Safety While Hiking

🧭 Be aware of potential risks and thoroughly familiarize yourself with the route in advance. Bring a clear map with you.

🎒 Prepare for the worst and ensure you have the necessary equipment for accidents.

😮‍💨 Do not underestimate your fitness level and make sure you have enough energy and hydration.

📱 Ensure your phone battery is sufficient and install the 112 Suomi app, which automatically sends your exact location to the emergency center during a call.

Note: In some areas, there may not be a functioning phone network or GPS coverage.

Hiking Etiquette

Let’s keep hiking enjoyable for everyone! Remember to take care of the following things on your hike:

🙏 Respect nature—do not alter it. Keep pets on a leash.

🥾 Stick to marked trails. Follow the rules of the trails and observe any movement restrictions.

⛺️ Camp correctly. Set up your camp only in designated areas. Do not wash yourself or do dishes directly in water. Follow the campsite rules.

🔥 Make a fire only in permitted places. Prefer a camping stove, and do not make a fire during a forest fire warning.

🚯 Do not litter. Take your trash with you and recycle it properly.

Source: Luontoon.fi – Hiking Etiquette. Modified on 17.6.2024.

Everyone’s rights

In Finland, everyone’s rights give everyone the freedom to enjoy nature. Please note that the rights do not apply in national parks as they may have different rules.

• 🥾 You can move freely in nature with non-motorized vehicles, as long as you do not get too close to inhabited areas.
• 🏇 You can ride horses, provided you do not damage the environment.
• ⛺ You can stay and camp temporarily in the same areas where you are allowed to move.
• 🫐 You can pick wild berries, mushrooms, and plants that are not protected.
• 🚣 You can boat, swim, and move on the ice.
• 🎣 You can fish with a worms and ice fish (for other types of fishing, you need a license). Remember to check the restrictions here.

However, everyman’s rights do not permit you to:

• ⚠️ Disturb landowners.
• 🚜 Move in yards, plantations, or cultivated fields.
• 🪓 Cut down or damage trees.
• 🌲 Take dead or fallen wood.
• 🌿 Collect moss or lichen.
• 🔥 Make an open fire on someone else’s land.
• 🏡 Disturb domestic peace, for example, by making noise or moving too close to inhabited areas.
• 🚯 Litter.
• 🚗 Drive a motor vehicle.
• 🪺 Disturb or harm birds’ nests or chicks.
• 🦊 Disturb animals.
• 🎣 Fish without a license.
• 🐕 Let your dog run free on beaches, children’s playgrounds, ski trails, or sports areas.
• 🐕 Let your dog run free in urban areas, on fitness trails, or on someone else’s property.

Animals in forests

• 🐍 In Finland, there is only one poisonous snake species. You can recognize it by the zigzag pattern on its back. If it bites you, your pet, or a friend, contact emergency services immediately. However, there is no need to fear snakes— they often fear you more.
• 🐝 Be careful: there may be bees and beehives in the forests.
• 🦌 In the forest, you may also encounter large animals, such as moose and bears.
  • 🫎 If you encounter a moose, it will usually flee the area. Aggressive behavior from moose is rare.
  • 🐻 If you encounter a bear in the forest, retreat calmly and speak softly. Do not shout or make sudden movements. Avoid staring the bear in the eyes. If the bear attacks, lie face down on the ground and protect your head and neck with your hands. Remain still and play dead. Running away or climbing a tree won’t help, as bears are always faster.
  • ⚠️ If you encounter a bear that is behaving aggressively, always report it to emergency services after you are safe.
• 😊 There is still no need to be afraid to move in nature. All of the dangers are especially rare. It’s still good to know what to do if something happens.

Have fun in nature!