alternate front and back seating.

Photo Release & Sharing

We take many group photos and will share photos with the group. And after your tour, we will organize a chance to share photos via Dropbox or Google Photos. Please note that this is our policy and if you prefer to be excluded, we need to know ahead of your tour.

By registering for this tour, you agree to grant to Naturalist Journeys and its authorized representatives’ permission to record on photography film and/or video, pictures of my participation in the tour. You further agree that any or all of the material photographed may be used, in any form, as part of any future publications, brochure, or other printed materials used to promote Naturalist Journeys, and further that such use shall be without payment of fees, royalties, special credit or other compensation.

Travel Insurance

You are traveling in remote areas. Naturalist Journeys strongly recommends you have full medical and evacuation insurance from a company such as Allianz, for all international travel. If you do not have medical coverage or evacuation coverage on your existing travel insurance policy or for some reason elected not to take that out, we advise getting an evacuation plan with Global Rescue, World Nomads, Medjet, Allianz (they can do evacuation only) or a similar company. These plans are typically $300-$400 for a year for multiple destinations. This coverage may be a part of a larger Travel Insurance policy but can also be purchased on its own.

Questions?

Please contact Naturalist Journeys by email at clientservices@naturalistjourneys.com or telephone our office: (520) 558-1146 or toll free: (866) 900-1146 if you have any questions. Many thanks for traveling with us and we hope you enjoy your journey.

Please pack light!

Luggage: Soft-sided luggage is much easier for us to pack in vehicles or charter aircraft than a more rigid hard sided piece, so if you have the choice, please use your soft-sided luggage. Be sure to have your name and address on the inside of the bag, as well as on the luggage tag on the handle. It is our hope that you can pack in one checked bag that does not exceed 50 pounds. Please reconfirm your airline’s baggage weight and size restrictions about a week or so before departure.

Delayed Luggage:  Imagine NOT getting your checked bags upon arrival! Therefore, DO NOT pack any essential medications, vital optics (binoculars, camera, eye-glasses), or essential travel documents in your checked luggage! Pack these and other essential items in your carry-on bag and on your person (i.e. under-garment pouch). You will want a day pack for field trips, so this makes an ideal carry-on. Another suggested tip is to travel wearing your most important shoes for the field and have one day’s clothing change (including a change of underwear!).

Weather: Pack clothing that is appropriate for the anticipated temperatures and conditions (See “Weather & Climate” section in Essential Information). You may check your favorite weather website, such as www.weather.com, closer to your departure to better predict what the weather will be upon arrival. You may also visit https://www.climatestotravel.com for more regional information by month.

Dress: Plan to dress comfortably and informal throughout the trip. Dressing in lightweight layers is the best way to provide options to get you through a day of varying weather and temperatures comfortably. Lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants make ideal field clothing as they are more protective from sun, vegetation and pests. Also, choose clothing you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy and things that are loose-fitting, comfortable, and easy to layer and launder. Quick-dry fabrics are ideal.  A lightweight and waterproof outer layer is essential as well as comfortable hiking footwear. Fabrics like fleece, as well as rain gear, will protect you from rain and wind and keep you warm. It is important to have a warm jacket when the tour includes cooler temps and/or higher elevations. You may also wish to take something to protect your face and lips from the cold dry air.

Treating your clothing to better protect you from insects: It is possible to purchase Permethrin spray (online or from REI) to treat your field clothing and socks before your departure. Another approach is to purchase field clothing permeated with insect repellent such as the Craghoppers Insect Shield collection.

Note on clothing colors: We recommend muted colors of tan, brown, khaki, grey or green, as they are spotted less easily than white or bright colors, though camouflage clothing is not recommended.

Valuables: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND TRAVELING WITH PRECIOUS OR VALUABLE JEWELRY – don’t tempt anyone and don’t bring things you’d regret losing, and your mind will be at ease!

Clothing & Gear

• Long pants, 2-3 pair. One of these might be rain pants you wear over long underwear or tights for comfort. Quick dry hiking pants work well if you plan to do hand laundry.
• Long-sleeved shirts/turtlenecks (or neck gaiters), 3-4 – think layering
• T-shirts or equivalent (remember you may be buying some there anyway)
• Personal underclothing and pajamas
• Long underwear, 1 pair lightweight (silk or polypro is nice), tights or thin leggings to keep you warm underneath on boats or stormy days while adding little weight.
• Warm sweater or fleece shirt
• Fleece or down vest (windproof, if possible, this is a great clothing item for this climate).
• Medium to heavy outer jacket for warmth and wind protection, can layer with your raingear
• Rain gear – these double as windbreaks. A two-piece suit is preferred. It is important that this be both waterproof and breathable, you will most likely be wearing it for active activities (walking, birding), as well as large enough to fit over other layers for sedentary activities (boat trips) as an additional layer.
• Comfortable clothes for evening (a cleaner version of your field clothes, think of what feels good at day’s end)
• Hat with broad brim for sun
• Warm that that covers ears
• Scarf or neck gaiter
• Warm, water-repellent lightweight gloves
• Socks – several warm pairs, and several pairs of a lightweight, easy to wash and dry material
• Comfortable walking shoes (such as tennis shoes)
• Supportive hiking boots that can keep your feet dry. You may want to treat your boots with snow- seal or other similar product. Another good option is an LL Bean type boot with rubber bottoms and leather uppers. Bring shoes with good support and firm grip tread.
• Comfortable shoes for evenings, travel days
• Bandana (optional)

