Instructions and Rules in Bothnian Bay National Park

Instructions for Exploring Bothnian Bay National Park

In Bothnian Bay National Park the following is

allowed

• Hiking, skiing, rowing and canoeing, except in restricted areas
• Picking berries and mushrooms
• Hook and line fishing and ice-fishing. Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi).
  • Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).

restricted

• Camping and building campfires is restricted to areas designated for this purpose.
• Hook and line fishing and ice fishing. Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi).
  • Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).
• 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).

forbidden

• lighting campfires if the forest fire warning or the grass fire warning is in effect.
  • Making open fires is always prohibited at both marked campfire sites and when fires are permitted by the land owner if a forest fire warning has been issued for the area (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
• pets running 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
• driving motor vehicles, except on roads designated for motor vehicles
• leaving waste in the area, or damaging constructions
• landing ashore and entering some islands and water areas from 1.5. to 31.7. to ensure peaceful nesting for birds. The restricted areas are marked with boards and signs.
• The Möyly grey seal protection area, established in 15.9.2001, is within the boundaries of the National Park. Entering the area is forbidden throughout the year for those without a Metsähallitus permit. This area reaches one nautical mile (926 m) from the Möyly reef. Entering an area no closer than half a nautical mile from the Möyly reef is allowed 16.6.-31.1.

Preparations

• As Bothnian Bay National Park is located in the windy outer archipelago, which is prone to large waves, boats must be sea worthy and capable of withstanding extreme conditions. In many places the waters of the National Park are shallow and rocky. Only experienced boaters should attempt to enter the park's waters unguided.
• Get the latest weather forecast and wind conditions before setting off. When there are high winds inexperienced boaters or those with small vessels are advised to stay ashore.
• Good binoculars should be kept aboard. They will be useful for orientation and bird watching.
• During summer the islands have swarms of gadflies, which can sting. You should therefore cover you skin with long pants and sleeves.
• Read more about Hiking without littering.

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the park where cliffs or forest block signals. There may also be some smaller spots where there is interference. If this happens try to climb to a higher place or go into an open area. It may be worth removing the SIM card from your phone and then trying again to make emergency call. Different phones also differ in their coverage.
• 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.

Safety

• If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. Maritime Rescue Centre's calling number is 0294 1000. More information on how to act in an emergency.
• Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
• Hiking in Finland:
  • What to Take
  • Safety