Arktikum Science Center Showcases the Nature Photographs of the Year 2025 – Landscape Category Winner from Rovaniemi

Atro Saukko from Rovaniemi has been selected as the winner of the Landscape category in the Finnish Nature Photograph of the Year competition with his work “Vanhin” (“Eldest”). All awarded photographs from the competition are exhibited at Arktikum Science Center.

In Atro Saukko’s winning landscape image, a perfectly still lake reflects the atmosphere of an early summer morning.

The overall winner of the competition is Ossi Saarinen, whose unique lynx photograph “Tassut” (“Paws”). The jury commented on the winning image:

“A boldly different shot of a moment that few, despite their dreams, ever get to witness. The photograph of the lynx’s paws breaks traditional definitions of nature photography. It sparks curiosity and withstands long contemplation. Enormous effort and finally also luck are required to capture such an image.”

According to the jury, the photograph stood out among other high-quality entries for its exceptional subject matter and excellent execution.

“It was a picture one gladly returned to repeatedly. Its distinctive composition adds tension to the image.”

The Finnish Nature Photograph of the Year competition is organized annually by Finnish Nature Photographers Association (SLV ry). The competition and the exhibition aim to highlight Finnish nature and the year’s finest photographs capturing its beauty and diversity.

This year, more than 12,000 photographs from 735 photographers were submitted. The competition had nine categories. In the first round, the jury selected 1,510 semifinalist images from 425 photographers. A total of 589 images from 207 photographers advanced to compete for the prizes.

The competition has been held since 1981 and welcomes all nature photographers to participate. The submitted photographs are also compiled into a 190‑page “Finnish Nature Photographs of the Year” book.

More information:
Anna Hyvönen
Arctic Centre
+358 40 484 4289
anna.hyvonen@ulapland.fi