Equipment & Miscellaneous

• Photo identification (Real ID is required as of May 2025 for U.S. citizens on domestic flights who are not carrying a valid passport)
• Airline tickets or E-ticket verification
• Passport (and visa or other travel authorizations when traveling internationally) - Note: To avoid issues with confirming your identity when two forms of ID are required, the name on your Drivers License (or other secondary forms of ID) should match your passport.
• Travel insurance info
• Money & credit cards
• A secure pouch to carry the items above on your person at all times (such as a secure, under-clothing document pouch)
• As a backup: copies of all the above (phone and/or paper) packed in a separate location than on your person, plus a set given to your emergency contact at home as a backup. When carrying a passport, a copy of the ID and entry stamp pages.
• Small backpack, daypack or fanny pack for carrying your field gear (this can double as your carry-on!). Consider waterproof if excessive rain is expected.
• Cell phone and charger
• Binoculars
• Camera and charger/extra batteries, memory cards/film, lens cleaning supplies and instruction manual (optional)
• Spotting scope and tripod (optional – guide will have them)
• Tablet/laptop for personal use and/or transferring photos, USB stick, USB cord and charger (optional)
• Rechargeable power bank (optional)
• Electricity converters and adapters for 2-to-3 prong electronics plugs if needed (See "Electricity" under "Essential Information")
• Reusable water bottle to avoid the use of disposible plastics (*with filters such as Lifestraw and UV sterilization system such as SteriPen for destinations where tap water is deemed unsafe to drink - see "Food & Drink" section in Essential Information) 
• Umbrella – compact and not brightly colored
• Walking stick – we find that many travelers appreciate a walking stick on trails, sporting goods stores carry collapsible models that pack easily in your suitcase (optional)
• Small flashlight with fresh batteries
• Alarm clock
• Travel Sewing Kit
• Sunscreen/lip balm
• Sunglasses with neck strap
• Toiletry articles
• Washcloth (available some places and not at others)
• Laundry soap (consider laundry soap "sheets" that pack flat, and are lightweight and environmentally friendly)
• Notebook or journal and pen (optional)
• Field guides (optional)
• Earplugs – in urban and even rural areas barking dogs and traffic noise can be annoying
• A collapsible airplane footrest (such as an inflatable, foldable, or hammock type) may help make longer flights more comfortable. Some airlines may have restrictions, so confirm with your airline which types are allowed and where they may be not allowed, i.e. bulkhead or exit rows (optional)

Medical & First Aid Items

• Health insurance

  Vaccination information (if traveling internationally)

  Personal Rx medications (in their original labeled prescription packaging)

  Epi-pen if needed for allergic reactions (include prescription label)

  Anti-malarial prophylactics and antibiotic prescription in case of infection, if recommended for this destination, prescribed by your physician

  Altitude illness meds (such as Diamox) if likely to be needed

  Motion sickness preventatives if likely to be needed on bus, van, boats, etc.

  Personal first aid kit and medications for general ailments, colds and stomach ailments, etc. (Imodium or Lomotil, antihistamine cream or tablets, eye drops, antibiotic ointment, Band-Aids, moleskin to protect against blisters, etc.)

  Foot powder, lotions, general “comfort” items

  Hydrocortisone cream to ease itching from insect bites

  Hand sanitizer and/or hygienic cleansing wipes

  Copy of eyeglass prescription, medical prescriptions, and any medical alerts

  Extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts (with plenty of wetting and cleaning solution)

There are many titles of interest for Finland and Norway; the following are a few that we have enjoyed that can get you started.

General Reading

Norway (Travel Guide) - DK Eyewitness  

Finland (Travel Guide) - Lonely Planet

Field Guides

Birds of Europe - Princeton Field Guides

Birds in Europe: Their Conservation Status

Birds of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East: A Photographic Guide

Collins Bird Guide: The Most Complete Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe

A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Norway

Wildlife & Nature

The Arctic Guide: Wildlife in the Far North

Natural History

The Making of a Land: Geology of Norway

History & Culture

A Concise History of Finland

A History of Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland

Into the Ice: The History of Norway and the Polar Regions

Scandinavian Folk and Fairy Tales

The Vikings

Kalevala

Memoir/Non-Fiction

Scandinavians: In Search of the Soul of the North

Your guide will also have a selection of reference books and materials for participants to share. As an Amazon Associate, Naturalist Journeys earns from qualifying purchases, and may get commissions for purchases made through links on this page at no added cost to you.

General

Finland

Visit Finland

Finland - Encyclopedic Overview

Finland’s Midnight Sun

Kuusamo

Norway

Visit Norway

Norway - Encyclopedic Overview

Varangerfjord

Hornøya Island

Nature, Wildlife & Biology

“Owl Populations Change Color as the World Warms” – Article, Audubon.org

Finland

Birding in Finland - Fatbirder

Finland Bird Checklist - Avibase

Wildlife of Finland

Nature of Liminka Bay, Finland

Norway

Birding in Norway - Fatbirder

Norway Bird Checklist - Avibase

Wildlife of Norway

Conservation, Parks & Reserves

Conservation in the Barents Region

Finland

Liminka Bay – Wetland, Nature Reserve & Visitor Center

“Critically endangered Arctic foxes successfully breed in Finland” – Article, WWF

Norway

The Nordic Board for Wildlife Research (NKV)

“Wildlife Conservation in Norway” – Article, The Daily Scandinavian

Geology & Geography

Finland

Natural Resources of Finland

Geology of Finland

Guide to the Geological Map of Finland

Norway

Natural Resources of Norway

Geology of Norway

History & Culture

Finland

History of Finland

Finnish Culture

Finnish Arts & Culture

Norway

Brief History of Norway

Norwegian Arts & Culture

Helpful Travel Websites

Homeland Security Real ID Act

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Visa ATM Locator

Mastercard ATM Locator

U. S. National Passport Information Center

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Foreign Exchange Rates

U.S. Department of State International Travel Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Canada Travel Advice and Advisories

Travel Health Pro (UK)

Electricity and Plugs

Date & Time

Holidays