Instructions and Rules in Siikalahti

Instructions on Exploring Siikalahti

In the Area, the following are

allowed:

• walking
  • We also advise that you stay on marked trails.
• skiing.

restricted:

• lighting campfires and camping, which are restricted to the spots designated for those purposes.
• As a rule, a permit issued by Metsähallitus is required for activities other than those included in everyman's rights, which may include research and organised events. Further information on required permits: research and access permits (metsa.fi) and permits and notifications related to events (metsa.fi).
• Flying drones in Siikalahti Bay is subject to a permit, because Siikalahti is part of the ADIZ border zone and, more specifically, the EFR 100 zone along Finland’s eastern border. 
  • Flying drones in the ADIZ border zone requires submission of an RPAS flight plan to AIS Finland. 
  • In addition, a special permit granted by the Finnish Defence Forces is required to fly drones in the EFR 100 zone. 
  • More information about flying drones is available on the Fintraffic ANS website (fintraffic.fi). 
  • Another important consideration in Siikalahti Bay is the fact that it is a valuable bird area. Metsähallitus recommends that drone flying be avoided in all nature reserves and in other important protected areas at least during the period between 1 March and 30 October.

forbidden:

• lighting campfires when there is a wildfire warning in effect
  • Making open fires is always prohibited at both marked campfire sites and when fires are permitted by the land owner if a wildfire warning has been issued for the area (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
• letting pets run at large
• taking or damaging trees, bushes, other plants or their parts, or mushrooms other than edible ones
• damaging soil or rock, and extraction of earth material or minerals
• killing, catching or disturbing wild vertebrates, or damaging their nests
• catching or collecting invertebrates
• hunting
  • Hunting is forbidden in Siikalahti, as it is the most important protected inland water for birds. Studies have shown that a protected areas even as small as Siikalahti help better bird populations in other areas. The main focuses of Siikalahti are to develop outdoor recreation and nature tourism. Nature's biodiversity is furthered with different sorts of care measures.
• driving motor vehicles except on roads
• littering and damaging structures.

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Mobile phones should work well in the area as the signal is strong there.
• We recommend that you keep your mobile phone warm at all times and take along food and drink. Certain phone models do not work when the temperature falls below zero. You should therefore let someone know your planned route. To keep your mobile phone charged, bring along a spare power source, a spare battery or an old phone with a working battery.
  • Background information on how to act in case of an emergency.

Equipment and Safety

• When coming to Siikalahti to see birds remember to bring binoculars.
• Remember to dress warmly so you won't freeze even if you have to stand still for long periods.
• If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. More information on how to act in an emergency.
• Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
• Hiking in Finland
  • Hiking Without Leaving a Trace
  • What to Take
  • Safety  
• Before your trip see also page What is New.

Peak Seasons

• Bird watching season begins in April and continues into October. Bird watching spots are visited by the most people naturally during migration time in spring and autumn.
• Arktika: The goose population is at its largest around 20.5.
• Nocturnal songsters: May to June from about 11 pm onward the song of birds fills the night.
• The best time to see dragonflies begins at the end of May.
• Plants: Herb rich forest vegetation in May and wetland vegetation in July.