Instructions and Rules in Inari Hiking Area

Check for Warnings

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. 

Gathering at the campfire sites increases the risk of coronavirus infection. Guidelines concerning coronavirus COVID-19. 

Instructions on exploring Inari Hiking Area

In the hiking area, the following are

Allowed

• Moving around and camping, according to the Everyman's right (ymparisto.fi), except in special areas (Hautuumaasaaret, the Graveyard Islands). It is recommended that visitors camp in the designated places.
• Picking berries and mushrooms

Restricted

• Campfire is only allowed at sites marked for this purpose.
• Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed under everyman's rights, except where specific restrictions apply.
• Angling with a single rod is permitted, except in the restricted waters. Persons aged 18-64 years must pay the fisheries management fee. Angling permits for restricted areas are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (eraluvat.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

• In Hautuumaasaaret (the Graveyard Islands): camping, lighting campfires, tampering with the soil.
• Lighting campfires if the forest 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.
• Driving motor vehicles, except on roads designated for motor vehicles.
• Leaving waste in the area, or damaging constructions. Read more about How to Hike without Leaving a Trace.

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the Inari Hiking Area without signal. 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

• On Lake Inarijärvi, there are marked boat channels, which should be used because there are plenty of rocks elsewhere.
• It may be difficult to find natural harbours along the rocky shores.
• On Lake Inarijärvi, the weather can suddenly change from calm to windy. Therefore a seaworthy boat is needed on the large open water areas of the lake.
• 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:
  • What to Take
    • Safety

Peak Seasons

• The best time to see the autumn colours is in September.