National park etiquette in Finland: what is allowed and what is not

In short: in a Finnish national park you may walk, ski or cycle, pick berries, mushrooms and flowers, and fish with a simple rod. It is forbidden to disturb animals and bird nests, damage trees, drop litter or make an open fire without need. Check the rules of the specific park before you go.

What is a national park?

A national park is a large nature reserve whose main purpose is to protect the diversity of nature. At the same time, national parks are open to everyone as attractions. Finland has dozens of national parks, and their landscapes make great hiking destinations. In the largest parks you can stay overnight and take longer trips.

National parks often have a nature centre managed by Metsähallitus, the Finnish Forestry Agency, where you can get up-to-date information about the area and how to move around in it. It is worth starting there. Hiking BaltNorth trips and maps and navigation gear can also help you plan.

What is allowed in a national park?

• Moving in nature on foot, on skis or by bike, except in yards and on fields, meadows or plantations that could be damaged.
• Staying temporarily in areas where movement is allowed. For example, you may camp relatively freely if you keep far enough from people's homes.
• Picking berries, mushrooms and flowers.
• Fishing with a simple rod and line.
• Boating, swimming, washing in water bodies and moving on ice.

What is forbidden in a national park?

• Disturbing or bothering others.
• Disturbing or damaging bird nests and chicks.
• Disturbing reindeer and game animals.
• Cutting down or damaging living trees.
• Taking dry or fallen trees, branches, moss and similar from someone else's land without permission.
• Making an open fire on someone else's land without special need.
• Disturbing the peace of homes, for example by camping too close to dwellings or making noise.
• Throwing away litter.
• Driving a motor vehicle off-road without the landowner's permission.
• Fishing or hunting without the relevant permits.

What to check before you go

Camping in a specific park may be allowed only in marked places, and fires often have designated spots. Check the park's own rules before you go. You will find what you need for camping and sleeping in tents and shelters and sleeping gear. If you do not own gear, see tent rental.

The information comes from the official Finnish information portal www.infopankki.fi. If you have questions, contact us.