Respect Nature
Pets
Getting Around in Nature Reserve
Camping
Lighting Campfires
Litter-free Hiking
Fishing
Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbs
Biking
Horse Riding
Other Rules and Instructions
Forbidden Activities
Safety
Respect Nature
The outdoor activities in the Aulanko Nature Reserve are guided with the rules and regulations. When getting around in nature, let’s show respect for it. Take a look at the Outdoor Etiquette.
Please don’t share any such contents on the Internet that break the rules of the nature reserve.
Letting pets running at large is forbidden. Dogs and other pets are welcome in the nature reserve but only on a leash.
Getting Around in Nature Reserve
You can move in the nature reserve freely on foot and on skis:
- The ring road is open to motor vehicles every day in summer between 8am and 11pm.
Camping
Camping is prohibited.
Lighting Campfires
Campfires are prohibited.
Litter-free Hiking
The Aulanko Nature Reserve has a few mixed waste containers in the terrain during the summer. Did you bring it? Then take it home!
Fishing
Fishing is prohibited in the ponds in the Aulanko Nature Reserve.
Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed on Lake Aulangonjärvi and Lake Vanajavesi by the Everyman's right. For lure fishing, you need the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi).
Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi). If you fish with more than one rod, you also need Metsähallitus' angling permit no 7413 for Southern Finland (eräluvat.fi). These permits can be purchased in the web shop (eräluvat.fi).
Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).
Picking Berries, Mushrooms and Wild Herbs
Picking of edible mushrooms and forest berries is allowed.
Taking or damaging trees, bushes, other plants or their parts, or mushrooms other than edible ones is forbidden. Picking wild herbs is therefore forbidden.
Biking
According to the rules of conduct, mountain biking is allowed only on routes best suited for the activity: the ring road and gravel tracks (pdf 189 Kt, julkaisut.metsa.fi, in Finnish: routes which are marked on the map with bold line (rengastie) and dashed line). In addition, a demanding mountain bike trail has been marked in the area (pdf 5,4 Mt, julkaisut.metsa.fi).
Horse Riding
Riding is allowed only on the roads marked for this purpose (pdf 934 Kt, julkaisut.metsa.fi, in Finnish).
Other Rules and Instructions
As a rule, a permit issued by Metsähallitus is required for activities other than those included in everyman's rights, which may include research, organised events and the shooting of films or advertisements in the terrain. Further information on required permits: research and access permits (metsa.fi) and permits and notifications related to events (metsa.fi).
The use of the trails and structures of the Aulanko Nature Reserve for business activities is always subject to a fee, and for frequent business use, a contract with Metsähallitus (metsa.fi) is required. The right of use fees for specific days are paid at the Eräluvat webshop (eraluvat.fi).
Other Forbidden Activities in the Aulanko Nature Reserve
- Damaging signboards or other constructions and experimental plots.
- Hunting and fishing.
- 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.
- Driving motor vehicles, except on roads designated for motor vehicles.
- Leaving waste in the area.
- Taking or damaging trees, shrubs or other plants, or their parts.
- Covering, changing, damaging, removing, violating or excavating in archaeological sites.
- Activities that disturb other people.
Rules and Regulations for Aulanko
The rules and regulations of Aulanko Nature Reserve (pdf 189 Kt, julkaisut.metsa.fi, in Finnish), ratified on 18 November 1996.
Safety
It is important that you get as much information as possible about your hiking destination in advance and prepare for your trip thoroughly. Knowing your route and sticking to it and knowing what the weather and warnings in effect (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) has in store, will help make your trip a success.
- Dress for hiking in colorful clothes and according to the weather. Drinking water and toilet paper are good to have along.
- Make sure you pack a first-aid kit. 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.
- Hiking in Finland
When forest and grass fire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally. 
