Instructions for a safe, comfortable and fair hike
-
Getting around in the wild:
Hikers are expected to be on foot and ensure they do not cause any harm to landowners, other people or their property. It is not permitted to walk through gardens or cultivated land. It is permitted to swim and wash in bodies of water, far enough away from cottages and settlements. -
Hiking the trails:
Movement around the central marshlands of Kurjenrahka National Park is restricted to protect the birds. It is permitted to walk the marked routes throughout the year. All visitors to the Vaskijärvi nature reserve must stay on the marked routes when the ground is not frozen. -
Motor vehicles:
Motor vehicles must not be used without the landowner’s permission. -
Pets:
Pets are welcome on hikes, but they must be kept on leads. -
Fire making:
Fires can only be lit in designated fireplaces using the firewood provided for the purpose. Please notify the association if there is no firewood left at a fireplace. If the firewood runs out in the national park, please notify Metsähallitus. If a forest fire warning is in effect, fires must not be started. -
Camping:
Short-term camping in a tent is a public right, even on private land. In the national park, camping is allowed near lean-to shelters and in the Kurjenpesä camping area. When camping, remember that fires may only be started in fireplaces. -
Berry and mushroom picking:
Picking mushrooms and berries and enjoying the fruits of nature is encouraged. Trees must not be damaged, and moss, lichens or similar organisms must not be collected without the landowner’s permission. Fishing is allowed with the appropriate permits. Angling and ice fishing are public rights. -
Littering:
The network has a tradition of waste-free hiking. This means that every visitor should take their waste away with them. -
Feedback:
Good, considerate hiking also includes reporting the lack of firewood, broken structures or missing route markers to the association www.kuhankuono.fi. -
Forest machinary:
The machine operators and foresters working in the forest must not be disturbed. Remember to keep a safe distance from them. -
Considering others:
The routes may be very popular at certain times. If a specific direction is stated for a route, please follow it. It is polite to make way for people coming the other way or hikers who are walking more quickly. Be kind to one another. -
Emergencies:
Accidents can happen while hiking. Therefore, it is good to know the basics of first aid and remember the number for the emergency services: 112. It is also recommended to download the 112 app so that your location is available to the emergency services if necessary. -
Routes and guides:
The routes are marked in the terrain, but sometimes nature or people may damage the signs. Digital maps can make things easier, but mobile devices do not always work in forests. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a paper map with you.
